Gulfstream G550

The Gulfstream G500 and G550 are business jet aircraft produced by General Dynamics' Gulfstream Aerospace unit in Savannah, Georgia. They are marketing names for the Gulfstream V-SP. There were 450 Gulfstream G550s in active service as of January 2016.

Development

Gulfstream G500 shorter range version

The G500, a variant of the G550, was certified by the FAA in 2003. It was introduced into service in 2004. As a shorter range version of the G550, it has the same exterior appearance, as well as the PlaneView cockpit, but does not have the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) as standard equipment, although it is available as an option. It has a lower fuel capacity than the G550 for a range up to 5,800 nautical miles (10,700 km). The G500 was designed for an emerging market of customers who require the reliability of the G550, but not the range or the level of interior customization.

Gulfstream G550

The G550, a variant of the Gulfstream V, officially named the Gulfstream V-SP, was released to the market in 2003. It has increased performance. Range is increased to 6,750 nautical miles (12,500 km), mostly due to reductions in aerodynamic drag. The Gulfstream 550 has the longest flight range in its class. Additionally, this aircraft has a "PlaneView" cockpit, which consists of 4 Honeywell DU-1310 EFIS screens, a Gulfstream-designed cursor control system, and an Enhanced Vision System (EVS). EVS is an infrared camera that displays an image of the view in front of the camera on a head up display. The system permits the aircraft to land in lower-visibility instrument meteorological conditions than a non-EVS-equipped aircraft. This aircraft may be distinguished from the legacy Gulfstream V by a seventh passenger window on both sides of the aircraft, and by the square outflow valve on the aircraft right side as compared to the circular one on the GV. More than 182 Gulfstream G550 aircraft have been produced as of 2008.

Gulf Stream (disambiguation)

The Gulf Stream is a warm Atlantic Ocean current.

Gulf Stream or Gulfstream may also refer to:

Gulfstream G650

The Gulfstream G650 is a twin-engine business jet airplane produced by Gulfstream Aerospace. The model is designated Gulfstream GVI in its type certificate, and may be configured to carry between 11 and 18 passengers. Gulfstream began the G650 program in 2005 and revealed it to the public in 2008. The G650 is the company's largest and fastest business jet with a top speed of Mach 0.925.

The aircraft project was named the 2014 winner of the Collier Trophy, for having "strengthened business aviation through significant technological advancements in aircraft performance, cabin comfort, and safety." The G650ER is an extended-range version of the G650.

Design and development

The Gulfstream G650 was formally launched as an internal company project in May 2005, and publicly unveiled on March 13, 2008. At the public announcement occasion, company executives stated the new model would become Gulfstream's largest, fastest and most expensive business jet on entry to the market.

The G650 has a cruise speed of Mach 0.85 to 0.90, with maximum speed of Mach 0.925 and a range of up to 7,000 nmi (13,000 km). It can be equipped with a full kitchen and bar and may be equipped with a variety of entertainment features including satellite phones and wireless Internet. The jet uses two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, each producing a maximum thrust of 17,000 pounds-force (75.6 kN). Gulfstream states that with a weight of less than 100,000 pounds (45,400 kg), it is able to land at small airports avoiding the busy airports around the world.

Gulfstream IV

The Gulfstream IV (or G-IV or GIV) and derivatives are a family of twin-jet aircraft, mainly for private or business use. The aircraft was designed and built by Gulfstream Aerospace, a General Dynamics company based in Savannah, Georgia, United States from 1985 until 2003.

Design and development

Gulfstream, in collaboration with Grumman, began work on the Gulfstream IV in March 1983 as a re-engined, stretched fuselage derivative of the Gulfstream III. A decision to redesign the wing structure for weight reduction presented an opportunity for an aerodynamic redesign of the wing to reduce cruise drag and increase range. Wing contour modifications had to be restricted to the forward 65% of wing chord so that no redesign of the control surfaces would be necessary. Modification of the inboard wing would have entailed a redesign of the fuselage floor structure, consequently this region of the wing was not modified. Outboard wing modifications were aimed at reducing the peak subcritical pressure coefficient and moving it aft in an effort to reduce shock strength and increase shock sweep. The Gulfstream IV wing has a weaker, more swept outboard shock resulting in a lower cruise drag. Other benefits arising from this design are a lower root bending moment due to the more inboard center of pressure, a lower stall speed due to washout and a larger fuel volume due to increased chord. These aerodynamic improvements result in an increase in range of over 300 nautical miles.