Gulfstream Flies Second Production Test G700

A second production Gulfstream G700 has completed its first flight, the Savannah, Georgia–based aircraft manufacturer said recently. Fully outfitted, the long-range twinjet will serve as an additional testing platform for the G700 interior, including the maturity, durability, and comfort of cabin elements.

This second production G700 features a grand suite and newly designed lavatory with natural light, a full vanity, and a shower, as well as a six-place dining area with an expandable, self-contained table. The LED dynamic circadian lighting system—introduced with the aircraft’s launch in 2019—is designed to replicate sunlight and can be individually programmed for each of the aircraft’s five cabin zones.

In addition to two production test aircraft, there are five flight-test G700s. To date, 12 G700s are in some stage of manufacturing or completed, according to the FAA registry, which is unchanged from December. Certification and service entry of the G700 is expected in mid-May, about six months later than its intended completion by year-end 2021. The certification delay is related to a line-by-line software validation—a recently added requirement from the FAA.