Gulfstream

Gulfstream G800 Sets New Private Aviation Range Record

December 2, 2021

New jets typically make their market debuts by setting a city-pair record. Records demonstrate a jet’s prowess and establish market authority, distinguishing it from its predecessors and any potential competitors in its class. But jets rarely set new precedents for distance, so when a new contender comes along — and moves the goalposts for nautical range — it’s big news. And the new Gulfstream G800 has done just that with its recent range record of 8,000 nautical miles. In a market dominated by jets proven to go the distance, the G800 is going farther faster.

Pushing the limits of private aviation’s range

Gulfstream unveiled the G800 — and its smaller sister jet, the G400 — in October 2021 to much fanfare. Headline news from the event was immediately clear: The world was about to meet the longest-range jet ever produced.

Powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 Turbofan jet engines, the G800 expects to have an 8,000-nautical-mile range at Mach 0.85. It’s a marked improvement over the previous record holder: Bombardier’s Global 7500, which has a maximum range of 7,700 nautical miles at the same speed. In a jet class wholly dependent on the ability to go farther than the competition, Gulfstream’s G800 is making a bold statement about the future of long-range air travel.

A closer look at the G800’s record-setting build

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the G800 is that it’s not a huge departure from Gulfstream’s current jet lineup. It’s merely a new configuration designed with distance in mind.

The G800 features the same engines as Gulfstream’s G700, as well as its proven wing, tail, and winglet designs. But the G800 borrows its fuselage from the G650ER. This amalgamated build leverages the already-proven range of the G650ER — at 7,500 nautical miles — with the power and aerodynamic efficiency of the G700. The result is a jet designed to fly farther than any other without compromising speed.

Comfort is also a staple of the G800. The cabin seats up to 15 across three living areas with available configurations for both business and leisure. Sixteen panoramic oval windows set the industry standard for natural light exposure, and a plasma-ionization clean air system refreshes every two minutes to ensure total comfort. It’s a jet that’s also designed to keep you comfortable while flying farther.

The world just got a little smaller

One of the biggest takeaways from the G800’s unveiling is the slew of new city pairs it makes possible over greater flight distances. Sydney to Dubai, Dallas to Hong Kong, and Moscow to Buenos Aires all become nonstop destinations with the extra range afforded by the G800.

“We designed the ultra-long-range G800 to extend our customers’ reach to more people and places around the world,” said Gulfstream President Mark Burns at the unveiling. Burns also revealed that plans for the G800 have been in the works for more than two years, since the introduction of its predecessor, the G700.

Gulfstream will begin deliveries of the G800 in 2024. The jet has a price tag of $71.5 million.

Gulfstream’s G700 Sets Transatlantic Records

November 11, 2021

Every new jet launch seems to come with a new set of city pair records. This time, it’s Gulfstream’s new G700 jet — which has captured the city pair record for Savannah, Georgia to Doha, Qatar. What’s the record? A transatlantic flight time of 13 hours and 16 minutes. It’s an impressive record – unlikely to be broken anytime soon — and it demonstrates the potential of Gulfstream’s new ultra-long-range jet.

A record unlike any other

New city pair records aren’t uncommon for new jets, but transatlantic ones are much more difficult to attain. Consider city pair records for ultra-long-range jets, and these events are even more rare. It’s that rarity which makes the G700’s newest record so impressive. It’s not just a city pair record: It’s a super-long-range, transatlantic record set by the world’s largest business jet.

Flying direct at speeds averaging Mach 0.88 (675 mph), Gulfstream’s G700 jet made the flight in just over 13 hours. The total distance of 6,711 nautical miles is a staggering feat for a jet with four separate living areas, seating up to 19 passengers and sleeping 8. Even more stunning, the G700 has a total range of 7,500 nautical miles — a full 800 nautical miles beyond its recent record. And it didn’t stop with a new transatlantic record: The G700 also recorded a city pair from Doha to Paris in just six hours and 15 minutes.

Crowning the next super-long-range leader

Gulfstream’s transatlantic city pair record isn’t just a demonstration of its new jet’s tremendous capabilities: It’s a statement. The G700 is entering an extremely competitive market  and fighting for a modest slice of the BizAV pie. Its primary competition comes from the Dassault Falcon 10X and Bombardier’s Global 7500 — two recently announced or recent-to-market jets quickly entrenching themselves as potential market leaders.

By demonstrating its speed, range, and efficiency, the G700 has proven to be a premier contender in the competitive super-long-range jet vertical. With its combination of record-setting capability, incredible interior furnishings, and its status as the world’s largest business jet, it is well-placed to be the leader in this category. And this new transatlantic city pair record is yet another cherry on top.

