How Far Will The Gulfstream G800 Fly?

In early October 2021, Gulfstream announced the development of the G800, a globe-shrinking business jet designed to lead the private jet category of the fastest, longest-range, and most fuel-efficient aircraft. Gulfstream Aerospace performance specifications for the G800 indicate a maximum range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km), cruising at Mach 0.85.

Whereas private jet owners frequently want their aircraft operated on long flights at the maximum cruise speed—Mach 0.95 for the G800–the aircraft’s range is reduced by 12.5% to 7,000 NM (12,964 km).

Though best-in-class performance is a fine point among competitors—the Bombardier Global 7500 and Dassault Falcon 8X are close in terms of maximum cruise speed at Mach 0.925 and 0.90, respectively—the G800’s 8000 NM range exceeds the capabilities of both competitors. The stunning performance specs of the G800 are attributable to the refinements Gulfstream engineers made to the airfoils and the advanced Rolls Royce 700 Pearl engines, each developing 18,250 lbs. thrust.

The Pearl engine is a stretched variant of the Rolls-Royce BR725 that powers the Gulfstream G650. The Pearl represents an 18% increase in fuel efficiency.

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G800 performance—the big picture

The G800 is a standout in the private jet industry for overall performance. The aircraft is among the fastest and most luxurious private jets. In addition to its 0.925 maximum cruising speed and 8,000 NM range, the plane can carry up to nineteen passengers. Gulfstream data suggests ten pax as the optimum for the longest flights.

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

The cabin is outfitted with four separate passenger compartments that can be configured for passenger seating, dining, or sleeping quarters. The aircraft’s Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight (MGTOW) is 105,600 lbs.

Few competitors in the rarefied luxury class

The long-range, fastest large private jets category is occupied by only a few very close competitors besides the Gulfstream G700 and G800.

• Bombardier Global 7500: This aircraft has a maximum range of 7,700 nautical miles and a top speed of Mach 0.925.
• Dassault Falcon 8X: This aircraft has a maximum range of 6,450 nautical miles and a top speed of Mach 0.90.
• Boeing BBJ: Though not technically in the same class as the G800 due to its much larger size and passenger-carrying capacity, the Boeing 737 MAX BBJ is nevertheless a contender in the long-haul private jet market with its Mach 0.85 cruising speed and 7,000 NM range. Its nearly $100 million price is substantially higher than the G800’s approximately $65-70 million price tag. If you want the longest range possible in a business jet, step up to the even larger and much more expensive Boeing 777X BBJ, but be prepared to write a check for $440 million.

Simple Flying has recently published a list of the world’s fastest large private jets here.

Here are some additional unique and interesting facts about the G800:

1. Aerodynamic Wing Design: The G800 incorporates a new wing design with blended winglets that significantly reduce drag while increasing lift. The speed and fuel efficiency of the G800 is mainly due to this engineering feat.
2. Lightweight Construction: The G800’s fuselage is constructed primarily from high-strength aluminum alloys, providing an excellent balance of strength and weight. Composite materials are used for secondary structures and control surfaces, reducing the aircraft’s weight without compromising structural integrity.
3. Panoramic Windows: The G800 cabin has 16 large oval windows, the largest in the industry. These windows provide natural light and stunning panoramic views.
4. Advanced Air Quality System: The G800’s 100% fresh air system is renewed every two to three minutes and purified by a plasma-ionization system. Passengers breathe clean air throughout the flight, enhancing comfort and well-being.
5. Low Cabin Altitude: The G800 maintains the lowest cabin altitude in the industry at 2,916 feet while flying at 41,000 feet. This minimizes the effects of high-altitude travel, ensuring passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and alert.
6. Quiet Cabin Environment: Designed to be the quietest in business aviation, the G800’s cabin provides a peaceful environment, allowing passengers to work, relax, or engage in conversation without the interference of engine noise.

The avionics

The G800 is outfitted with the Symmetry Flight Deck–Gulfstream’s award-winning avionics suite, which includes industry-first active control side sticks and ten touch-screen displays. This advanced avionics system enhances pilot situational awareness and operational efficiency.

The Combined Vision System (CVS) includes dual head-up displays that integrate the Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) and Synthetic Vision System (SVS) into a single image, providing pilots with a clear view of the flight path regardless of weather conditions. This system significantly enhances safety during takeoff, flight, and landing.

Operational efficiency and environmental sustainability

The G800 design fully incorporates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and according to Gulfstream Aerospace, it has the potential to reduce net carbon emissions by up to 80%.

Statistics SAF

The price of global speed, range and luxury

Owning the fastest and longest-range private jets isn’t for bargain hunters. The G800 rolls out of the Gulfstream Savannah factory at $65 million. However, the same can be said for all aircraft in the category—the aircraft are priced within roughly $5 million of each other, all depending upon installed equipment and other options.

While Gulfstream has achieved several milestones regarding the G800 FAA type certification process, including certification of the Rolls-Royce Pearl engines, the G800 certification program remains short of Type Certification, which is expected early this year.