Gulfstream made headlines in October 2019 when it introduced the next jet in its Global Business Jet line: the G700. More than the next iteration of Gulfstream’s industry-leading line, the G700 is positioned to be the industry’s largest and best-performing business jet. Now, just a few months into 2020, the behemoth has undertaken its first successful test flight, bringing us that much closer to a market debut, expected in early 2022.
The G700 flight test secured its status as the most innovative jet Gulfstream has to offer — a true next-generation offering. Noteworthy about the flight was the 30/70 blend of aviation fuel used, a testament to Gulfstream’s focus on reducing carbon emissions. But the new jet is more than just eco-friendly. The creators at Gulfstream designed it with the luxury and comfort of future passengers in mind.
The G700 has safety features, like a predictive landing performance system, for added security on the runway. Passengers also will enjoy a luxurious cabin with panoramic windows, which Gulfstream displayed at NBAA-BACE last October.
Key features of the first flight
The G700 took off at Gulfstream’s Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia. It returned to the airport after two hours and 32 minutes of test flying. With the jet’s Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, it can achieve a high speed of Mach 0.90 and cover 6,400 nautical miles. Its signature engines mark the G700 as one of the fastest business jets in the Gulfstream fleet.
The G700 used during this test flight is one of five models already built. All five jets will participate in Gulfstream’s testing program, each with a different purpose. The four other models are responsible for testing features such as climb performance and mechanical systems. More tests are yet to come and after this first success, anticipation is building.
What makes the G700 different?
The G700 combines Gulfstream’s best features into one jet. It has the most spacious cabin with a total of five lounging areas to enjoy. The cabin seats up to 19 people with lounge chairs that convert into beds, plus a master suite in the back. The space is flexible, allowing passengers to configure the layout however they want. It’s the tallest, widest, and longest cabin in the industry to-date.
The G700 also includes the best safety technology. It’s controlled with Gulfstream’s award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck plus Phase-of-Flight intelligence. Touchscreens are easy to use for the pilots, and these features give the jet a faster start-up time.
Gulfstream ensures both take-off and landing are the safest possible. This jet has Gulfstream’s signature Predictive Landing Performance System, paired with the new Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). The EFVS makes landing safer with its dual heads-up displays.
Tracking the G700’s future
Gulfstream will officially release the G700 in early 2022, pending additional safety tests. Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream, is quoted as saying, “this announcement is the biggest news in business aviation history and is the result of the investments General Dynamics made to develop Gulfstream technology for Gulfstream products.”