Ready for globetrotting in 2022

The G700 is set to enter service in 2022, and companies — and countries — are already buzzing with anticipation. Qatar Executive, a subsidiary of Qatar Airways, will be the first to put G700 jets in the air — and one major reason the company chose Doha to establish its city pair record. Gulfstream has yet to reveal the number of G700 deliveries estimated for 2022.

With a state-of-the-art flight deck, lavish interior living spaces, and now, proof of its ability to jet around the world quickly and effortlessly, the G700 is the candidate to beat from the upcoming class of super-long-range jets. This category is in a period of reinvention and heightened competition, and Gulfstream is poised to come out on top again, cementing a longevity few other airframe makers can claim.

NextGen ProLink FMS/Navcom Upgrade for Gulfstream G200 Now Available

August 12, 2021

After a long-awaited development, Chicago Jet Group (CJG) has launched its Universal Avionics-based FANS/CPDLC/LPV solution for the Gulfstream G200. In a major upgrade for G200 Series avionics, the NextGen ProLink system is designed to comply with modern standards for LPV approach and CPDLC push-to-load capabilities.

Trimec Aviation serves as the installation partner, and it is already updating G200 jets at its Fort Worth Meacham International Airport facility.

A look at the NextGen ProLink

The NextGen ProLink is the product of joint innovation between Chicago Jet Group and Trimec Aviation. It’s the first complete Proline 4 Dual Integrated FMS upgrade for legacy integrated navigation systems in the G200 — designed to enable Controller-Pilot Data Link — in compliance with modern avionics standards. The upgrade enables:

• CPDLC-DCL
• CPDLC-Enroute
• FANS 1/A+
• European ATN B1 (Link 2000+)

Perhaps more important, a NextGen ProLink upgrade will also enable LPV approach and CPDLC push-to-load capabilities, both required by the FAA. It’s a game-changing upgrade for an aging, but still popular jet — one that will ensure pilots can safely navigate approaches in compliance with modern procedures.

How can customers upgrade?

With a little more than 200 of the 250 Gulfstream G200 jets built still in service, there is strong demand for the NextGen ProLink and the capabilities it affords pilots. So, where and when can owners access this essential upgrade?

Trimec Aviation — operating as a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station — announced the first installation of a NextGen ProLink system at its Fort Worth facility in late June of 2020. The company expects to open enrollment for service upgrades this year. Installation takes approximately two weeks to complete.

Upgrades across the industry for an aging fleet

The Gulfstream G200 originally entered service in 1997. Since then, aviation has seen significant improvements in avionics and robust changes to takeoff and landing procedures. The NextGen ProLink upgrade paves the way for many more years of service through compliance with the FAA and other aviation authorities.

The Gulfstream isn’t the only aging jet receiving avionics upgrades to contend with industry and regulatory changes. A growing number of avionics upgrades are now available for similar jets, including Cessna CitationJet/CJ/M2 series aircraft. As these and other popular midsize jets approach three decades in service, avionics upgrades will shift from desirable to essential.

A much-needed upgrade

At its introduction, the Gulfstream G200 was the pinnacle for midsize bizjets. Today, it remains a stalwart in the skies — or it will as owners embrace the avionics upgrade offered by the NextGen ProLink. As avionics capabilities continue to evolve, owners of older jets should stay cognizant of similar upgrades and be diligent about embracing them. Staying up to date on upgrades ensures safety in the air and the longevity of a jet that’s proven an industry favorite for nearly 25 years.

The Gulfstream G280 Is Getting Some Big Upgrades

June 3, 2021

Only a year ago, reports of Gulfstream’s G280 were trending on doom and gloom. Speculation was that the company was soon to replace its popular super-midsize business jet with something newer and more sophisticated. Rumor snowballed even further when there were no planned upgrade announcements. Now, Gulfstream has finally stepped forward to squash the rumors in a big way. Not only has the company recommitted to its flagship G280 model, it has also announced a swath of major upgrades that’ll keep the G280  in the skies for another decade to come.

Gulfstream breaks the silence

As competitors in the super-midsize business jet market continue to roll out upgrades for their models, Gulfstream has been largely silent regarding the G280. The good news is, the G280 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Far from shelving the popular model, Gulfstream has been working behind the scenes on much-needed upgrades designed to wow potential buyers as they look for next-gen capabilities.

Not only will new G280 models feature fantastic safety and operational improvements, they will also come with luxury passenger upgrades that heighten the experience of every flight. Rather than roll out updates incrementally, Gulfstream has opted to perfect its next-gen tech and roll out a complete upgrade package all at once.

