Gulfstream’s second G650 test aircraft – designated T2 (N652GD) – made its first flight from Savannah/Hilton Head International airport on February 25th with pilots Gary Freeman and Scott Buethe at the controls. The aircraft reached an altitude of 37,000ft and a speed of M.80 and flew for 2h 33min.
This is the second of five flight test aircraft that will be used during the certification program and will focus on testing the aircraft’s systems during the 1,800h flight test campaign. The first aircraft T1 (N650GA), has amassed more than 43h over 18 flights since it first flew on November 25.
T3, when it joins the flight test program, will focus on testing the G650’s avionics, while P1 and P2 – production standard aircraft – will evaluate the cabin systems and reduced vertical separation minimums (RVSM), respectively.
The G650 is expected to receive FAA/EASA certification in 2011 followed by first delivery in 2012.
Photo Credit Gulfstream
ALSO SEE: Gulfstream unveils the G650
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This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.