Rolls-Royce BR725 powered Gulfstream 650 debut

The Rolls-Royce BR725 powered Gulfstream 650 ultra-long-range business jet rolled out of the hangar under its own power at Gulfstream in Savannah today. The event marks a major milestone in the programme.

The power plants for a second test aircraft have also been delivered to Gulfstream and serial production of the BR725 will start at the Rolls-Royce facility in Dahlewitz, Germany, before the end of the year.

The G650 is planned for Entry Into Service (EIS) in 2012 and will be capable of nonstop legs of 7,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 – equivalent to Dubai-New York or London-Buenos Aires.

Dr. Michael Haidinger, President Rolls-Royce Deutschland and COO Corporate and Regional Engines Rolls-Royce, said, "Rolls-Royce is very pleased to deliver an outstanding powerplant, the BR725, for the Gulfstream G650 programme. The resulting aircraft combines exceptional elegance and exceptional engineering.”

The G650 programme was launched in 2005 and Rolls-Royce was selected to power this new business jet. The BR725 had its first run in April 2008, and throughout the development programme, the engine accumulated about 1,100 running hours and 3,500 engine cycles.

The BR725 received its type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for thrust ratings of 16,100lbf (71.6 kN) in June 2009. Negotiations with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. are underway.