A look at the G280 updates

Gulfstream is pulling out all the stops when it comes to setting up its G280 to compete against next-gen jets. Here’s a look at some of the improvements jet buyers can expect to see when new models hit the tarmac:

• New surface management system: This major safety upgrade provides aural and visual cues to alert pilots to any unsafe ground and arrival operations.
• Vertical weather and predictive wind shear information: This predictive technology helps pilots avoid turbulence and sudden increases or decreases in ground and air speed, as well as other violent air movements.
• External LED lighting: LED lighting provides superior visibility and reliability, as well as reduces power consumption, which is especially important for all exterior lights including position lights, anti-collision lights, landing and taxi lights, and more.
• De-ionization fresh air system: These systems greatly improve cabin air quality by flushing pathogens and allergens from recirculated cabin air.
• 360-degree HD camera: Combined with state-of-the-art screens in the cabin, HD cameras offer a panoramic view of the outside world in real time during every flight.

Gulfstream’s reinvestment in the G280 provides more than comfort and safety for owners; the brand is making adjustments to the model to ensure that it complies with modern air regulations, specifically CPDLC FANS-E compliance. With these required updates, owners can expect priority treatment by air traffic control and improved communications during flight.

Gulfstream has also confirmed that the G280 meets Stage 5 noise standards. This will broaden the range of airports and departure/landing schedules accessible to owners, including those at noise-sensitive airports.

Flight-tested features from other jets

Many of these upgrades are actually retrofits of tested and proven technologies, including those featured in Gulfstream’s G700. Owners of the updated G280 can take advantage of best-in-class G700 technologies at a significantly lower cost. Moreover, current G280 owners can easily enjoy these updates — Gulfstream has made it as simple as possible to take advantage of them, accessible through routine service upgrades

Owners and prospective buyers can expect to see improvements deployed throughout 2021, culminating in the fourth quarter of this year.

Gulfstream Celebrates 100th Customer in G500/G600 Program

May 13, 2021

While many airframe makers are delighted to get their 100th customer in five years, Gulfstream has once again shown how popular and innovative its G500 and G600 series of jets is. The company recently announced that it achieved the 100-customer milestone in just three and a half years, blowing by industry benchmarks yet again. These models entered service in 2018 and 2019 respectively, after a globetrotting showcase that revved up buyers in early 2018.

Since their inception, the G500 and G600 jets have done nothing but astonish the market. They’ve collectively logged 25,000 hours, made 13,600 landings, and achieved more than 60 speed records. More importantly, they’ve attracted the attention of eager buyers since their announcement.

The 100th delivery of the G500/G600 program all but cements Gulfstream’s mid-sized powerhouses. The company isn’t content with reaching this milestone on merit alone, either. Alongside the news, Gulfstream also announced service improvements to help owners get even more out of these industry-leading models.

A focus on continued excellence

Only two years removed from their market debut, Gulfstream has continued to modify the capabilities of the G500/G600 models. Specifically, the company increased the range of each jet by 100 nautical miles, at both long-range and high-speed cruise speeds. After enhancements, the G500 now has a range of 5,300 nm at Mach 0.85 and 4,500 nm at Mach 0.90. The G600 sports an increased range of 6,600 nm at Mach 0.85 and 5,600 nm at Mach 0.90.

The increased range and fuel economy stem from an increased payload capacity and reduced airframe weight on both jets. According to Gulfstream President Mark Burns, these enhancements are already available to in-service owners and are standard on new deliveries effective immediately.

The G Series family grows stronger

Gulfstream has a storied history of leadership in the mid-sized and long-range jet segments. The G500/G600 models represent continued dominance — so much so that the company has begun to restructure its G Series jet line.

The company has begun phasing out its G550 model in favor of G500 and G600 options. Meanwhile, there’s much fanfare about the upcoming G700, slated to enter service in 2022. Gulfstream’s fleet — which encompasses everything from the small G280 to the lavish G700 — makes it a contender in any market, including the competitive mid-sized market where the G500/G600 continue to make waves.

Orders keep rolling in

Interest in the G500/G600 isn’t waning, even as the 100-order milestone comes and goes. Gulfstream expects an uptick in orders through 2021 and 2022, thanks largely in part to the increased range and efficiency improvements. The jets have also received plenty of media attention and near-universal accolades from reviewers and brokers alike — especially those seeking a jet poised to lead the market into the coming decade. The only question left to ask is when Gulfstream will announce its 200th order.

