Rolls-Royce gets EASA certification for the Gulfstream 650 engines

The first pair of engines has been handed over to Gulfstream at its Savannah, Georgia plant and have been installed on the first of three prototypes .

"We are supplying eight engines - three sets and two spares - and will begin deliveries in the middle of next year of the engines for the first production aircraft," said Martin Maltby chief engineer for the BR725 programme.

The 16,100lb-thrust (72kN) BR725 is the most advanced member of the BR700 engine series and the sixth new powerplant added to the company's civil aerospace portfolio within the past six years.

R-R says the engine produces 4.6% more take-off thrust than its BR710 predecessor, which powers the G650's long-range stablemate the G550, but generates around 20% less NOx and "no visible" smoke. The BR725 is also more than 33% quieter than the BR710, coming in at 16dB below Stage 4 noise limits.

The engine also features a 1.27m (4.16ft)-diameter fan - up 5cm from the BR710 fan - made up of 24 "swept" titanium blades for improved aerodynamic efficiency. The new, all-composite nacelle has a new inlet cowl to house the larger fan.

The G650 is scheduled for certification and service entry in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

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