[Avionics Today 05-18-2015] Gulfstream Aerospace’s development programs for its all-new aircraft family, the Gulfstream G500 and G600, are well under way, with two of five G500 flight-test aircraft complete and the remaining three in production. The G500 has completed its operational checks and is undergoing taxi validation prior to first flight.
 |
| Gulfstream G500. Photo: Gulfstream |
Since its introduction in October 2014, Gulfstream has inducted two G500 aircraft into the flight-test center in preparation to officially launch the flight-test program later this quarter. Additionally, ground vibration and structural mode interaction testing are complete, the structural test article achieved limit load, and all suppliers have validated the aircraft safety of flight requirements, clearing the aircraft for flight.
Gulfstream has also started manufacturing the first G600 aircraft, which will be used as part of the four-aircraft flight-testing program. Wind-tunnel testing for both aircraft is complete, and the company has logged more than 34,000 hours of lab testing. Additionally, the flight-testing team recently started testing in the G600 Integration Test Facility (ITF) and initiated construction of the G600 iron bird, which will allow full evaluation of the aircraft’s systems and software.
Gulfstream anticipates certification of the G500 in 2017, with entry into service in 2018. The G600 certification is slated to follow in 2018 with entry into service in 2019.