February 16, 2012 - Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s super midsized G280 aircraft is steadily moving toward entry-into-service, having completed several flight-test milestones en route to type certification later this year from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  

The aircraft received a provisional type certificate (PTC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel on Dec. 29, 2011. A PTC from the FAA will follow. The aircraft is slated to enter service mid-year.  

As of Jan. 25, 2012, the three aircraft in the flight-test program have flown more than 1,835 hours during more than 685 flights. The fatigue test article has completed more than 12,500 of 40,000 cycles.

Serial Number (S/N) 2001 recently completed the 100 percent rejected take-off test. S/N 2003 finished all function and reliability activities and is now being transitioned to testing optional avionics features, including the Head-Up Display (HUD II) and Enhanced Vision System (EVS II). 

S/N 2004, the first production aircraft, was outfitted and painted last year for an appearance at the 2011 National Business Aviation Association Convention & Meeting in Las Vegas. It is undergoing final upgrades in anticipation of its delivery later this year. Additional flight-test achievements include the successful completion of wet runway, crosswind and maximum energy brake testing. S/N 2009 is now in initial-phase production, with the fuselage joining under way at Israel Aerospace Industries near Tel Aviv.  

Gulfstream service and completions personnel from Savannah, Dallas and Appleton, Wisconsin completed two FlightSafety FAA initial maintenance classes in 2011. A third class is under way in Dallas. Maintenance personnel at the Gulfstream facility in Luton, England, and an authorized warranty repair facility in Altenrhein, Switzerland, have completed the FlightSafety European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) initial maintenance training.

Gulfstream confirmed in October 2011 that the G280 exceeded the major performance capabilities announced at the program’s public launch in 2008. Following extensive flight testing, Gulfstream demonstrated that the G280 flies 3,600 nm (6,667 km) with four passengers at Mach 0.80 with NBAA IFR reserves.  Gulfstream's newest aircraft, the G280, boasts superiority in all areas of the super mid-size business jet market. It encompasses outstanding performance, comfort and advanced technology to bring together this best-in-class aircraft. 

The G280 boasts the longest range at fastest cruise speed in the super mid-size business jet category. A new high-speed wing and Honeywell HTF7250G engines provide the platform for this superb performance. With excellent field performance, the G280 has the ability to obtain access into some of the most difficult airports.

With the most spacious cabin in its class, the G280 cabin can provide seating for up to ten passengers in two seating areas. The large galley and in-flight access to baggage provides the best accommodations for passengers. The 100 percent fresh air, low cabin altitude, quiet cabin and large windows reduce fatigue and promote a comfortable cabin environment. 

The G280 introduces the PlaneView280 cockpit which brings the PlaneView philosophy from the G350 to the G650 into the super mid-size market. This advanced flight deck improves safety through reduced pilot workload and improved situational awareness. Safety during low visibility operations can be further improved with the optional HUD II heads-up guidance systems and Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS II). The introduction of auto-braking is an industry first in this market, to enhance safety, improve passenger comfort and reduce brake wear.