Gulfstream G700 Wows In Flight Testing

The Gulfstream G700 reached impressive speeds during flight testing.

How good is Gulfstream? Well, it's gotten to the point that when they exceed the target numbers on a flight test of a new plane (in this case, the G700) we really aren't surprised. Except for this time. This time, we are floored.

Introduced at the NBAA/BACE convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October of 2019, the big, ultra-long-range (7,500 nm at Mach .85 and 6,400 nm at Mach .90) jet has completed more than 100 flight tests, including doing something that is often referred to as "expanding the envelope," which consists of flying the plane beyond its certification target numbers.

In this envelope expansion phase, Gulfstream test pilots flew the G700 to 54,000 feet and to a speed of Mach .99, just this side of supersonic.

The plane will be fast and high-flying even when operating within the envelope, with a max operating speed of Mach .925 and a maximum altitude of 51,000, both figures the same as for the current company flagship G650.

But it will do so with range/speed numbers, mentioned above, and levels of comfort that will make G650 owners dig for their checkbooks. It features 20 big oval signature Gulfstream windows, a food preparation and storage and service area it refers to as an "ultra-galley," available standup shower and up to five living areas. There's also circadian rhythm lighting, industry leading cabin altitude levels and much more.

The G700 is priced at $75 million.

Plane & PilotStaff