Gulfstream G280 sets numerous speed records

The super-midsize Gulfstream G280 recently set 15 new city-pair speed records as part of the company’s reliability demonstration program, the Savannah, Ga.-based aircraft manufacturer announced today. To date, the G280 has established 22 speed records since setting its first in May.

The 250-hour internal testing program, one of the most extensive voluntary reliability programs ever implemented by Gulfstream, was intended to enhance fleet reliability, augment pilot training and improve customer readiness. This demonstration program incorporated pilot check rides, APU maintenance, engine run qualifications, technical operations, publication validations and basic servicing and handling at typical FBOs, according to Gulfstream product support president Mark Burns.

Of the 15 new city-pair speed records set as part of the program, Gulfstream said the most notable were flights from Aspen, Colo., to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and from Honolulu to Savannah. The G280 flew the 1,640 nm from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in three hours 21 minutes, for an average cruise speed of Mach 0.84. It flew 4,124 nm from Honolulu to Savannah in eight hours 19 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.80.

The city-pair speed records have been certified by the U.S. National Aeronautic Association and have been forwarded to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in Switzerland for approval as world records.

(Chad Trautvetter - AINonline News)