GE achieves G650 secondary power distribution system testing

GE Aviation announced successful completion of safety of flight testing for the secondary power distribution system for the new Gulfstream Aerospace G650 business jet. Recent deliveries of the power system have been made to Gulfstream's Integration Test Facility.

"GE's new modular power tile technology incorporates the latest generation of solid-state power controllers," said Chet Fuller, general manager, Commercial Systems for GE Aviation. "The light-weight design of the system helps to improve the aircraft's operational economics."

GE's power distribution systems use modular, solid-state power tiles that support either distributed or federated systems with a highly scalable design. GE's modular power tiles offer packaging and wiring architecture options that minimize installation weight and volume, while the system works to optimize the aircraft's power configuration.

The G650's secondary power distributed system architecture incorporates many aircraft utility functions allowing for the elimination of other aircraft system line replaceable units, resulting in lower overall weight, a reduction of aircraft wiring and improved reliability GE also provides the APU door actuator & controller and baggage compartment isolation valve for the G650.

Gulfstream announced its plans for the G650 on March 13, 2008. The aircraft is on schedule for first flight later this year and is expected to be certified in 2011. Entry-into-service is planned for 2012. Gulfstream Aerospace rolled out the all-new Gulfstream G650 on September 29, 2009 at company headquarters in Savannah.

GE currently supplies a number of products for the Gulfstream G500/G550 business jets, including the APU door actuation system, ECS components and fuel pumps.