Gulfstream Aerospace has rolled out its GV-SP test article. Preparations continue for the first flight of the aircraft, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2001.

Engineers and technicians have successfully installed and tested the exclusive PlaneView cockpit. Electrical power in the aircraft was turned on ahead of schedule, and integration testing on the aircraft’s avionics suite is complete. Drag reduction modifications have also been made.

“We’re all looking forward to the final ground tests and the first flight of the test article in the coming months,” said Pres Henne, senior vp for programs. “The initial flight is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate our 14-inch LCD displays, Honeywell’s Primus Epic Avionics Suite, Gulfstream’s Signature Cursor Control Device, and various other components integrated into the PlaneView cockpit.”

“The Gulfstream V-SP programme represents the most successful new product launch in our company history,” said Bill Boisture, president and coo. “To date, Gulfstream has received more than 40 orders for GV-SP aircraft. FAA certification is expected in late 2002, and the first deliveries are scheduled for 2003.”

Gulfstream has also hired Wolfgang Schneider as vp for Central European sales. Before joining the company, Schneider served as director of sales for Cessna Citation aircraft in Central Europe. In that position, he sold 120 aircraft at an average of 1.5 aircraft a month, establishing a sales record for Cessna.

Schneider earned a degree in business administration from the University of Munich. He also holds commercial and instrument pilots’ licences.