Company Says The Airplane Flies Farther Faster While Using Less Runway

Gulfstream announced Monday that its newly-certified G650 aircraft offers even better performance than had been originally projected. The improvements affect the aircraft’s range at high speed and takeoff distance, giving operators increased flexibility for ultra-long-range missions. “The improved performance of the G650 makes an already best-in-class aircraft even better,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream Aerospace. “Operators are gaining a distinct advantage with these improvements: They’re going farther faster and requiring less runway. If business jets are time machines, then the G650 is the ultimate in business travel.”

The G650’s range at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 is now 6,000 nautical miles, a 1,000-nm increase over the original target of 5,000 nm. The additional capability makes city pairs such as Tokyo to New York, New York to Dubai, Shanghai to London and Moscow to Los Angeles possible at speeds faster than any other business jet.

The G650 can complete 6,000-nm missions in less than 12 hours. “The G650’s flight time for a 6,000-nm mission at Mach 0.90 would be 40 minutes less than the same mission flown on a G550,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “When every minute counts, a 40-minute savings is considerable.” 

The G650’s takeoff balanced field length decreased to 5,858 feet from the original 6,000 feet at the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight of 99,600 pounds. This improvement allows the G650 to fly farther from demanding, short runways. The G650 has a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.925, making it the fastest certified civilian aircraft in production. Each of its two Rolls-Royce BR725 A1-12 engines provides 16,900 pounds of thrust, yet the aircraft burns less fuel and produces fewer emissions compared to other aircraft in the class.

The G650 received its type certification from the FAA on Sept. 7, 2012. Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin before year-end.

Gulfstream is also demonstrating a new interior-design tool known as DesignBook during the NBAA convention. DesignBook allows customers to evaluate potential paint schemes, cabin layouts and interior cabin selections. “DesignBook brings the Gulfstream showroom experience right to the customer,” said Tray Crow, director, Interior Design, Gulfstream. “With the help of our interior design team and this tool, customers can easily visualize and evaluate different elements before making cabin selections. From paint patterns to sidewall selections, DesignBook helps customers make informed decisions about their aircraft’s design.”

DesignBook is available through Gulfstream interior designers and Completions Sales executives not in the Apple App Store.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com