The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)-made Gulfstream G250 executive jet performed its successful maiden flight on December 11, 2009, flying for three hours, twenty-one minutes and achieving an altitude of 32,000 feet and MACH 0.7. The aircraft is now undergoing a series of flight tests, with a second and third aircraft joining the flight test program later this year.
The flight test program is progressing on schedule. At this point, the aircraft has opened the flight envelope (with an altitude of 45,000 ft, mach .85) and is in the process of the aerodynamic configuration verification testing. The aircraft's systems have all been successfully tested.
The G250 rolled out of the IAI manufacturing facility in Tel Aviv under its own power on Oct. 6, 2009. It remains on schedule for type certification by 2011. Once the flight tests are completed, the aircraft can obtain the certifications from the necessary authorities in the US, Europe, and Israel, and will enter into service in 2011.
In the photos:
The Gulfstream G250 during the maiden flight
The interior of the Gulfstream G250
About Israel Aerospace Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries is Israel's leading technological-industrial company, with approximately 17,400 employees.
IAI has gained worldwide recognition as a leading developer of aviation and aerospace technology in both military and civilian markets.
IAI provides the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and its foreign customers with unique, high-quality technological solutions that meet a wide range of needs on the ground, in the sea, in the air, in space and in the field of homeland security. IAI is a world leader in a wide range of advanced technologies, including the development, production, renovation, upgrading, repair and maintenance of aircraft, missiles, launchers, communications satellites, observation satellites and ground services, electronic systems, avionics systems, advanced radar, precision-guided munitions, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
For further details, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Corporate VP of Communications
Tel: 03-935-8509
Fax: 03-935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il