Test programme
Pearl 700 engines have already powered Gulfstream’s new flagship aircraft G700 beyond its maximum operating speed The flight test programme started in February 2020 and is progressing very well with a fleet of five dedicated flight-test aircraft and one production-test aircraft. The advanced Pearl 700 engines are performing exceptionally well and have already powered Gulfstream’s new flagship aircraft G700 beyond its maximum operating speed and cruise altitude, flying nearly as fast as the speed of sound (Mach 0.99/1,220 kilometres per hour) while reaching an altitude of 54,000 ft/16,459 m.
In typical operations, the G700 has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925 and a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 ft/15,545 m, which allows it to fly above commercial air traffic and the weather in the troposphere. During its first international visits to the Middle East and Europe, the aircraft set two city-pair speed records and a third speed record on its return trip to the United States.
New technology and notable performance
Dr. Dirk Geisinger, Director of Business Aviation, Rolls-Royce, said: “Seeing the Pearl 700 programme running at such a fast pace makes me really proud of the team behind it. In addition to the extensive ground testing, the flight test campaign is progressing exceptionally well."
"Today, it stands at more than 3,000 engine flying hours from more than 2,000 engine flights and with the G700 test aircraft fleet in the air these numbers are increasing daily. The pioneering technology and the outstanding performance of the Pearl 700 support Gulfstream’s business aircraft in reaching new standards for the top end of the ultra-long-range corporate jet market.”
