The Gulfstream G650 aircraft reached its top speed of Mach 0.925 at 42,500ft during a test flight.

These speeds make the G650 the world’s fastest civil aircraft.

Gulfstream chief test pilot John O’Meara said that the aircraft provides stable and precise handling characteristics, even at near the speed of sound.

During the flight, the aircraft also displayed good manoeuvre capabilities and engine performance.

The five G650 aircraft currently part of the flight test programme and have undergone 140 flight-test hours.

The aircraft is expected to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency in 2011 before entering into service in 2012.