US-based Gulfstream Aerospace has conducted the first flight of its fifth Gulfstream G500 aircraft prototype in a test flight held at Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport.

During the 4h and 5min flight, the aircraft ascended to a maximum altitude of 48,000ft and reached a speed of Mach 0.84.

The test flight has been conducted by pilots Brian Dickerson and Andy Martin, as well as on-board flight test engineer Dustin Johnson.

Part of Gulfstream’s G500 programme, the aircraft prototype used in the latest test has been equipped with a full interior and has served as the testbed for the cabin.

Scheduled to receive type certification by next year, the G500 will be delivered in 2018.

“This fully completed aircraft focuses on the passenger experience and ensures that we deliver the most reliable, comfortable and functional cabin environment on both the G500 and G600.”

Gulfstream president Mark Burns said: “This fully completed aircraft focuses on the passenger experience and ensures that we deliver the most reliable, comfortable and functional cabin environment on both the G500 and G600.”

The G500 production test aircraft will also conduct various tests including complete passenger experience for form, fit, function, noise and comfort, as well as the passenger interface with various cabin elements.

Tests will also feature recurring operations of all systems during several phases of flight in future.

The test aircraft will also be used in a variety of missions such as overnight trips, hot and cold weather scenarios and turbulence.

Featuring capacity to accommodate up to 19 passengers in three living areas, the G500 aircraft is equipped with forward and aft lavatories and a full-size galley that can be located either forward or aft.

Five aircraft are currently flying under the G500 flight-test programme.

Last month, the fourth test aircraft of the programme made its first trans-Atlantic flight.

The G500 test fleet has so far flown more than 320 flights and over 1,300 flight hours.

Image: Gulfstream G500 production test aircraft makes first flight. Photo: courtesy of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.