Gulfstream Aerospace is continuing to press the claim that their forthcoming G650 business jet will be the fastest civilian aircraft in the world.
That enviable title has long been held be Cessna’s Citation X, which can reach a top speed of Mach 0.92, however in 2010 the G650 recorded a top speed of Mach 0.995 during its flight-test program.
In the latest development, one of the five G650 test aircraft has demonstrated its impressive performance figures by sprinting coast to coast in the US – a distance of more than 1900 nautical miles (3545km) – in three hours and 26 minutes. The aircraft departed Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California at 12:21pm local time and arrived at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on the US east coast at 6:47pm local time.
During the flight the G650 consistently flew at speeds between Mach 0.91 and Mach 0.92, and briefly reached its maximum operating speed Mach of 0.925. Its average ground speed was more than 550 knots, while its maximum ground speed en route was more than 660 knots.
The G650 took off with a calculated balanced field length of less than 4500ft (1372m) and climbed at Mach 0.85 to a cruising altitude of 43,000ft (13,196m), before transitioning to Mach 0.91 or above for the remainder of the flight.
Gulfstream’s senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Pres Henne, was one of 10 crew members on board the flight.
“That was a fantastic flight,” Henne said after landing in Savannah. “These are typical operational Mach numbers customers can expect from this aircraft. To say that we are pleased with this real-world operational capability is an understatement.”
Gulfstream says the G650 is on track for certification in 2011, with entry into service scheduled for 2012. And with Cessna announcing its new Citation Ten – an advanced version of the Citation X that boasts increased performance – late last year and aiming to bring the aircraft to market in 2013, the debate over which manufacturer produces the fastest civilian aircraft looks far from over.
(Gulfstream Aerospace)
