Gulfstream is on track to operate the first test flight of its new G500 clean-sheet business jet in the coming weeks, and the manufacturer has seen a “strong reaction” to the aircraft from the marketplace.
The first flight will take place in the second quarter, Gulfstream president Larry Flynn said during a media briefing at EBACE today, although he declines to provide a specific date for the flight. “It’ll fly when it’s ready,” he says.
Gulfstream is confident that its extensive simulator testing programme for the type ahead of the first flight will stand it in good stead for US FAA certification. “All flight test points are being flown in the simulator before we go out on test flights,” says Flynn, adding: “I don’t know of anyone else with a full-motion simulator in use before flight.”
The G500 will “really usher in a new era of optimisation” in terms of cabin size, speed, range and technology, says Gulfstream senior vice-president worldwide sales and marketing Scott Neal.
The aircraft incorporates “a whole bunch of new, usable technology”, says Flynn, including active control flight sticks – a first for the business jet industry – and “10 to 12” touchscreen displays. Manufacturing techniques differ slightly from previous aircraft models to account for bonded fuselage panels containing “a modest amount of composite”, says Flynn.
Gulfstream unveiled the G500 at its
Middle East VIP operator Qatar Executive has signed a memorandum of understanding for up to 20 Gulfstream types, including the G500 and the existing G650ER.
Service entry for the G500 and G600 is scheduled for 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Source: Flight Daily News
