The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded type certification for the Rolls-Royce BR725 engine that will power the first flight of the Gulfstream G650 business jet.

The engine, certified for use for thrust ratings of 16,100lbf, has gone through development testing including operation at sea-level and altitude conditions.

Other tests include testing against bird-strikes, ice, hail and water ingestion, and fan blade containment tests, during which a fan blade is deliberately released at maximum speed.

The Gulfstream G650, a large-cabin high-speed business jet that can carry up to 18 people, is being developed by Gulfstream Aerospace, a General Dynamics company.

The BR725 was selected to power the new business jet in 2005 and the development engines were tested in 2008.

The first flight of the G650 powered by the engine is scheduled for end of 2009 and serial production for the engines will begin in 2010.