A Look At The Gulfstream G280

The Gulfstream G280 is a medium-sized twin-engine corporate jet produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAl) for Gulfstream Aerospace. Developed from the Gulfstream G200, the manufacturer began the initial design and planning of a new version with IAl in 2005. The idea was to offer a follow-on aircraft with a glass cockpit, new avionics systems, engines, and a larger wing.

The new model was launched in 2008 and was initially named G250. The aircraft performed its maiden flight in December 2009 in Tel Aviv. The company soon realized that G250 may not be an amenable number sequence in some cultures and changed it to G280. The aircraft received its regulatory certification in September 2012 and entered commercial service afterward. The aircraft was assembled in Israel before being ferried to Dallas, Texas, for paint and interior finishing. More than 200 examples of the G280 have since been delivered.

Photo: Kevin Porter | Shutterstock

The Gulfstream G280

General characteristics

• Crew: Two
• Passenger capacity: 10 (in executive style seating)
• Payload capacity: 4,050 lbs (1,840 kg)
• Length: 66 ft 10 in (20.3 m)
• Wingspan: 63 ft 0 in (19:2 m)
• Height: 21 ft 4 in (6.5 m)
• Wing area: 495 sa ft (46 m2)
• Empty weight: 24,150 lb (10,954 kg)
• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 39,600 lb (17,960 kg)
• Powerplant: 2x Honeywell HTF7250G turbofan engines
• Thrust per engine: 7,624 bf (33.91 kN) takeoff thrust

The G280 is a Gulfstream-designed aircraft in terms of wings and empennage. However, the IAI primarily conducted the detailed design and configuration of the aircraft. As such, despite its development from the G200, the aircraft holds a new type certification. While the aircraft’s length remains the same, the size of the cabin interior is increased by nearly 1.5 ft (43 cm), thanks to the removal of the aft fuselage fuel tank.

The engine bleed air provides wing anti-ice. High-pressure, high-temperature air from the engine’s high-pressure (HP) compressor is routed to the wing, including the wing’s leading edges, to eliminate the effects of wing anti-ice. Notably, any air bled from the engine comprises its operational efficiency. That is why engine bleed systems are generally limited to when and how much air is required to serve the purpose.

Photo: Mike Fuchslocher | Shutterstock

The high-thrust HTF7250 turbofan engine delivers over 7,600 lbf (33.9 kN) of takeoff thrust to support nearly 40,000 lb (17,750 kg) MTOW. The Israel-assembled aircraft also features standard autothrottle and auto brake systems.

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A highly versatile jet

• The G280 features the PlaneView280™ flight deck.
• Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS)
• Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display, with 3D graphics of terrain and runways

The Gulfstream G280 is a highly versatile aircraft in terms of its flight deck and systems, cabin interior, and operability. The aircraft requires a maximum takeoff distance of 4,750 ft, making short-runway operations possible. Moreover, it is capable of operating on difficult surfaces and trails. According to Gulfstream,

“Created to reimagine super-midsize performance, the G280 excels at blazing difficult trails. Certified for steep-approach operations, it makes nimble work of short runways, high-altitude airports and low-visibility conditions.”

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Comfort for all

The G280 features a smooth and optimized ride thanks to its comfortable cabin and executive seating options. A highly customizable cabin awaits elite passengers with the aim of optimizing passenger experience on flights of any length. The stretched interior allows for sufficient space for baggage in the cabin. That means passengers can have access to their baggage during flight.

According to Gulfstream,

“Our skilled artisans create your bespoke interior with premium furniture and accessories, designing your ideal space in the sky. Each configuration supports a fully equipped galley, a generous baggage compartment and an airy lavatory featuring two windows and a full-size closet.”

Photo: Anton Volynets | Shutterstock

Gulfstream’s three-point comfort approach

Rest

Thanks to its significantly quiet engines and sleep configuration, which allows up to five passengers in fully lie-flat seats, passengers can rest in a whisper-quiet cabin.

Thrive

Passengers minimize the effects of travel fatigue, tiredness, and jet lag through various cabin enhancements. The cabin boasts 100% fresh air and natural light from 19 large oval windows. Gulfstream claims that the aircraft has the lowest cabin altitude in the class.

Focus

Based on customer requirements, a range of cabin configurations are possible. Up to ten passengers enjoy executive seats in the G280, regardless of the choice of interior and seating.

The G280’s performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 0.84
• Cruise speed: 459 knots (528 mph, 850 km/h) normal cruise at altitude
• Operational range: 3,600 NM (4,143 mi, 6,667 km) at Mach 0.80 with four passengers
• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
• Fuel consumption: 1,900 lb. per hour

Photo: Gulfstream

The aircraft boasts some of the lowest specific fuel consumption (SFC) in its class. The clean aerodynamic profile not only enables lower drag in the air but also promises reduced carbon emissions in the environment. The company claims to lead the industry in sustainability efforts, including new aircraft technologies and environmentally responsible practices.

What are your thoughts on the Gulfstream G280 and its features? Share your views in the comments section.