Aircraft
Gulfstream Virtually Flies G600 Iron Bird
Iron bird allows engineers to test the flight control and mechanical systems—including landing gear, brakes and hydraulics—in a ground-based lab.
Gulfstream is now "flying" the ground-based G600 iron bird to test the new jet's flight control and mechanical systems before maiden flight of an actual aircraft later this year. (Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace)
Gulfstream is now "flying" the ground-based G600 iron bird to test the new jet's flight control and mechanical systems before maiden flight of an actual aircraft later this year. (Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace)

Gulfstream Aerospace’s G600 iron bird recently completed its “first flight,” marking growing maturity of the new aircraft program. The iron bird is a dimensionally accurate structure that includes a flight deck, allowing engineers to test the flight control and mechanical systems—including landing gear, brakes and hydraulics—in a ground-based lab. During the 30-minute session, the iron bird simulated taxi, takeoff and landing, as well as maneuvers and transitions at altitude and airspeed.