Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced on February 3, 2016, that the Gulfstream G500 has completed flutter testing performed by test aircraft T1 over the course of more than 50 flights.
As T1 performed flutter testing, the second test article, T2, finished climatic chamber testing at McKinley Climatic Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA. The aircraft endured three days of hot testing, with temperatures reaching 131°F (55°C), followed by two days of cold testing as low as -40°F/-40°C.
Since T1 took its first flight on May 18, 2015, the aircraft has surpassed more than 320 flight hours. It has reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.999 and a maximum altitude of 53,000 ft (16,154m). T1’s longest flight to date lasted more than five hours. Additional test activities are continuing on track, including envelope expansion, air data system testing, aero performance, brakes and field performance, handling qualities and flight controls.
The second and third G500 flight-test aircraft, T2 and T3, both took their first flights on November 20, 2015. In addition to the climatic chamber testing, T2 is focusing on flight loads validation, along with aircraft performance and systems testing.
T3 is the primary testbed for the all-new Symmetry Flight Deck. T3 will also be used to evaluate ice-protection system performance, landing gear and nosewheel steering operation, environmental control system performance and the cabin pressure control system, as well as community noise testing. T3’s longest flight to date lasted more than six hours.
In addition to the three aircraft currently flying, the G500 flight test program will include two more aircraft. T4 has been inducted into the Flight Test facility and is in the final stages of flight preparation. P1 is a fully outfitted production aircraft that will test the interior elements as well as complete integration of the aircraft systems with the passenger experience.
The G500 is expected to receive type certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency in 2017. It is scheduled to enter service in 2018, with the G600 following in 2019.
February 5, 2016
