Gulfstream Aerospace has added a fully outfitted G400 to the business jet’s flight-test programme, introducing production-representative cabin systems to the active campaign. The 11-passenger aircraft completed its first flight from Dallas Love Field on Wednesday, remaining airborne for 2 hours 46 minutes and reaching 48,000 feet. The 4,200-nm twin-engine jet is being evaluated ahead of certification, although Gulfstream has not provided a timetable.
Configured with two-and-a-half cabin zones, the aircraft will undergo testing of cabin systems, functionality and in-flight comfort at altitude. Gulfstream president Mark Burns reported a subsequent flight of about 3.5 hours at approximately 48,000 feet, with the test envelope continuing to expand.
The G400 campaign will use four aircraft and also includes flammable-fluid drainage and icing tests. Burns described progress as strong and said the company currently sees no issues expected to disrupt certification, while declining to forecast when approval will be achieved.
A G400 test aircraft recently set a Miami-Las Vegas city-pair speed record using a sustainable aviation fuel blend, completing the flight in 4 hours 8 minutes at an average Mach 0.89. Gulfstream is advancing the related 3,600-nm G300 in parallel, preparing a second test aircraft while a third is under production. The G300 is expected to follow the G400 relatively closely through certification.