Gulfstream says its G600 business jet has earned both its type and production certificates from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The certification cleared the way for the first G600 deliveries to customers as scheduled later in 2019, Gulfstream said on Friday (US time).
Gulfstream president, Mark Burns said getting both authorisations on the same day was evidence of the maturity of the G600 production processes and spoke to the safety and reliability of the aircraft’s design.
“Even more remarkable is the fact that we achieved these simultaneous certifications less than a year after completing another major program, certifying and delivering the Gulfstream G500,” Burns said in a statement.
Certification followed nearly 100,000 hours of “flying” in Gulfstream laboratories and more than 3,200 hours in the air. The jet made its maiden flight in December 2016.
“These rigorous and thorough certification processes ensure we deliver a first-rate aircraft that exceeds expectations,” Burns said.
The FAA grants type certification after an aircraft’s design proves compliance with aviation regulations.
Meanwhile, it issues a production certificate once an aircraft company demonstrates its manufacturing facilities and quality management system have met stringent safety and reliability requirements.
The G600 is the third Gulfstream aircraft model to get its type and production certificates simultaneously. The first was the Gulfstream G55 on August 14 2003 and the G500 on July 20 2018.
The G600, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW815GA engines, flies 6,500nm at its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85. At its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, it can travel 5,500nm.
The aircraft has already earned 11 city-pair speed records, all at Mach 0.90. Its maximum operating speed is Mach 0.925.
New technology embedded in the G600’s flightdeck included as active control side sticks and fly-by-wire technology, as well as 10 touch screens.
Meanwhile, the cabin sleeps up to nine people and can be configured for three living areas plus a crew resting space. Its 14 panoramic oval windows allow maximum natural light. Other attributes included leading-edge cabin sound levels, a low cabin altitude and 100 per cent fresh air to reduce fatigue and increase mental awareness.
The G600 interior won the private jet design prize at the 2018 International Yacht and Aviation Awards.
VIDEO: A look at the interiors of the G600 from the Gulfstream YouTube channel.
Gulfstream brought the G600 to the recently held Avalon Airshow for its Australian debut.
At event, Gulfstream senior regional vice-president for sales Roger Sperry said the aircraft should find a happy home in Australia.
“We expect the Gulfstream G600 to do well in Australia and the broader South Pacific region,” Sperry told Australian Aviation in an emailed response to written questions at the airshow.
