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| The first flight of the Gulfstream G600 test aircraft. Photo: Gulfstream |
[Avionics Magazine 12-19-2016] The Gulfstream G600 has completed its first flight, officially kicking off the aircraft’s flight-test program. Two additional G600 test aircraft have been inducted into the flight-test center in anticipation of their flights early next year. The company plans first deliveries of the aircraft for 2018.
The G600 departed Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport at 1:50 p.m., Dec. 17 and spent 2 hours and 53 minutes in the air. Experimental est pilots Scott Martin and Todd Abler piloted the Gulfstream, with flight test engineer Nathaniel Rutland providing on-board support.
“This flight went exactly as anticipated, thanks in large part to the investments we have made in our ground-based laboratories,” said Gulfstream President Mark Burns. “This flight is the perfect way to wrap up 2016 and set the tone for a successful 2017.”
The G600 can travel 6,200 nautical miles/11,482 kilometers at Mach 0.85 and 4,800 nm/8,890 km at Mach 0.90, and its maximum operating speed is Mach 0.925, the same maximum speed as the flagship Gulfstream G650ER.