Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced today that the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250 has successfully demonstrated its best-in-class performance capability as part of the aircraft's anticipated 2011 certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel.

The aircraft, which Gulfstream designed in conjunction with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, recently demonstrated its ability to meet the design requirement for maximum takeoff gross weight balanced field length of less than 5,000 feet. The aircraft has also shown excellent time-to-climb performance, achieving an altitude of 41,000 feet (12,497 m) in less than 20 minutes. Flight testing also verified cruise, fuel flow and range/payload predictions established at the outset of the G250's development.

"We're extremely satisfied with what we're seeing," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "The G250 is everything that our customers, who helped us design it, expected it to be."

The G250 flight-test program officially began on Dec. 11, 2009, with the first flight of Serial Number (S/N) 2001. Through Oct. 12, the three aircraft in the program have accumulated more than 360 hours over 115 flights.

The flight-test and certification plan involves three aircraft and an estimated 1,300 hours of flight testing. Each aircraft is used for a specific series of tests, with S/N 2001 focused on in-flight performance and handling, S/N 2002 on avionics and loads, and S/N 2003 on functionality and reliability demonstrations. S/N 2003 will also be used to test the optional intercontinental package that enhances the aircraft's availability. The package provides additional redundancy of the flight management, navigation and communications systems for enhanced dispatch capability for oceanic and remote-area operations.

Since the G250 flight-test program began, the aircraft has achieved a number of milestones, including validating the brake-by-wire system. The G250 is the only aircraft in the super mid-size class to have auto-braking capabilities.

The G250 has also received reduced vertical separation minimum approval, which confirms the accuracy of the aircraft's altimeter system to support the G250's operation in controlled airspace with reduced vertical separation.

The G250 successfully completed limit load testing of its primary structural components, including fuselage, wing, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, main landing gear, nose landing gear and all control surfaces. The limit load represents the maximum load the aircraft is expected to experience during its life cycle.

Additionally, the Honeywell HTF7250G engines that power the G250 have successfully completed all flight and ground testing required for engine certification. This includes thrust, fuel flow, operability, water ingestion, endurance and emissions testing.

"We're excited to reach this point and to see the tremendous performance of the G250," Henne said. "The aircraft is doing well and is progressing as planned toward its certification in 2011."

The G250 offers the largest cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. With its twin Honeywell HTF7250G engines, the business jet is capable of flying 3,400 nautical miles (6,300 km) at Mach 0.80. The G250 will be completed at the Gulfstream Center for Mid-Cabin Excellence in Dallas.

Gulfstream announced the G250 program on Oct. 5, 2008. The aircraft rolled out under its own power on Oct. 6, 2009. It completed its first flight on Dec. 11, 2009.