Gulfstream Aerospace rolled out the first example of its new ultra large cabin flagship G650 on September 29, at its headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
“We’ve all been looking forward to this day since we officially announced the G650 program last year,” said Joe Lombardo, executive vice president of General Dynamics Aerospace group, which is the parent company to Gulfstream. “Simply put, the Gulfstream G650 is in a class by itself. I want to thank everyone who made this aircraft possible. I share the tremendous amount of pride you have for this significant piece of aviation history. Like you, I am eagerly awaiting the first flight later this year.”
At a width of 2.6m and height of 1.95m, the G650 has a wider cross section compared to the G550, and can accommodate 11-18 passengers. The aircraft is capable of flying 7000nm at 0.85 Mach with a ceiling of 51,000ft, and is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines.
Gulfstream launched the G650 in March 2008, and is due to fly by the end of the year, with certification due in 2011 with entry into service the year after.
