Aerospace

Gulfstream G800 makes First International Flight.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. revealed today that the brand-new Gulfstream G800 made its first international flight only a few weeks after the aircraft’s initial flight.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. revealed today that the brand-new Gulfstream G800 made its first international flight only a few weeks after the aircraft’s initial flight. In order to support Gulfstream’s participation at the Farnborough International Airshow, the G800 flew from Savannah to the Gulfstream Customer Support centre in Farnborough, England. On June 28, the G800 made its maiden flight. Shortly after, the Gulfstream flight test team completed additional testing requirements, including a long-duration flight of more than eight hours and operations above the aircraft’s maximum operating speed and cruise altitude of Mach 0.925 and 51,000 feet/15,545 metres, respectively.

Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream, noted that the G800’s transatlantic journey so soon after first flight was remarkable. “We are able to fly the G800 with exceptional efficiency and bring the aircraft directly to customers early in the flight test programme, as we have at Farnborough, because of our strategic planning and the investments Gulfstream has made in our new aircraft programmes. It’s appropriate that the G800’s international debut took place in the Gulfstream Farnborough Service Center, one of our newest and most advanced facilities.

The Gulfstream Farnborough Service Center has more than 200 employees and 30 international regulatory certifications since it opened in the summer of 2020. Up to 13 of Gulfstream’s bigger aircraft, including the G650ER, G700, and G800, can be housed in the 225,000 square foot/20,903 square meter facility, which also provides aftermarket modifications and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.

The G800 is the longest-range business aircraft in the market, with a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km) at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm (12,964 km) at Mach 0.90. It has the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, which uses the most touch-screen technology in the market and has active-control side sticks. The G800 cabin can be set up with up to four living spaces that can accommodate up to 19 passengers and 10 people in beds. The G800 has the lowest cabin height in the sector, plasma ionization purification, and 100% fresh, never recirculated air as additional features.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.