Gulfstream Aerospace announced the brand new G700 made its first flight. With this milestone, the business jet manufacturer officially launched the flight-test programme of their newly developed plane. Gulfstream claims it will be one of the most spacious jets on the market, very fast, and with a very long range.
The G700’s maiden flight took around 2 hours and 30 minutes and had a 30/70 blend of sustainable fuel in its tanks.
The new jet was introduced in October 2019 with a full-scale cabin mock-up. The test programme includes five already manufactured flight-test aircraft and a structural test article that has completed load testing.
Gulfstream says the G700 features the “longest, widest and tallest cabin in the industry with 20 panoramic oval windows and up to five living areas.”
The aircraft’s luxurious interior includes a galley with more than 10 feet of counter space and a crew compartment or passenger lounge. A high-definition circadian lighting system, speakerless surround sound and a master suite with shower are featured highlights of the new design.
The G700 is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and refined with Gulfstream-designed aerodynamics and an all-new winglet. The aircraft can fly at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 for 6,400 nautical miles (approximately 11,850 km) or at its long-range cruise of Mach 0.85 for 7,500 nm (13,890 km).
Active control sidesticks, extensive use of touchscreen technology and a Predictive Landing Performance System are some of the advanced technical features of the jet.
“The G700’s first flight is a momentous occasion and the next step forward in Gulfstream’s vision for the future, a vision that has been guided by the strategic leadership of our parent company, General Dynamics, and the innovation of the Gulfstream team. As the market leader, 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.”
Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream Aerospace
Photo Credit: Gulfstream Aerospace
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