Dawn of the 8,000 Nautical Mile Business-Jet

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced that its new, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G800 successfully completed its first flight—thereby launching the flight-test program of what the Savannah, GA air-framer asserts will be the business aircraft industry’s longest-range aircraft.

The G800 departed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 09:00 EDT and returned two hours later. In keeping with current trends in virtue-signaling, the test-aircraft made the flight using a blend of standard and sustainable aviation fuels.

Gulfstream asserts the G800 can fly 8,000 nautical-miles at Mach 0.85, and 7,000 nautical-miles at Mach 0.90 with class-leading fuel-efficiency. The aircraft’s performance, range, and economy derive of the combination of its Gulfstream-designed, advanced high-speed wing, and all-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines.

The G800’s cabin—which can accommodate up to 19 passengers—features hand-crafted, ergonomic seats; a high-definition circadian lighting system; one-hundred-percent fresh, never recirculated air; the lowest cabin altitude in the industry; a plasma-ionization air purification system; and 16 of the opulently large windows for which Gulfstreams are renown. The G800 offers up to four living areas, or three living areas with a crew compartment.

The G800 cockpit is equipped with Gulfstream’s next-generation Symmetry Flight Deck and dual head-up displays featuring the company’s new Combined Vision System—which includes Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision System imagery.

Certification and first deliveries of the $71.5-million G800 are expected in 2023. The aircraft will compete directly with Bombardier’s Global 8000, which is set to enter service in 2025. Bombardier claims the Global 8000 will have the capability to fly up to 8,000 nautical miles and reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.94. That the Global 8000 can meet those performance predictions contemporaneously is unlikely. 

FMI: www.gulfstream.com