Gulfstream

Gulfstream Aerospace has completed a simulated test flight of its new G600 iron bird.

In its 30 minute flight, the G600 iron bird simulated taxi, takeoff and landing, as well as maneuvers and transitions at altitude and airspeed.

The engineers tested iron bird’s flight control and mechanical systems, which includes landing gear, brakes and hydraulics in a ground-based lab.

Capable of flying 11,482km at 0.85 Mach, the G600 has a maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach, which is similar to Gulfstream’s other aircraft G650 and G650ER.

The G600 incorporates a new symmetry flight deck with active control sidesticks, integrated touch screen controllers, a next-generation enhanced vision system, as well as Honeywell Primus Epic avionics.

"This first flight sets in motion the testing and validation required for the G600’s actual first flight."

The aircraft also features a three-axis digital fly-by-wire system, which provides flight-envelope protection, stability augmentation, increased redundancy and reduced maintenance.

Gulfstream programs engineering and test senior vice-president Dan Nale said: "This first flight sets in motion the testing and validation required for the G600’s actual first flight.

"With the iron bird, we can confirm the characteristics of the system components, improve the integration maturity, make modifications and provide those benefits in a lab environment, all while on the ground and still in the design stage to the benefit of the flight-test aircraft.

"Having this resource enhances safety and streamlines the testing process."

The first G600 flight-test aircraft and structural test article are currently in production. It is slated to enter service in 2019.

The company recently completed the first flight of its fourth Gulfstream G500 test aircraft.

Image: In its 30 minute flight, the G600 iron bird simulated taxi, takeoff and landing. Photo: courtesy of Gulfstream.