Gulfstream Flies G500 On First Flight Ever Yesterday, Gulfstream conducted the first flight for the first of their new generation of business jets, the G500, the other member is the longer range G600. The momentous event comes on the heels of the announcement that Gulfstream updated the world on the progress in relation to the programs of both new business jets. The new jet with registration N500GA took off from Savannah, Georgia on the first flight yesterday morning and lasted around two and a quarter hours.
N500GA reached a maximum altitude on this flight of 15,000-feet and hit a speed of just under 200-knots. Bear in mind this was the first flight so no record-breaking stats expected. It was a evaluation flight where the test crew paced and tested all primary flight control systems, evaluated handling qualities while on takeoff as well as in the landing phases. They also were said to have executed a simulated approach and go-around, and checked all major onboard systems utilizing the sophisticated Symmetry flight-deck touchscreen pads and controllers. With the first flight behind them, Gulfstream is now full-speed ahead with the testing campaign in the run up to certification by the FAA and EASA in 2017. The test campaign for the G500 will be carried out by five test-bed aircraft including one that is fully outfitted with a final interior. Deliveries and entry into service for the Gulfstream G500 is expected to be in 2018. For more information: Gulfstream Aerospace 500 Gulfstream Road Savannah, GA 31407 www.gulfstream.com ***
