Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced that its Gulfstream G800 aircraft designated for cabin interior testing has completed its first flight. The flight took place on Wednesday, November 27, and lasted 1 hour and 41 minutes. During the flight, the aircraft reached an altitude of 46,000 feet (14,021 meters) and achieved a top speed of Mach 0.91.
This aircraft is part of the Gulfstream G800 certification program and is the first unit specifically outfitted for evaluating the aircraft’s interior systems. It joins two other aircraft already participating in the program. The interior testing will include repetitive operations of all onboard systems across a range of flight conditions. These tests will cover multiple phases of flight and operational scenarios, including extended missions, variable weather conditions, and turbulence exposure.
The Gulfstream G800’s cabin configuration allows for up to four separate living areas and seating for as many as 19 passengers. It includes sleeping accommodations for up to 10 passengers. Features being tested in the interior include an ultragalley with expanded counter space, refrigeration, storage, and onboard food and beverage preparation appliances. There is also a designated crew rest area.
The G800 is designed to be Gulfstream’s longest-range aircraft, with a maximum range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 kilometers) at Mach 0.85, and 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 kilometers) at Mach 0.90. The aircraft incorporates design elements intended to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions within its class.
The aircraft is also equipped with the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, featuring active control sidesticks and touchscreen displays. Additional pilot support technologies include the Combined Vision System (CVS), which integrates Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) and Synthetic Vision System (SVS) onto dual head-up displays.
The G800 shares design elements and testing data with the Gulfstream G700, which has recently completed certification. The cabin experience is designed to provide fresh air through a plasma ionization clean air system, reduced cabin altitude, and noise reduction. The aircraft features 16 large panoramic windows developed by Gulfstream.
