Gulfstream G500's first cross-country trip

The flight test aircraft arrived at Henderson Executive Airport on November 13 to join the G650ER, G550, G450, G280 and G150 in Gulfstream’s static display.

The G500 flew from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport into 75-knot headwinds and arrived at Henderson Executive 4 hours and 36 minutes later, accomplishing the 1,630-nautical-mile (3,018-km) flight at an average speed of Mach 0.85 and altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 metres). Gulfstream test pilots Scott Martin and Scott Evans were at the controls, with flight test engineers Paul Ludlow and Nathaniel Rutland providing on-board support.

After 12 months of extensive customer input, a redesigned G600 mock-up that maximises space, convenience, comfort and capabilities debuted at the air show. The redesigned features include a slimmer passenger service unit for increased headroom and maximised passenger space; an expanded side ledge; additional counter space in the galley; improved seating for enhanced comfort and ease of use; stone flooring in the entryway and forward lavatory; an ergonomically enhanced aft lavatory; enhanced cabin lighting and quieter drawer and cabinet latches.

The refinements made to the G600 cabin also will be reflected in the cabin of the all-new G500, for which certification is anticipated in 2017. Certification for the G600 is slated to follow in 2018.