Gulfstream G280 Sets 15 New Speed Records

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Gulfstream G280 Sets 15 New Speed Records

By Bill Goldston

January 31, 2013 - Gulfstream new best-in-class G280 aircraft recently set 15 new city-pair speed records as part of the company’s reliability demonstration program.

The 250-hour internal testing program, among the most extensive voluntary reliability programs ever implemented by Gulfstream, served to enhance fleet reliability, enrich pilot training and improve customer readiness.

“The Gulfstream reliability demonstration program incorporates pilot check rides, maintenance on auxiliary power units, engine run qualifications, technical operations, publications validations and basic servicing and handling at typical fixed-base operators,” said Mark Burns, president, Product Support.

“This is just one more way we are going above and beyond for our customers, ensuring they have the most reliable and high-performing aircraft.”

Of the 15 new city-pair speed records set as part of the program, the most notable were a flight from Aspen, Colo., to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and one from Honolulu to Savannah. The super mid-sized aircraft has established 22 speed records since setting its first in May.

“Two of these new speed records are particularly significant because they demonstrate the G280’s capability to reach the East Coast from Aspen and to travel an exceptional distance,” said Scott Neal, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream. “The G280 continues to prove its tremendous reliability, range, speed and performance for our customers.”

The G280 flew from Aspen-Pitken County Airport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in 3 hours and 21 minutes. It flew 1,640 nautical miles (3,038 km) at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.84. On board were demo pilots Santiago Koritschoner, Brian Erickson and Stephanie Ruyle.

Also in November, the G280 flew from Honolulu to Savannah in 8 hours and 19 minutes, a total of 4,124 nautical miles (7,638 km) at an average speed of Mach 0.80. On board were Brian Dickerson, senior production test pilot; Scott Evans, engineering test pilot; and Scott Blouin, avionics and electrical technician. The city-pair speed records have been certified by the National Aeronautic Association, the official record keeper for U.S. aviation, and forwarded to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale in Switzerland for approval as world records.

The G280 is certified to fly 3,600 nm (6,667 km) with four passengers at Mach 0.80 with NBAA IFR reserves, some 200 nm farther than the company announced at the program’s launch in 2008. In addition to more range, the aircraft’s balanced field length has been reduced from 4,960 feet (1,512 m) to 4,750 feet (1,448 m). This field length is an improvement of more than 1,300 feet compared to the G200, the aircraft the G280 replaces. The aircraft entered into service on Nov. 14, 2012.