Gulfstream’s G700 has made its first flight, launching the long range business jet’s flight-test program.
According to Gulfstream the G700 is the most spacious jet with the longest range and highest maximum speed available.
The test program includes five flight-test aircraft and a structural test article that has completed load testing.
The two hour, 30 minute flight from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport was made by test aircraft MSN87001, using a 30/70 blend of sustainable aviation fuel.
Mark Burns president of Gulfstream said, “The G700’s first flight is the next step forward in Gulfstream’s vision for the future, Gulfstream is moving the entire business-jet industry forward with advanced safety features, tomorrow’s technology and a cabin purposefully designed to exceed our customers’ expectations for comfort.”
The 19-seat G700 was revealed in October 2019 with a full-scale cabin mock-up and an aircraft taxiing under its own power. First customer deliveries are expected in 2022.
The G700 is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and has a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 for 6,400 nautical miles (11,853km) or a long-range cruise of Mach 0.85 for 7,500 nm (13,890km). The G700 also features the company’s Symmetry Flight Deck with electronically linked active control sidesticks and Predictive Landing Performance System.
