Gulfstream has kicked-off the certification campaign for its new G600 business jet, following first flight of the large-cabin, long-range twin on 17 December. Two more test aircraft have been inducted into the airframer’s flight-test centre in Savannah, Georgia, in preparation for their maiden sorties early next year.
Mark Burns, Gulfstream’s president, describes the event as a “a milestone for us and our customers, who have guided the vision for this aircraft from the beginning. We look forward to delivering this aircraft to them in 2018”.
Gulfstream
The G600 – registration N600G – took off from Savannah-Hilton Head International airport at 13:50 local time for a 2h 53min flight, described by Burns as “flawless.”
“This flight is the perfect way to wrap up 2016 and set the tone for a successful 2017,” he adds.
Gulfstream unveiled the G600 on 14 October 2015 alongside its shorter-range G500, which is currently in flight testing and earmarked for certification and service entry in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW815GA engines, the G600 can travel 6,200nm (11,500km) at Mach 0.85, or 4,800nm at Mach 0.9. Its maximum operating speed is Mach 0.925 – matching Gulfstream’s flagship, the 7,500nm-range G650ER.
Source: Flight International