Gulfstream G700 Has Fifth Successful Test Flight

December 3, 2020

Announced back in October 2019, Gulfstream’s much-anticipated G700 is making great progress toward an expected 2022 service date. The model’s fifth test jet, nicknamed T5, completed its test flight on October 23, 2020. The fifth and last test flight planned, all systems are go, and everything looks as good as could be desired for Gulfstream’s newest long-range offering. With more than 600 hours logged by test jets over the last eight months, Gulfstream is quickly justifying the buzz associated with the G700 through immaculate test results.

The October test

The fifth test flight of Gulfstream’s newest offering has arrived at a lightning-quick pace. Mere days after a successful fourth flight of the prototype, this fifth flight has built on the success of prior outings even as it took steps into new territory. During the three-hour and eight-minute flight, the T5 collected data that will be used to further hone avionics and flight training simulator data.

Although the jet didn’t reach previous record heights and speeds, its top altitude of 48,000 feet and speed of Mach .925 is considered a massive success.

Five testers

Gulfstream is taking a novel approach to designing and testing its newest jet. They’ve released five separate test jets. Each will focus on different components within the plane. T5 focused on avionics and flight simulator info, while the other flights each zeroed in on specifics:

• T1 looked at the more innovative aspects of the plane, like flutter, stalls, new flying qualities, and more.
• T2 prioritized the new updates implemented in the cabin.
• T3 played with loads, engine/thrust-reverser operation, field and climb performance, etc.
• T4 concentrated on the environmental control system, mechanical systems and the cooling and venting process.

By restricting their areas of testing to specific components on the plane, engineers and designers were able to amplify the attention they typically spend on a jet’s systems. The approach appears to be working. After the successful flight of T3, Gulfstream President Mark Burns reported, “All three flight-test aircraft are performing exactly as we expected.”

After two more extraordinarily successful test flights, there is no reason to expect that anything has changed in the intervening months.

Blazing new trails

We’ll still have to wait until 2022 to see the Gulfstream enter the public market. That said, after a turbulent economic year, the news that the G700 is still on track to meet its expected release date — even amidst a pandemic — is nothing short of fantastic.

After all, this could just be Gulfstream’s most exciting jet yet. With an incredibly long 7,500 nautical mile range and up to 5 expansive living areas, the G700 is equipped to handle any needs, whether you’re headed to an all-important business trip, or you’re searching for the perfect leisure craft.

The Gulfstream G700 Officially Begins Flight Testing

April 9, 2020

Gulfstream made headlines in October 2019 when it introduced the next jet in its Global Business Jet line: the G700. More than the next iteration of Gulfstream’s industry-leading line, the G700 is positioned to be the industry’s largest and best-performing business jet. Now, just a few months into 2020, the behemoth has undertaken its first successful test flight, bringing us that much closer to a market debut, expected in early 2022.

The G700 flight test secured its status as the most innovative jet Gulfstream has to offer — a true next-generation offering. Noteworthy about the flight was the 30/70 blend of aviation fuel used, a testament to Gulfstream’s focus on reducing carbon emissions. But the new jet is more than just eco-friendly. The creators at Gulfstream designed it with the luxury and comfort of future passengers in mind.

The G700 has safety features, like a predictive landing performance system, for added security on the runway. Passengers also will enjoy a luxurious cabin with panoramic windows, which Gulfstream displayed at NBAA-BACE last October.

Key features of the first flight

The G700 used during this test flight is one of five models already built. All five jets will participate in Gulfstream’s testing program, each with a different purpose. The four other models are responsible for testing features such as climb performance and mechanical systems. More tests are yet to come and after this first success, anticipation is building.

What makes the G700 different?

The G700 combines Gulfstream’s best features into one jet. It has the most spacious cabin with a total of five lounging areas to enjoy. The cabin seats up to 19 people with lounge chairs that convert into beds, plus a master suite in the back. The space is flexible, allowing passengers to configure the layout however they want. It’s the tallest, widest, and longest cabin in the industry to-date.

The G700 also includes the best safety technology. It’s controlled with Gulfstream’s award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck plus Phase-of-Flight intelligence. Touchscreens are easy to use for the pilots, and these features give the jet a faster start-up time.

Gulfstream ensures both take-off and landing are the safest possible. This jet has Gulfstream’s signature Predictive Landing Performance System, paired with the new Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). The EFVS makes landing safer with its dual heads-up displays.

Tracking the G700’s future

Gulfstream will officially release the G700 in early 2022, pending additional safety tests. Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream, is quoted as saying, “this announcement is the biggest news in business aviation history and is the result of the investments General Dynamics made to develop Gulfstream technology for Gulfstream products.”

