The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the main intelligence and security service of the United States. The agency is one of the leading departments for counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal investigation in the US.

It also has jurisdiction of over 200 different crimes that are considered to be federal crimes. The FBI directly compares with other foreign intelligence agencies, such as the British M15 and the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) of New Zealand, and the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia.

Unlike other intelligence and security services in the US, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the FBI focuses on domestic crime within the US. Because of this, the FBI operates over 50 field offices spread throughout the US, and it has over 400 smaller offices in cities as well.

Additionally, the FBI operates field offices across the world, which helps the agency coordinate with foreign security services to apprehend criminals who have fled the country. It also has the authority to conduct overseas operations, which are defined as secret activities.

Due to the large number of offices spread across the US and the world, it is no wonder the FBI operates at least one private jet. Operating a private jet allows FBI executives, the US Attorney General, or the Director of National Intelligence to fly around the world to assist with active investigation when executive influence is required.

The private jet allows the ultimate flexibility while traveling, ensuring that the operator can take off and arrive whenever it is required. It also allows the operator to fly to a wider variety of airports, expanding the travel range of the executive team. Let’s take a closer look at the unique private jet that the FBI flies, as well as what makes this aircraft so special.

A Gulfstream G550 flying in the sky.

Photo: Media_works | Shutterstock

About the FBI private jet

According to JetSpy, the FBI operates a private jet, a Gulfstream G550. This aircraft was first built in 2012 and has the serial number 5361. Currently, this aircraft, which is registered as N616RK, has a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registered owner of Bank of Utah, which means that the FBI leases this aircraft for its use.

The aircraft is used frequently by the FBI, as, per JetSpy, the aircraft has operated 81 total flights in 2024. These flights have amounted to a total of 120 flights, which were mostly domestic flights. These flights have used a total of over 52,000 gallons of jet fuel, which has contributed a total of 504 metric tons of carbon emissions. According to JetSpy, the three most visited airports for this aircraft are:

  1. Manassas Regional Harry P. Davis Field (MNZ) in Manassas, Virginia
  2. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, DC
  3. Fulton County Airport Brown Field (FTY) in Fulton County, Georgia

About the Gulfstream G550

The Gulfstream G550 is one of the most popular business jets produced by Gulfstream. The Savannah, Georgia-based company first developed the aircraft in the late 1990s, specifically as an upgrade to the outdated Gulfstream V. Gulfstream implemented several different upgrades, including new drag reduction features, more powerful engines, and a state-of-the-art avionics system.

Gulfstream officially announced the program in the late 1990s, but the first prototype aircraft conducted its maiden flight on July 18, 2002. It was awarded its type certificate by the FAA on August 14, 2003, and deliveries of the aircraft began shortly after.

Gulfstream Aerospace G-V-SP Gulfstream G550 (REG: N550GP) arriving from nearby Palermo, Sicily.

Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock

Throughout its life cycle, the Gulfstream G550 found a way to a wide range of operators, as it was utilized by many wealthy executives and charter companies. Some of its more popular owners include the following celebrities:

  • Mark Cuban
  • Rupert Murdoch
  • Elon Musk
  • Larry Page
  • Rick Ross
  • Oprah Winfrey
  • Tiger Woods

The aircraft also found a niche for numerous governments as executive transport. Some of these operators include the following governments:

  • Algerian Air Force
  • German Aerospace Center
  • Italian Air Force
  • Swedish Air Force
  • Turkish Armed Forces
  • US Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard

The G550 was produced by Gulfstream from 2004 to 2021, and over 600 total aircraft were manufactured. The G550 was eventually replaced by the introduction of the improved Gulfstream G600, which occurred in October 2019. However, the production line for the G550 stayed open for several years after to fulfill other government orders.

Gulfstream G550

Photo: Fasttailwind | Shutterstock

Design features and performance specifications of the Gulfstream G550

The G550 is considered an ultra-long-range business jet due to its impressive range. Overall, this aircraft has the following performance specifications:

Maximum capacity

19 passengers

Length

96 feet five inches

Height

25 feet ten inches

Wingspan

93 feet six inches

Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)

91,000 pounds

Range

6,750 nautical miles (7,700 miles)

Maximum speed

Mach 0.885 (650 miles per hour)

Service ceiling

51,000 feet

One of the major improvements that Gulfstream made on the G550 compared to the GV was increasing its usable cabin space by moving the entry door forward and adding a seventh row of windows.

It also incorporated two Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines, which produce over 15,000 pounds of thrust each, helping the aircraft achieve impressive performance in the sky. Gulfstream also fitted the cockpit of the G550 with the Honeywell Primus Epic flight deck. This included a heads-up guidance system built by Rockwell Collins, cursor control devices, and an enhanced vision system (EVS).

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