The G650 is equipped with the next generation of Gulfstream’s PlaneView integrated flightdeck, now standard across its large-cabin business jets.
PlaneView II is based on Honeywell Primus Epic avionics and features four large, 14in (355mm) liquid-crystal displays. The recently certificated synthetic vision primary flight display and latest EVS II enhanced vision system are standard.
New features are a Rockwell Collins LCD head-up display with LED light source; Honeywell next-generation flight management system and three-dimensional scanning weather radar with vertical profile view; and a patented combined display controller and standby instrument on the glareshield.
But the biggest change from Gulfstream’s previous business jets is the fly-by-wire flight control system. The three-axis digital system has two flight-control computers, each with two channels for quadruplex dissimilar redundancy.
The primary flight control system uses electrohydrostatic actuators and there are two hydraulic systems, one less than in the G550. The FBW system enhances stability and provides both low-speed and high-speed flight envelope protection, Gulfstream says.
In addition, a three-axis backup flight control unit with independent hardware and software provides a “get-home” capability. This uses electric backup hydrostatic actuators each with a self-contained electrically powered hydraulic system.
Thales is supplying the primary and backup flight-control computers while Parker Aerospace is providing the actuators. Gulfstream expects to gain weight savings from FBW, as well as improved maintainability.
Gulfstream has retained the G550’s control wheel and column and is aiming for a common type rating. The company believes the traditional control arrangement provides better crew coordination and awareness of autopilot inputs.
“We were pushing for an active sidestick, but it’s not there yet,” says Pres Henne, senior vice-president programmes, engineering and test. “A passive sidestick is a step back in awareness.”
Source: FlightGlobal.com
