GULFSTREAM IS preparing a second Gulfstream V long-range business jet for its first flight in early February. The first GV, aircraft 501, has been flown for some 50h since its first flight on 28 November, 1995, reaching 48,000ft (14,600m) at Mach 0.8 and M0.85 at 45,000ft (43,700m).
Flying qualities are better than predicted, Gulfstream says. "The GV is much lighter in pitch and roll than the GIV," says chief test-pilot John O'Meara, as a result of increased hydraulic boost on the ailerons and elevators.
The second airframe is undergoing static testing, after which it will be refurbished as a demonstrator. This will be the first GV to have an interior installed and is to appear at the US National Business Aircraft Association show in November.
Aircraft 503, the second flight-test GV, is scheduled for roll-out on 30 January. This will be followed by aircraft 504, now in final assembly and scheduled to be flown in March, and aircraft 505, now in major assembly and expected to be flown in June. US certification is planned for 15 October.
Aircraft 501 and 504 will then be used for additional flight testing, leading to European certification in December. The first customer GV is scheduled for delivery to Gulfstream's completion centre in October, and to enter service in the first quarter of 1997.
Flutter testing is complete and stall evaluation is under way. Gulfstream is aiming for a clean wing, and is hoping for a well-behaved stall to avoid the need for the airflow-control devices such as leading-edge vortillons, which were added to the GIV wing.
Performance of the BMW Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan, being flown for the first time on the GV, is better than predicted for this stage of development, Gulfstream says. Windmill airstarts have been demonstrated, as have in-flight engine starts using the AlliedSignal RE220 auxiliary power unit, also being flown for the first time on the GV.
Source: Flight International
