Gulfstream has flown its second new business jet in as many weeks. The first prototype of the super-midsize G250, designed and built in partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries, made its maiden flight from IAI's facility at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv on 11 December.
The aircraft's larger, faster stablemate - the G650 - flew for the first time on 25 November from Gulfstream's Savannah, Georgia base.
The Honeywell HTF7250G-powered G250 - which will replace the G200, formerly the Galaxy business jet - flew for 3h 21min, reaching an altitude of 32,000ft (9,750m) and a speed of Mach 0.7.
|
|---|
©GulfstreamThe Gulfstream G250 |
Landing gear was retracted during the "extremely smooth" flight, which was designed to test the G250's flight-handling qualities and characteristics and check a number of aircraft systems.
The prototype G250 is the first of three test aircraft that will complete a 1,300h flight-test programme culminating in certification and first deliveries of the $24 million aircraft in 2011.
The 10-seat G250, which is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics, will be built by IAI in Tel Aviv and completed by Gulfstream in Dallas, Texas. This matches the processes employed for the G150 and G200 midsize business jets.
Source: Flight International
