Gulfstream G650 test flight called success

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SAVANNAH, Ga., Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G650 business jet has successfully completed its first series of flight tests, company officials say.

Pres Henne, a Gulfstream Aerospace senior vice president, said Friday in Savannah, Ga., that G650 project pilot Jake Howard, senior experimental test pilot Tom Horne and flight engineer Bill Osborne conducted a successful 1-hour, 45-minute flight to gauge the aircraft's handling qualities, engine performance and flap operation.

Henne said the crew also evaluated the aircraft's pilot-static systems, avionics, hydraulic systems, electrical power generation and distribution, flight controls, cabin environmental and pressurization controls at intended airspeeds of up to 275 mph and desired altitudes of up to 9,500 feet.

"The pilots' reports indicate that the G650's flying qualities were outstanding," Henne said. "With its cutting-edge technology, the aircraft performed superbly, as we expected it would. We are very excited to continue our flight-test program and look forward to certification in 2011."