Gulfstream G650 Approaches Speed of Sound, On Track for Certification

A G650--Gulfstream's latest wide-cabin, long-range business jet--skirted the speed of sound last month, reaching Mach 0.995 during testing. "It's easy to control and to get precise control at those speeds," said senior experimental test pilot Tom Horne. "The airplane response has matched the expectations of our engineers, and we've easily been able to fly the test conditions." According to Gulfstream, the four flying test G650s have completed more than 170 flights and 575 flight-test hours. The company said it expects to meet its goal for certification next year by the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency, followed by entry into service in 2012.