Gulfstream Aerospace’s fifth, and final, flight-test G600 made its maiden flight yesterday afternoon from the company’s headquarters in Savannah, Georgia. Registered as N600G, the twinjet took off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 3:07 p.m. for a nearly three-hour flight, reaching 51,000 feet/15,545 meters and a speed of Mach 0.85.

Outfitted with the first production interior, the N600G serves as a cabin testbed and will conduct function and reliability testing before the G600 enters service later next year. Notably, this outfitted airplane is scheduled to be on static display at the NBAA Convention in October in Las Vegas.

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

To date, the five flight-test G600 have logged more than 180 flights and 790 flight hours. “We now have 10 aircraft flying in our concurrent Gulfstream G500 and G600 flight-test programs,” Burns added. “That’s a remarkable achievement and a first for the company.” The G500 is expected to enter service by year-end.