Gulfstream G500 completes flutter testing

Gulfstream G500 has completed flutter testing, achieving another milestone in the new aircraft’s flight-test program. The first G500 test aircraft, T1, performed the tests over the course of more than 50 flights. As T1 performed flutter testing, the second test article, T2, finished climatic chamber testing at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The aircraft endured three days of hot testing, with temperatures reaching 131 degrees Fahrenheit/55 degrees Celsius, followed by two days of cold testing, with temperatures as low as -40 degrees F/-40 degrees C. The second and third G500 flight-test aircraft, T2 and T3, both took their first flights on Nov. 20, 2015. In addition to the climatic chamber testing, T2 is focusing on flight loads validation, along with aircraft performance and systems testing. T3 is the primary test bed for the all-new Symmetry Flight Deck. T3 will also be used to evaluate ice-protection system performance, landing gear and nosewheel steering operation, environmental control system performance and the cabin pressure control system, as well as community noise testing. T3’s longest flight to date lasted more than six hours. In addition to the three aircraft currently flying, the G500 flight-test program will include two more aircraft. T4 has been inducted into the Flight Test facility and is in the final stages of flight preparation. P1 is a fully outfitted production aircraft that will test the interior elements as well as complete integration of the aircraft systems with the passenger experience.