Gulfstream G250 takes flight
Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced that its newest business jet, the large-cabin, Gulfstream G250, has successfully completed its first flight. Gulfstream designed and built the super mid-size business jet in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, Israel
The three-hour, 21-minute flight took place at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. For a first flight, the profilewas impressive. The G250 was flown to 32,000 feet, and cruised at speeds as high as 253 knots. Tests included those of its flight-handling qualities, plus checks of several of the airplane’s systems. At the controls was Israel Aircraft Industries’ (IAI) Ronen Shapira. An on-board telemetry system relayed flight data in real time to flight test engineers on the ground.
Shapira said that the flight went well and was “extremely smooth with no issues,” according to a Gulfstream press release. “The G250 performed just as we expected,” said Pres Henne, Gulfstream’s senior vice president of programs, engineering, and test. “We’re looking forward to 2011 when we’ll begin delivering this aircraft to the customers who had tremendous input in its design.”
The G250 offers the largest cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. The cockpit features the new PlaneView 250(TM) system based on Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics. Powered by twin Honeywell HTF7250G engines, the business jet is capable of traveling 3,400 nautical miles at Mach 0.80 and has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.85. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, the G250 can climb to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet.
It features an all-new, advanced transonic wing design that has been optimized for high-speed cruise and improved takeoff performance. At maximum takeoff weight, the G250 can depart from a 5,000-foot runway. Its 3,400-nautical-mile range means the G250 can fly nonstop from New York to London or from London to Dubai.
In terms of passenger comfort, the G250 features the largest cabin in its class, with 17 percent to 35 percent more floor area than any other large-cabin, mid-range business jet. The additional space provides for a larger lavatory, an improved galley and increased storage. The aircraft also features 19 panoramic windows, industry-leading sound levels, a vacuum toilet system and in-flight access to 120 cubic feet of usable volume in the baggage compartment.
