Aircraft
Two More Gulfstream G500s Join Flight-test Program
The second and third examples of the G500 will, respectively, be used for flight load validation and avionics testing.
The second T2 test aircraft for Gulfstream's new G500 jet made its first flight from Savannah on November 20. [Photo: Gulfstream]
The second T2 test aircraft for Gulfstream's new G500 jet made its first flight from Savannah on November 20. [Photo: Gulfstream]

The second and third examples of the new Gulfstream G500 (T2 and T3) joined the flight-test program late last week, supplementing the work done on the T1 aircraft, which has been flying since May. According to the manufacturer, T2 will be used for flight load validation work, while T3 is the main test bed for the G500’s Symmetry flight deck. The G500 is due to complete FAA and EASA type certification in 2017 and enter service in 2018.