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Gulfstream on a Roll

Although its flagship was not featured at NBAA "in the flesh", Gulfstream Aerospace announced that the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650 recently completed several tests required as part of its certification by the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency, including flutter, in-flight loads, flammable fluid drainage and ingestion, and water ingestion. Initial certification tests were conducted during envelope expansion when the absence of flutter was shown out to the design dive speed (vd) and design Mach dive speed (Md).

During these tests, the aircraft achieved a top speed of Mach 0,995 and demonstrated acceptable damping responses following an input from an external test device.In addition, certification data has been obtained for the in-flight measurements of aerodynamics loads on the wing, tail and fuselage. The FAA began participating in certification testing of the G650 when it issued the first Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) in late August. The document authorizes the regulatory agency to conduct the tests required as part of the effort for the aircraft to receive its type certificate, which Gulfstream anticipates receiving this year.

Since making its flying debut on November 25, 2009, S/N 6001 has performed a number of tests, including aerodynamic stall testing to validate low-speed limits and stall characteristics .It has also been involved in parameter identification testing to validate the aerodynamic models used for engineering analysis for control-law development. The aircraft has also confirmed a wide range of data, including minimum control air speeds, initial cruise performance , and flight-control system/flight-control law performance .The data programmes second TIA for water-ingestion tests was recently completed at NASAs facility at Wallops Island, Va. These tests demonstrated that on a runway with standing water, the aircraft and engine operations were not appreciably affected by water ingestion.

Since joining flight test in MAY, S/N 6003 has been used to measure in-flight loads and validate the initial planeviewTM avionics, auto-pilot and flight management systems.For the first time, Gulfstream is also testing an aircraft outfitted with a full interior. S/N 6004, which flew for the first time June 6, had its interior installed over the summer and has resumed flight test. Since the flight-test programme officially began on November 29, 2009, the four aircraft involved have accumulated more than 700 hours over more than 200 flights.

Testing also continues in the G650 Integration Test Facility (ITF) at Gulfstream's Savannah headquarters. Engineers have been using the facility to integrate the software and hardware for the aircrafts systems and to perform the human-factors testing required for certification.For the first time in Gulfstream's history, the ITF also includes a full-size mock-up of the G650 cabin Essential TM design philosophy, which ensures that systems are designed with redundancy to prevent single-point failure. The company claims that the G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by Rolls-Royce BR 725 engines, the business jet is capable of travelling 7000 nautical miles at Mach 0, 85 and has a maximum operating speed of MACH 0,925.Entry into service is slated for 2012.

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