Say Hello to the Gulfstream G700: The Future of Long-Range Jets

January 21, 2020

As it is every year, this year’s National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) annual corporate aircraft show in Las Vegas was full of exciting surprises. However, none could top the event’s first surprise: The unveiling of Gulfstream’s new G700 long-range jet. It’s set to be the biggest jet Gulfstream has ever developed, and it’s packed with features, technology, and luxury! And while we won’t see it until late 2021, the G700 is already taking the BizAv industry by storm.

The G700 is more than a step up from the much-loved G650 — it’s a direct competitor to the highly successful Global 7500 from Bombardier. The battle for long-range jet supremacy rages on, with Gulfstream setting the standard once again.

The Gulfstream G700 by the numbers

An iteration on the already successful G650, the G700 shows marked improvements in almost every facet. Simply put, it’s Gulfstream’s biggest, fastest, most fuel-efficient jet to date.

The cabin is roughly 10 feet longer than the G650, accommodating 19 comfortably. It measures in at an astounding 56’11” with an impressive cabin that’s 6’3” high and 8’2” wide. Despite its size, the G700 is all about power. The jet has a maximum high-speed cruise of Mach 0.925 and can cover a range of 7,500 nautical miles thanks to dual high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl engines.

Emphasis on technology

The true defining feature of the G700 is its data concentration network. Rather than single-wire networking of the plane’s systems, Gulfstream has taken an all-new network-based approach to system communication. The plane can now send and receive multiple signals through its wiring, allowing designers to reduce wire weight and improve communication and redundancy capabilities across the jet’s many vital systems.

In the cockpit, pilots will find Gulfstream’s active control system alive and well — now complemented by touch-screen systems and smart automations that make flying more intuitive. It benefits from a new predictive landing platform, giving pilots audiovisual cues on approach to simplify the landing process and conserve energy/fuel during takeoff and approach.

Ready to compete in the long-range market

More importantly, the G700 sets an indelible standard for what to expect as the market pushes for long-range jets. Its emphasis on speed and range, coupled with enhancements that make it whisper quiet and comfortable throughout, depict a future where transatlantic flights are the new standard. BizAv demands bigger, faster, smarter, and Gulfstream answers with the G700.

The NOAA Adds Another Gulfstream ‘Hurricane Hunter’ to its Fleet

December 10, 2019

Climate change isn’t just a big topic in sociopolitical circles. It’s also the big headline across the BizAv industry. Weather affects much of how, when, and where we fly, so it makes sense for us to understand what we’re up against. That’s the thought process behind the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) newest investment in a modified Gulfstream G550 — also known as a ‘hurricane hunter.’ The organization also placed an order for a second Beechcraft King Air 350CER, due to begin service in 2021.

The newest G550 purchase joins an elite fleet of similarly outfitted aircraft designed to fly over hurricanes, monitoring weather conditions. The organization currently operates four Twin Otters, two Lockheed Orions, one Aero Commander, one Gulfstream IV-SP, and one King Air 350CER.

The nuts and bolts of a hurricane hunter

The airframe of the Gulfstream G550 suits the needs of the NOAA in terms of operational altitude and distance capabilities. But hurricane hunters are far from stock jets. They’re extensively modified for what they’re up against and equipped with technologies specific to tracking severe weather conditions.

Functionally, the rear fuselage of the jet is longer than the stock airframe, extended to accommodate a doppler radar that analyzes storm intensity while the plane flies above it. A GPS dropsonde is affixed to the belly of the aircraft and deployed at strategic points to measure storm variables like humidity, temperature, and pressure.

Why the Gulfstream G550?

Gulfstream has held a partnership with NOAA for more than 50 years, and the organization already has a Gulfstream IV-SP (G-IV) in its fleet. The renewed investment shows the NOAA’s preference for working with an aircraft that meets its stringent demands for tracking hurricanes. The G550 checks all the right boxes.

Life-saving instruments in severe weather tracking

NOAA hurricane hunters have followed the path of some of the most violent storms over the past few decades, including Hurricanes Maria and Irma, which devastated the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast in 2017. Their job? Track the path and severity of these storms in real time to influence proactive action. Often, flight survey data from hurricane hunters is instrumental in predicting landfall.

As storms become more prolific and violent with the changing climate, NOAA and its fleet of hurricane hunters have their work cut out for them. What remains important is the critical life-saving data about the storm’s track and intensity gathered by the aircraft flying above and through the storm. With a Gulfstream G550 soon to join its fleet, the NOAA is putting itself in a position to continue providing life-saving support to those living in the path of hurricanes.