Gulfstream's new G500 business jet flew for the first time yesterday.
The prototype of the new 18-seater took off from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport and climbed to an initial altitude of 10,500 feet and reached a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet. During the two-hour flight, the crew exercised all primary flight control systems, evaluated handling qualities in take-off and landing configurations, performed a simulated approach and go-around.
The aircraft achieved a maximum air speed of 194 knots.
“The successful first flight of N500GA represents the tremendous investments we have made in the G500 program,” said Dan Nale, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “We have achieved this milestone thanks to Gulfstream’s world-class research and development teams and our commitment to setting new standards for business aviation.”
The G500 can fly 5000 nm at Mach 0.85 or 3800 nm at Mach 0.90. The maximum speed of Mach 0.925 is the sameas Gulfstream’s G650 and G650ER. The aircraft is powered by two new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA engines, which were certified only in February.
The G500 is fitted with Gulfstream’s all-new SymmetryTM Flight Deck, which includes active control sidesticks, integrated touchscreen controllers, next-generation enhanced vision system, and Honeywell Primus Epic avionics.