Gulfstream Aerospace has increased the range and speed of the Gulfstream G700 ultra-long-range business jet and improvements in cabin altitude beyond its original projections due to results from its certification test flights.
The G700’s range has increased to 7,750 nm at Mach 0.85 or 6,650 nm at Mach 0.90, up 250 nm over its initial expectations.
Maximum operating speed has increased from Mach 0.925 to Mach 0.935, giving it the highest speed in the Gulfstream fleet, the company notes.
At the same time, cabin altitude has been reduced to 2,840 ft. while flying at 41,000 ft.
“We are undertaking one of the most extensive flight test programs as the G700 is the first business aircraft to undergo Federal Aviation Administration certification following the passage of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act,” says Mark Burns, Gulfstream president. “As a result, we will be delivering an extremely mature, rigorously tested aircraft that will outperform expectations in speed, range and cabin comfort. Our certification efforts continue to advance, and we look forward to delivering the G700 to customers around the world.”
Gulfstream has included two fully outfitted G700 aircraft in its flight test program, which have traveled 246,000 nm testing the interior. Five additional flight test aircraft in the flight test program, which is nearing completion, have flown a total of 4,100 test hours.
In July, Phebe Novakovic, chairman and CEO of General Dynamics, Gulfstream’s parent company, was optimistic the FAA would certify the G700 during the fourth quarter of 2023. Gulfstream planned to finish the FAA Type Inspection Authorization in September, she said at the time.
“This is the flying we are required to do pursuant to FAA requirements and plan,” Novakovic said. “When we are finished, the FAA will fly some confirmatory flight tests to verify portions of our results.” After that, the FAA will review the program for certification. The company had intended to certify the G700 in the summer of 2023, per its January guidance.
The G700 features Rolls Royce Pearl 700 engines, 100% fresh air, Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck and 20 panoramic oval windows in five living areas with a master suite option.
Gulfstream unveiled the G700 in 2019 at the National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition along with a launch order for 10 aircraft from Qatar Airways, which will join Qatar’s executive charter service. Flexjet is Gulfstream’s North American launch customer.
