Gulfstream G250 integration test facility reaches software testing milestone

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.'s G250 Integration Test Facility (ITF) has accumulated 1,000 hours of testing on the PlaneView250™ software load that will be the basis for securing the aircraft's initial Type Certificate. Gulfstream reached the milestone just four months after evaluation of the Rockwell Collins-provided software began. Rockwell Collins is a strategic partner on the PlaneView250 flight deck, which features Pro Line Fusion™ avionics.

"The cockpit of the G250 is going to lead the industry," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "This test facility is a critical step in bringing this aircraft to market, because it allows us to integrate, test and make adjustments on the ground."

The G250 facility is the first mid-cabin ITF for Gulfstream. The company initiated the ITF concept with the large-cabin GV and developed similar facilities for the G450 and G550. Those facilities, located with the G250 ITF at the company's headquarters in Savannah, are still in use today.

The enhanced value delivered to customers through the testing conducted with the large-cabin ITFs as well as the introduction of Rockwell Collins' Fusion platform for PlaneView250 drove Gulfstream's decision to establish a G250 ITF.

"It's been a great tool," said Mark Kohler, G250 program director, Gulfstream. "It allows us to do the testing in a very safe environment and at a much quicker pace. That's the significance, to be able to accelerate the development effort and ensure the end product exceeds customers' expectations."

The G250 ITF was initially powered on Nov. 20, 2007, and had its first simulated flight on July 7, 2008. The facility allows engineers to perform a thorough analysis of the aircraft's avionics and electronics to ensure they meet the certification requirements. The facility is also ideal for human-factors analysis, allowing certification authorities to make and test changes on the ground before applying them to the actual aircraft.

In addition to testing, Gulfstream utilizes the ITF to demonstrate the aircraft's capabilities to the Gulfstream Customer Advisory Board (CAB) and potential customers. CAB participants are Gulfstream operators who provide input on aircraft in development and feedback on services the company offers.