Gulfstream's new G600 is on the verge of its first flight after the prototype was delivered to the Gulfstream flight test centre in Savannah, Georgia last month.
The G600 is a new 19-seat corporate jet with a top speed of Mach 0.925 and a range of 6200 nm.
"We are moving steadily toward the first flight of the G600 on all fronts,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns.
“We’ve accomplished several milestones, including producing the first aircraft, installing flight-test instrumentation, powering up the aircraft and conducting ground tests.
"All of the lab testing we’ve done has met our expectations and helped prepare us for a successful flight-test program. We’re looking forward to seeing the G600 in the skies over Savannah soon.”
The G600 can travel 6200 nm at Mach 0.85 and 4800 nm at 0.90. The aircraft share many characteristics with its G550 and G650 stablemates, including the largest windows in business aviation, the lowest cabin altitudes in the class and the quietest sound levels.
Gulfstream expects the G600 will enter service in 2018, ahead of schedule.