Gulfstream G600 takes flight ahead of schedule

Two additional G600 test aircraft have been inducted into the flight-test center in anticipation of their flights early next year.

“Launching the G600’s flight-test program is a milestone for us and our customers, who have guided the vision for this aircraft from the beginning,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We look forward to delivering this aircraft to them in 2018. Today’s flight, which went flawlessly, represents a significant step forward in the journey to certification and delivery.”

The G600 departed Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport at 1:50 p.m. Dec. 17 and spent 2 hours and 53 minutes in the air. The aircraft was piloted by Gulfstream experimental test pilots Scott Martin and Todd Abler, with Flight Test engineer Nathaniel Rutland providing on-board support.

 “This flight went exactly as anticipated, thanks in large part to the investments we have made in our ground-based laboratories,” said Burns. This flight is the perfect way to wrap up 2016 and set the tone for a successful 2017.”