Flight testing has resumed on Gulfstream's G500 after a break of "several weeks" to prepare the large-cabin, long range business jet for flutter tests, the company announced on 10 August at the Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (LABACE).
The G500 underwent a number of modifications, says Gulfstream, including the installation of winglet and horizontal flutter vanes and the aircraft's attitude recovery chute. "During the modification period, Gulfstream used simulators to help our pilots prepare for the flutter tests," it adds.
After initially revealing the project on 14 October last year, Gulfstream flew the G500 for the first time on 18 May. The 5,000nm-range, large cabin jet has so far accumulated 15 flight test hours, including one flight lasting 4h.
The flight test campaign has made progress clearing the aircraft’s initial flight envelope, covering altitudes up to 38,500ft and achieving a top speed of Mach 0.8, the company says.
The G500 and larger, follow-on aircraft the G600 are also undergoing a battery of testing in a ground laboratory, with more than 36,000h completed to date. Gulfstream has also activated an Iron Bird and integrated test facility for the G600.
“The first five flights exceeded our expectations, and they demonstrated that our testing facilities on the ground are having very real benefits in the air, allowing us to identify and address issues before they’re ever seen in flight,” says Dan Nale, senior vice-president of programmes, engineering and test for Gulfstream.
Both aircraft types are packed with advanced technologies. In addition to full fly-by-wire flight controls, Gulfstream has inserted active sidesticks developed by BAE Systems, providing real-time feedback to flight crew control inputs.
The G500, which is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 engines, is scheduled to enter service in 2018 after receiving type certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration in 2017. Entry into service for the G600 is scheduled to follow in 2019.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
