The final aircraft in Gulfstream's G600 flight test programme has completed its debut flight.

Outfitted with a complete interior, the aircraft serves as a testbed for the airframe's cabin, and is the fifth unit to join the G600 programme since flight tests began in December last year.

The aircraft took off from Savannah International airport and during the two hour and 55 minute flight it reached an altitude of 51,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.85.

“The goal of including a production aircraft in our flight testing is to ensure we deliver the most functional, comfortable and reliable cabin environment for our customers,” says president Mark Burns. “Our extensive testing will validate design and performance, so we can provide a cabin that exceeds expectations.”

Gulfstream will conduct repeated operations of all cabin systems to evaluate comfort, layout, noise, ergonomics, functionality, passenger interaction and appliance reliability.

To date, the five G600 test aircraft have accumulated more than 180 flights and 790 flight hours.

The OEM anticipates receiving FAA type certification in 2018 and customer deliveries are scheduled for later that year.