Gulfstream has received a Type Certificate for the ultra-long-range Gulfstream V (GV) business-jet aircraft from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

Gulfstream sought the JCAB type certificate for the GV after receiving an order from the Japan Coast Guard in 2002 for two GV aircraft. The first of the two aircraft was delivered January 17 and the second GV is expected to enter service in the second quarter of this year. Both special mission aircraft, dubbed by the Japan Coast Guard "Umi Washi" (translated: Sea Eagle), have been extensively modified for maritime search and rescue.

"Historically, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau has granted validation on a case-by-case basis to operators of GV aircraft," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. "This recent type certificate removes the sometimes lengthy validation process, making the GV even more attractive to aircraft owners and operators in Japan who may have considered the GV in the past."

Including corporate customers, there are some 12 Gulfstream business-jet aircraft operating in Japan. The JCAB uses the GIV to validate the civil air navigation systems that commercial pilots and air traffic controllers depend on to ensure safety of flight. Additionally, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force employs GIV-SP aircraft for high-priority transport missions.

The holder of more than 60 world aviation records, the GV can fly 6,500 nautical miles non-stop, cruise at speeds up to Mach 0.885 and reach altitudes of 51,000 feet, well above commercial traffic. Since the aircraft was brought to the market in 1996,188 GV aircraft have been delivered and to date the fleet has completed more than 400,000 flight hours and 186,000 landings, with a dispatch reliability rate of 99.8 percent. Including this JCAB certification, the GV has been issued type certificates from 26 foreign countries.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com