The Rolls-Royce BR725 powered Gulfstream 650 ultra-long-range business jet rolled out of the hangar under its own power at Gulfstream in Savannah today. The event marks a major milestone in the programme.

The power plants for a second test aircraft have also been delivered to Gulfstream and serial production of the BR725 will start at the Rolls-Royce facility in Dahlewitz, Germany, before the end of the year.

The G650 is planned for Entry Into Service (EIS) in 2012 and will be capable of non-stop legs of 7,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 - equivalent to Dubai-New York or London-Buenos Aires.

Dr. Michael Haidinger, President Rolls-Royce Deutschland and COO Corporate and Regional Engines Rolls-Royce, said, "Rolls-Royce is very pleased to deliver an outstanding powerplant, the BR725, for the Gulfstream G650 programme. The resulting aircraft combines exceptional elegance and exceptional engineering."