First Flight Pilot reports: G150's flying qualities are outstanding
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) announces that its newest business-jet aircraft, the wide-cabin, high-speedGulfstream G150, has successfully completed its first flight. IAI designed and built this wide body, mid-size business jet on behalf of its strategic partner, Gulfstream Aerospace of Savannah, Georgia, USA. Gulfstream is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.
The G150, S/N 201, was flown by G150 project test pilot Yoram Geva and IAI chief test pilot Ronen Shapira. The aircraft took off from Ben Gurion International Airport today 3 May 2005 at 10:25 a.m. local time. During the flight, which lasted about 4 and a half hours, the pilots tested the business jet's flight handling qualities and characteristics, performed initial checks of all aircraft systems and cycled the landing gear and flap/slat system. The airplane was flown to 20,000 feet and achieved a maximum speed of 250 knots. The flight crew reported that all the objectives of the flight were accomplished. IAI's real-time, flight test telemetry system enabled IAI flight test, aerodynamics and systems engineers on the ground to monitor all of the G150 aircraft systems during the flight as well as record the data from the first flight test points.
Mr. Moshe Keret, IAI's President and CEO, said, "The successful first flight of the G150 wide body, midsized jet represents IAI's continued achievement as designer, integrator, and manufacturer of advanced, business jet aircraft. I am proud of IAI's performance in the framework of our strategic partnership with Gulfstream, the world leader in this field."
"The G150 has had a very successful first flight. The flight crew has informed me the G150's handling qualities were as predicted and that all systems functioned normally," said Gadi Cohen, IAI's Vice President and General Manager of the Commercial Aircraft Group. "The G150 was designed to have very similar handling characteristics to the IAI produced G100, that is noted to have the best handling qualities of any aircraft in its class. With its wide passenger cabin specifically designed for the comfort and convenience of the business passenger, we're confident the G150 will be a strong contender in the marketplace as well."
In January of this year, the G150 rolled out of the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) manufacturing facility in Tel Aviv. It remains on schedule for type certification by the Israel Civil Aviation Authority and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration by early 2006. Entry into service will be in the third quarter of 2006. Following certification, the G150 aircraft will be manufactured at IAI's facilities at Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel. They will then be flown to Gulfstream's Dallas facility for installation of interior furnishings, optional equipment, and the application of external paint.
Powered by two Honeywell TFE731-40AR engines, the G150 can reach speeds of up to Mach .85 and altitudes of 45,000 feet, well above commercial traffic and weather. At a long-range cruise speed of Mach .75, the G150 can fly four passengers nonstop up to 2,700 nautical miles, longer than any other aircraft in its class at this speed. This excellent long-range performance puts almost all European destinations within non-stop distance from Tel Aviv. Additionally, the G150 will fly non stop New York to Los Angeles against the most severe headwinds and will safely fly the demanding Los Angeles to Hawaii leg that is out of reach to most aircraft in its class.
The G150 is an entirely new cabin design for Gulfstream. The G150's cabin is a full 12 inches wider than the G100 and offers passengers an additional two inches of standing height. The cabin sides are nearly vertical and the resulting effect is a spacious G150 cabin, superior in comfort to any in its class. The G150 interior will be designed and installed by the same team of professionals who design and install high-quality interiors for Gulfstream's larger aircraft.
The G150 can accommodate six to eight passengers in a choice of several cabin configurations. Its wide-body fuselage provides stand-up headroom, ample aisle space and generous legroom and headroom when seated. Like all Gulfstream customers, G150 customers can choose from a wide selection of fine leathers, upholstery fabrics, wood finishes and floor coverings. And like all Gulfstream business jets, the G150 is backed by Gulfstream's award-winning product support.
