Gulfstream G800 Makes First Flight

The first Gulfstream G800—registered as N800G—completed its inaugural flight this morning, officially launching the flight-test program for the 8,000-nm twinjet. N800G lifted off from Gulfstream Aerospace’s headquarters at Georgia’s Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (KSAV) at 9 a.m. and landed back at the field two hours later. It made the flight using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel.

“When the first G800 test aircraft rolled out at our announcement [in October], we changed the game once again for our industry,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “The G800 pushes the boundaries of performance even further with Gulfstream-designed aerodynamics and cabin technology, and we look forward to our customers benefiting from the longer range at higher speeds in our exceptional cabin environment.”

Powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the G800 features the company’s Symmetry Flight Deck, dual head-up displays with a combined vision system, fly-by-wire with active control sticks, circadian lighting in the cabin, and 16 large cabin windows.

“We are seeing great interest in the G800, and this first flight brings us even closer to delivering a Gulfstream for every mission,” said Burns. Gulfstream expects that the G800 will enter service in the third quarter of next year. Courtesy of AIN.