Gulfstream Continues On Schedule With Its New Aircraft

Gulfstream Aerospace has received the FAA TC for its new large-cabin, ultra-long-range G500 business jet. Gulfstream received G500 certification four months after its sister ship, the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550, was certified and two months after the introduction of the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G450.

"Receiving the TC is a result of our employees' and suppliers' focus and dedication as well as the FAA's ardent and continual support of our aircraft development programs," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. "As a result of everyone's diligence in accomplishing each milestone set forth in the aggressive certification schedule, the G500 program remains on schedule with customer deliveries to begin early next year."

The G500 is one of eight aircraft that comprise Gulfstream's business jet fleet. Just over a year ago at the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention, Gulfstream renamed four of its aircraft and introduced three new business jets. At this year's NBAA event, Gulfstream introduced an eighth aircraft - the large-cabin, long-range G450 business jet.

Currently, six of the eight aircraft have received their type certifications - the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550 and G500; the large-cabin, long-range G400, the large-cabin, mid-range G300, the large-cabin, mid-range G200 and the mid-cabin, high-speed G100 business jets. The G450 and the wide-cabin, high-speed G150 are expected to receive certification in the third quarter of 2004 and in 2005, respectively.

"We've worked hard to provide the customer the right plane at the right price," Moss said. "When you consider that just five years ago we offered two aircraft models, we've come a long way in offering our customers a generous selection of aircraft with various price and performance points as well as passenger capacities."

Like the G550, the G500 features the same size cabin and maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet; the PlaneView™ cockpit, the most advanced flight deck available in commercial aviation; and 14 signature oval windows. Both aircraft can cruise at an altitude of 51,000 feet, well above commercial traffic; reach speeds up to .885 Mach; accommodate up to 19 passengers; and provide 100 percent fresh air in the cabin.

The G500 can fly up to 5,800 nautical miles nonstop, compared to the G550 that flies nearly 1,000 nautical miles farther. With a 5,150 foot takeoff distance - 760 feet less than is required by the G550 - the G500 is perfect for operating out of smaller airports that have shorter runways. Additionally, G500 customers can choose from a multiple of cabin layouts and option packages to tailor the aircraft for their specific mission needs. And like all Gulfstream aircraft, the G500 includes competitive warranty, training and maintenance programs.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com