Ultra-Long-Range Aircraft Has Set Records, Made History

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. marked the 10th anniversary of the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550 receiving its type and production certificates from the FAA on Wednesday. It was the first time in Gulfstream history that an aircraft received both certifications on the same day.

“The G550, like its predecessor the GV, has been a history-making aircraft,” said Scott Neal, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream. “It was the first aircraft in civil aviation to offer integrated modular avionics through its PlaneView flight deck to improve pilot situational awareness. It also was the first to debut synthetic vision, an industry-leading safety enhancement.”

The G550 was also the first to offer Gulfstream PlaneConnect, a highly advanced system that automatically transmits reports on the aircraft’s condition to maintenance experts on the ground, enabling the speedy resolution of any maintenance issues that may arise.

Gulfstream introduced the G550 on Oct. 9, 2000. The GV, predecessor to the G550, rolled out in September 1995. The aircraft, capable of flying 6,500 nm nonstop and at speeds up to Mach 0.885, established the ultra-long-range market segment. Its descendant, the G550, is equally impressive, capable of flying 6,750 nm at long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.80. Together, the aircraft have set more than 60 world records.

(Image provided by Gulfstream)

FMI: www.gulfstream.com