The G550 Receives Its Provisional Type Certificate …
Gulfstream Aerospace recently announced that its flagship business jet, the Gulfstream G550, has received a Provisional Type Certificate from the FAA. The certification is subject to certain operational limitations that will be removed during the coming months, well in advance of the first Gulfstream G550 entering customer service. Gulfstream claims that the G550 features the most advanced flight deck in corporate aviation. The PlaneView cockpit is an integrated avionics suite featuring four large liquid-crystal displays that improves the readability of terrain maps, navigational and weather information, and primary flight data.
The Gulfstream G550 standard equipment also includes the company’s proprietary Enhanced Vision System. The Gulfstream EVS, which is the first system of its kind to be certified by the FAA, significantly improves pilot situational awareness during conditions of reduced visibility, both in flight and on the ground.
First customer deliveries of Gulfstream G550s will take place this month, with initial entry into service of aircraft in the third quarter of 2003.
"Introducing innovative technology requires that we work closely with the FAA to meet the new criteria for evaluation and certification," said Bill Boisture, president, Gulfstream.
"This marks the first certification of the revolutionary Honeywell Primus Epic architecture and puts Gulfstream and Honeywell in a strong leadership position," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.
Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, each producing more than 15,000 pounds of thrust, the G550 can fly eight passengers and four crewmembers 6,750 nautical miles — the longest range available in a business jet. The G550 will fly nonstop from New York to Tokyo in 14 and one-half hours at altitudes up to 51,000 feet (15,545 meters), high above commercial air traffic, weather, and adverse winds, and permitting even more direct routing.
The first production Gulfstream G550 rolled out in June 2002 and successfully completed its first flight, a Gulfstream record-breaking five-hour and one-minute test flight, in July 2002. Designed and manufactured in Savannah, the Gulfstream G550 is the next generation aircraft to the highly successful Gulfstream V. The Gulfstream V achieved sales of almost 200 aircraft in the past five years and established more than 70 world and national aviation records during the same period.
… The G400 Is Introduced …
Gulfstream held ceremonies on Dec. 3 to mark the production end of the G-IV-series aircraft and the official start of production of two new models: the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300, and the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400. The Gulfstream team has already started building aircraft serial number 1500, a G400, which will be delivered to its owner next year. Three planes later, at serial number 1503, the first G300 will move down the line. Both aircraft were introduced at this year’s National Business Aviation Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention, held in Orlando, Fla., in September.
The Gulfstream G400 is fully equipped and includes a standard heads-up display and advanced navigational equipment. The large-cabin, long-range aircraft can fly up to 14 passengers 4,100 nautical miles nonstop at speeds of up to .88 Mach. Gulfstream boasts that the G400 has the largest cabin in its class.
"It’s because of the G-IV’s unprecedented popularity that we’ve been able to increase our product line from one plane in 1994 to seven planes today," Bill Boisture, Gulfstream president, said in a press release. "The new G300 and G400 models are based on the G-IV’s proven design and provide an even greater choice in terms of non-stop range capability, outfitting, service and training for flight and maintenance crews," he added.
… And The 500th G-IV Rolls Off The Line
More than 3,000 Gulfstream employees, suppliers and guests gathered at the company’s headquarters and business aircraft production facility in Savannah on Dec. 3. Together, they witnessed the 500th and last Gulfstream IV, serial number 1499, as it was "rolled out" from the production hangar.
Introduced in 1985, the large-cabin, long-range G-IV is a holder of more than 70 world records, including both eastbound and westbound around-the-world speed records. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Tay engines, the G-IV can fly up to 4,220 nautical miles at Mach .80 and with a takeoff distance of 5,450 feet, the G-IV can land in airports with runways too short to accommodate commercial aircraft. Additionally, Gulfstream claims the G-IV — with a dispatch reliability rate of 99.66 percent — is the most dependable in its class.
Gulfstream introduced the "special performance" Gulfstream IV-SP (G-IV-SP) in 1992. This enhanced aircraft featured increased takeoff and landing weight, which allowed for heavier payloads and more flexibility in outfitting. It also featured an enhanced landing package that included structural improvements to the landing gear, upgraded anti-lock brakes and new wheels and tires.
