The Newborn Bizjet …
Gulfstream Aerospace unveiled its latest addition the family, the G450, at a special pre-NBAA event on Sunday, October 5th. The fourth example (S/N 4004) of the GIV-X (or next-generation GIV) joins the first G450 (S/N 4001), which first flew on April 30 and has flown more than 100 hours since. S/N 4002 flew on June 12, S/N 4003 on July 22 and S/N 4004 on September 18. Together the fleet has accumulated more than 200 hours of flight-testing. FAA certification is expected in the third quarter of 2004, followed by JAA approval in the fourth quarter and entry into service in the second quarter of 2005.
… Stretching The 400 Design …
This was the first time that Gulfstream has developed two new models concurrently, and the G450 has benefited from a number of systems originally developed for the G550. Following the creation of a G550 prototype in 2001, Gulfstream immediately began work on the G450, dubbed the GIV-X at the time. The G450’s fuselage is actually 12 inches longer than the G400 and all of this is in the nose, which the G450 inherited from the G550. The cabin door has been moved aft three feet and new single-pivot fixed-nozzle Nordam thrust reversers replace the target-type reversers on the G400/GIV.
… Adding Power …
Gulfstream officials also pointed out the less visible changes, which improve the performance of the G450. The 13,850-pound-thrust Tay 611-8C turbofans — although rated at the same takeoff thrust as the G400’s Tay 611-8s — provide 6 percent more thrust at 5,000 feet (ISA +15C) and 2 percent better fuel burn, giving the airplane 250 nm more range than the G400. As one company representative explained, “On a 3,000 nm mission, the G450 will burn 1,300 pounds less fuel than the G400.” The -8C also incorporates FADEC, a larger-diameter fan, modified high-pressure turbine and new bypass/core mixer. Maintenance intervals have been extended to 6,000 hours for midlife and 12,000 hours for full overhaul.
…With The Best Of Its Smaller Sibling
Other systems that the G450 shares with the G550 include the nose landing gear, nosewheel steering, oxygen and fire-extinguishing systems. The G450’s wing and tail are the same as those used on the GIV/GIV-SP/G400. Gulfstream expects the commonality in flying qualities and operation of the G450 and G550/500 will convince the FAA to issue the same type rating for the G450 as the G550/500. The company hopes a minimal amount of “differences” training, primarily on the engines, will be the only requirement imposed on flight crews.
