Long-Range Business Jet Flies 250 Nautical Miles Farther at Higher Speed

Following more than 1,850 hours of flight-testing its G450 business jet, Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has determined the large-cabin, long-range aircraft performs better at a cruise speed of Mach 0.85 than had been originally anticipated.

When the G450 was being developed, Gulfstream expected the new aircraft to fly 3,250 nautical miles nonstop at Mach 0.85 – 250 nautical miles farther than its predecessor, the GIV/GIV-SP. Following extensive flight testing that focused on performance at highcruise
speeds, the G450 actually flies 3,500 nautical miles nonstop at Mach 0.85 -- 500 nautical miles farther than the GIV/GIV-SP. At Mach 0.80, the fuel-efficient G450 can fly 4,350 nautical miles nonstop.

“At the faster cruise speed of Mach 0.85, passengers flying from New York to London can shave 30 minutes from their trip,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. “When minutes count, the G450 has what it takes to get you to your intended destination.”

Aerodynamic, structural, and weight modifications have resulted in an aircraft that burns significantly less fuel than its predecessor at the same speed. Specifically, the G450’s re-contoured canopy; its sleeker-designed engine nacelles; improved engine pylons; and its new composite, fixed-nozzle thrust reverser have significantly reduced the aircraft’s overall drag.

Announced in 2002, the G450 was certified Aug.12, 2004, by the Federal Aviation Administration and will enter service in the second quarter of next year. Since the first flight in April 2003, Gulfstream’s four G450 test aircraft together have flown 753 test flights.

FMI:  www.gulfstream.com, www.generaldynamics.com