Gulfstream G150 Completes Company Tests

Gulfstream Aerospace said earlier this month it has completed all internal flight-testing of its newest offering, the Gulfstream G150 business jet, and will now move on to certification tests. Gulfstream, which is partnered with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) on the Tel Aviv-manufactured bizjet, will conduct the tests under Civil Aviation Administration of Israel auspices. The G150 is a wide-cabin enhancement — the G150s cabin height is just five inches shorter than the company’s G350, G450, G500 and G550 models — of the Gulfstream G100, itself a slightly revamped version of the Astra SPX. In January, the first G150 rolled out of IAI’s factory and completed its first flight four moths later. According to Gulfstream, the G150 is on schedule for type certification in the first quarter of next year. The company expects FAA certification to follow shortly, with customer deliveries and service entry during 2006’s third calendar quarter. Manufacturing plans call for “green” G150 aircraft to be completed at Gulfstreams Dallas, Texas, facility. The flight testing of this new aircraft is progressing flawlessly, said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. The flight envelope has been completely opened – reaching maximum altitude of 45,000 feet and a maximum speed of 0.882 Mach. Maximum endurance has already exceeded five hours. The G150 is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-40AR engines, enabling high-speed cruise of up to Mach .85 and a maximum altitude of FL450. At a long-range power setting, the jet will cruise at Mach .75 and carry four passengers up to 2700 nm. Gulfstream will offer several cabin configurations for the G150, seating up to eight passengers.