Gulfstream's new G700 commenced its flight test program last week with the first of five test articles conducting the first flight of the new type.
The G700 is a 19-seat aircraft designed with a cabin that features five separate living areas intended to allow passengers to work, eat and sleep en route to distant destinations.
The first G700 flew for 2 hours and 32 minutes from Savannah, Georgia, and made the flight on a 30/70 blend of sustainable aviation fuel.
“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,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns.
“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.”
Revealed in October 2019, the G700 is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines that give the aircraft a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 for 6400 nm and long-range cruise of Mach 0.85 for 7500 nm. The G700 also includes the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck with electronically linked active control sidesticks,extensive use of touchscreen technology and Gulfstream’s Predictive Landing Performance System.
Gulfstream believes the first customer deliveries for the new jet will occur in 2022.