Gulfstream says its G600 will soon complete function and reliability testing, the final flying stage for certification for the new business jet by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“Once we finish F&R testing, the only thing left is the FAA’s final paperwork review,” Gulfstream president Mark Burns said in a statement on May 20.
“Both certification and entry into service are just around the corner, so we’re excited to be close to delivering this high-performing, technologically advanced aircraft to customers.”
The G600 wrapped up certification tests for flight into known icing in March 2019. Function and Reliability testing, which began in May, would show whether the aircraft was reliable and functioned properly under a range of conditions, including night and day, and varied altitude and weather.
Burns said he was confident in the performance of the G600, which made its maiden flight in December 2016.
“The rigor and discipline of our new G600 development program is unmatched,” Burns said.
“Our unique program includes nearly 100,000 hours of flying in our research and development labs environment and more than 3,170 hours of flying in the air, producing reliable aircraft with an exceptional degree of maturity.”
Between them, the five G600 aircraft in the flight-test program have completed more than 845 flights.
Gulfstream said its G600 had a range of 5,500nm – connecting Vienna to Hong Kong – at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. The wide-cabin aircraft with seating for up to 19 people has flown 11 city-pair speed records.
The G600, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW815GA engines, made its Australian debut at the Avalon Airshow in March. It features three living areas and a crew rest, and can sleep up to nine. It won a 2018 International Yacht & Aviation Award for Private Jet Design.
“We expect the Gulfstream G600 to do well in Australia and the broader South Pacific region,” Gulfstream senior regional vice-president for sales Roger Sperry told Australian Aviation in an emailed response to written questions during the Avalon Airshow.
“We’re thrilled to have the G600 on display this week for its Australian debut, and we’re looking forward to its entry-into-service this year.”
Meanwhile, Gulfstream said its G550 has set another city-pair record using sustainable alternative jet fuel (SAJF). The G550, powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, flew from Charleston, South Carolina, to Farnborough, England, covering the 3,591nm in seven hours and 13 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.85.
Burns said the record-breaking flight on the G550 exemplified the aircraft’s ability to perform at a high level with SAJF.
“We first used SAJF in June 2011 to cross the Atlantic on a G450 and have used it since 2016 with our corporate, demonstration, Customer Support and flight-test aircraft,” he said.
“This is a fuel that we use in Savannah and the fuel that we recommend – and sell – to our customers in Long Beach, California. It is safe, approved, does not hinder aircraft performance and provides a long-term benefit to the environment.”
