Gulfstream Aerospace disclosed that its newest large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550 business jet has established four new city-to-city speed records during a five-day, around-the-world, 20,120-nautical-mile journey. The around-the-world trip commenced on Sunday, Sept. 28 in Savannah, Ga., and ended at 5:39 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 at Orlando Executive Airport, Orlando, Fla.

A number of company executives and friends were on hand at Showalter Flying Services, Orlando Executive Airport, to greet the crew and aircraft, which had traveled a total of 20,120 miles in 41.2 flight hours at an average speed of 486 knots (559 m.p.h.) or .847 Mach.

“This record-setting journey is another confirmation that the G550 is everything we’ve expected it would be,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream, who was at the airport to welcome the crew. “By improving the efficiency of the two turbofan BR710 engines and reducing drag through numerous aerodynamic enhancements, the G550 is unrivaled in its ability to fly ultra-long routes nonstop. No other business jet can fly as far.”

Flown in five legs, the G550 flight crews established four new speed records between Savannah, Ga., and Ankara, Turkey; Ankara and Langkawi, Malaysia; Brunei, Brunei and Seoul, South Korea; and Seoul and Orlando. At 1,050 nautical miles, the third leg, from Langkawi to Brunei, was not considered long enough to establish a speed record. At 7,301 nautical miles ground distance, the last leg from Seoul to Orlando eclipses a ground distance record of 6,132 nautical miles set by a Gulfstream V in 1997.

Gulfstream pilots flew the G550 to Ankara for the 6th International Defence Industry Aerospace and Maritime Fair (IDEF 2003) and to Langkawi for LIMA 03, the Langkawi International Aerospace Exhibition. At both air shows, the G550 was on static display. Additionally, the G550 flew from Langkawi to Brunei for a customer demonstration.

The National Aeronautical Association has recognized the four city-to-city records as world records for Speed Over a Recognized Course. The speed records set are as follows:

The first three legs were flown by Gulfstream Captain and Chief Demonstration Pilot Bill Watters; Senior Engineering Test Pilot Al Moros; and Demonstration Pilot Ray Wellington. Roc Miles, Gulfstream director of demonstration and corporate flight operations; Tom Horne, senior experimental test pilot and G550 project pilot; and Tony Briotta, demonstration pilot, flew the last leg. Captain Watters was on board the aircraft for the entire around-the-world trip. For the last leg of this trip, there were nine souls on board, including the crew.

The G550, which completed this record-setting journey just a week after it was delivered to its owner, has now surpassed more than 100 flight hours. It will be on static display at this year’s National Business Aviation Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention, which is being held Oct. 7-9 in Orlando, Fla.

Introduced in 2002, the G550 comes fully equipped and includes the state-of-the-art PlaneView cockpit, Head-Up Display and Federal Aviation Administration-certified Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS). The flagship of the Gulfstream business jet fleet, the G550 can accommodate up to 18 passengers, fly at a maximum speed of .885 Mach and cruise at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. Owners of the G550 can choose from multiple cabin layouts and several customer-preferred option packages. Customers can also choose to customize the interior to best meet their individual needs.

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