FAA Certifies Gulfstream's Newest Large-Cabin Aircraft

Gulfstream has announced that its newest large-cabin, mid-range business jet, the Gulfstream G350, has received type certification from the FAA. The G350, which was introduced just eight months ago at the 2004 Asian Aerospace exhibition in Singapore, is expected to enter service during the third quarter next year.

"We developed the G350 specifically for customers who require ample seating and cargo space, but who don't need long- or ultra-long-range capability," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. "An outstanding value, the G350 is competitively priced, yet outperforms all other business jets in its class and features the largest number of standard equipment items, including the Planeview cockpit."

Compared to other business jets in its class, the G350 offers the fastest long-range cruise speed at Mach 0.80 and the longest range - up to 3,800 nautical miles nonstop. Additionally, because the G350 requires only 5,050 feet to take oft, smaller airports with shorter runways are accessible. The G350 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Tay 611-SC engines, each producing 13,850 pounds of thrust.

At more than 40 feet long, the G350 cabin configuration comfortably accommodates 16 passengers in three distinctive seating areas and has ample room in its baggage compartment for hanging garment bags, oversized luggage and promotional materials.

The G350 is similar in design to its sister ship, the large-cabin, long-range G450. While the G450 can fly 550 nautical miles farther than the G350, both aircraft feature the same spacious cabin. The G450 was introduced last October in Orlando (FL) and received its FAA Type Certificate in August of this year.

Looking beyond their similar appearance, both the G450 and G350 share the same flight control systems, engines, the advanced PlaneView flight deck, the Honeywell Primus avionics architecture, an updated Honeywell 36-150 APU, and numerous upgraded systems, including electrical power and environmental control systems. Additionally, because the G350 and G450, as well as the ultra-long-range G500 and G550, all feature the PlaneView cockpit, they all share the same pilot type rating.

"For our customers who operate multiple-Gulfstream-aircraft fleets, the similarity in design between the G350, G450, G500 and G550 results in cost-savings in terms of crew training and maintenance," Moss added.

The G350 fills the position previously held by the G300 (right). However, in comparison with the G300, the G350 features an additional range of 200 nautical miles, a roomier cabin and cockpit and baggage area, an advanced technology flight deck and an upgraded cabin environmental control system.

The G350 was developed by the same internal team that developed the G550 and the G500. Earlier this year, the National Aeronautic Association honored the G550 team with the 2003 Collier Trophy, aviation's most prestigious award, citing its "leading-edge achievement in designing, testing and building an innovative aircraft while incorporating measurable safety enhancements and far-reaching advances in aerospace technology."

FMI: www.gulfstream.com