The clean sheet Gulfstream G500 has successfully completed its first flight. The G500 is part of Gulfstream's latest family of aircraft which includes the G500 and G600, and is the first of the two to begin flight tests.

The G500 took off on May 18th from Savannah-Hilton Head in Georgia, USA, and climbed to an initial altitude of 10,500 feet before reaching a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet. During the two hour and 16 minute flight, the crew exercised all primary flight control systems, evaluated handling qualities in takeoff and landing configurations, performed a simulated approach and go-around and checked all systems using the Symmetry flight deck touchscreen controllers. The aircraft achieved a maximum air speed of 194 knots.

Before the flight, Gulfstream completed more than 34,000 hours of testing in the G500 labs on the ground before taking to the skies.

The G500 flight-test programme consists of five aircraft, including a fully outfitted production aircraft that will allow the company to test all the interior elements and complete integration of the aircraft systems with the passenger experience.

The G500 is expected to receive type certification from the FAA and EASA in 2017. It is slated to enter service in 2018.

The Gulfstream G650ER has added to its speed records by connecting London Luton, Hong Kong and King County, Seattle, in record time.