Gulfstream expands G300 and G400 test fleets as certification work continues

Gulfstream's flight-test effort for its two in-development business jets, the G300 and G400, is picking up pace, according to company president Mark Burns, who briefed journalists at a press conference ahead of the NBAA-BACE show on 19 October.

Burns said the G400 programme is progressing well. Its flight-test fleet of four aircraft is now complete, and a fully outfitted example made its first flight within the previous week, flying for about 3.5 hours and reaching 48,000ft. He gave no date for service entry. "I don't make that call," he said, noting the programme's original 2025 certification target at launch in 2021 has passed without a revised schedule.

The G400, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812GA engines and rated at 4,200nm (7,780km) of range, first flew in August 2024. Burns said the handling and icing tests that typically concern manufacturers have gone smoothly. He also pointed to commonality with the larger G500 and G600, and to lessons from four certifications completed in the past seven years, as advantages for the G400's approval path.

Burns said he sees no performance problems that would hold up FAA certification, while stressing the decision rests with the regulator. The G700's certification, achieved in March 2024, was notably difficult, partly owing to the pandemic's effect on the programme.