Gulfstream G500 passes 100 flight hours

The Gulfstream G500 has flown more than 100 hours over 45 flights. The longest flight so far has lasted for 5 hours and 22 minutes.

Since the aircraft’s first flight in May, the test aircraft has flown up to 38,500 feet/11,735 meters and reached a maximum airspeed of Mach 0.80.

“It’s just really exciting to see how well this aircraft is performing. This plane has been flying exactly as expected, which highlights our commitment to quality and our attention to detail.”

Dan Nale, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream said: “It’s just really exciting to see how well this aircraft is performing. This plane has been flying exactly as expected, which highlights our commitment to quality and our attention to detail. It also reflects the investments we’ve made in labs to support the flight-test program. The team recently flew three missions in one day, with hot refueling between flights, for a total flight time of nearly seven hours. Our test pilots have said the aircraft’s handling qualities are exceptional.”

The G500 flight test and program includes four test aircraft. Aircraft two and the are being used for ground and avionics tests, whilst a fourth aircraft has a fully outfitted interior to validate the functionality and compatibility of various cabin systems when used at altitude.

The G500 and G600 was launched in Savannah in October 2014, the company expects the G500 to be certified in 2017, with entry into service date in 2018.

The G600 certification is due to follow in 2018, with entry into service in 2019.