Summary
- Gulfstream are known for long-range luxury jets with their signature oval windows, making it a top choice among private jet enthusiasts.
- Gulfstream jets can land on short runways, offering accessibility to small and remote airports bringing unparalleled luxury and comfort.
- With lower cabin altitudes for reduced fatigue, Gulfstream jets can carry up to 16 passengers on long-haul flights, making them a top choice globally.
There is a very limited supply of private jets and they are a niche market, considering their cost and exclusivity. When we think of private jets, we think of Cessna, Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer and Dassault and everyone has their favorite. Today, we take a look at why Gulfstream is such a popular aircraft manufacturer and the reasons why.
Popular private jet
Gulfstream is known for its long-range jets that can connect continents and enabling travel to many major city pairings across the world. Of course, the luxury and comfort of private jets over commercial travel is unparalleled and since the pandemic, we have seen the rise in demand for private jets, both owned and chartered. Gulfstream aircraft are iconic, popular and instantly recognizable, mostly by their signature large oval windows.
Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock
Long-range and short runways
Although Gulfstream stands out in the area of ultra-long-range jets, the jets also have the capability to land on short runways. They can be stopped when moving at 130 miles per hour on a runway of less than 5,000 feet. So, although primarily they are considered long-range aircraft, their ability to make short-runway landings means that even small or remote airports can be accessed.
Low cabin altitude
Flying long-haul often creates fatigue and jet lag afterward, when flying at a standard cabin altitude of around 8,000 feet. However, Gulfstream tackled this by lowering the cabin altitude to 4,500 or 5,400 feet in some models. This reduces travel-induced fatigue and makes the passenger more comfortable. The newer G700 and G800 have even lower altitudes of just under 3,000 feet.
Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace
Aircraft payload
At a maximum capacity of 6,600 pounds, a Gulfstream GV can fly from Dallas, Texas to Bern in Switzerland, which is quite a feat. This would be typically carrying passengers and light cargo but variable in that, more fuel can be carried with less passengers or cargo and it can fly further. A Gulfstream GV can fly up to 14 hours on one tank of jet fuel. So, 16 passengers could fly from London to Singapore, non-stop, with no problems.
A little history
The company started as Grumman Aircraft Engineering Co. in the late 1950s and made military aircraft. They developed the first Gulfstream I aircraft, which was a turboprop business jet. They moved from New York to Savannah, Georgia in the 1970s and merged with American Aviation Corp. and changed their name to Gulfstream American. They then became Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. to reflect their worldwide scope. The company was bought by General Dynamics in the late 1990s.
Product history:
|
Model |
Designation |
FAA approval |
MTOW (g) |
Engines |
Thrust (N) |
Range (nmi) |
Number sold |
Length |
Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
G-1159 |
Gulfstream II |
19/10/1967 |
29 400 |
Spey 511-8 |
50 700 |
3 680 |
250+ |
24.4 m |
21.0 m |
|
G-1159A |
Gulfstream III |
22/09/1980 |
31 600 |
Spey 511-8 |
50 700 |
3 760 |
200+ |
25.3 m |
23.7 m |
|
G-1159B |
Gulfstream G-IIB |
17/09/1981 |
31 600 |
Spey 511-8 |
50 700 |
24.4 m |
23.7 m |
||
|
G-IV |
Gulfstream IV/G300/G400 |
22/04/1987 |
33 800 |
Tay 611-8 |
61 600 |
4 300 |
500+ |
26.9 m |
23.7 m |
|
GV |
Gulfstream V |
11/04/1997 |
41 000 |
BR710A1-10 |
65 600 |
6 500 |
190+ |
29.4 m |
28.4 m |
|
GV-SP |
Gulfstream G550/G500 |
14/08/2003 |
41 300 |
BR710C4-11 |
68 400 |
6 750 |
500+ |
29.4 m |
28.5 m |
|
GIV-X |
Gulfstream G450/G350 |
12/08/2004 |
33 800 |
Tay 611-8C |
61 600 |
4 350 |
330+ |
27.2 m |
23.7 m |
In the 1980s, the Gulfstream GIV was developed and in the following decade, the Gulfstream GV followed. The first ultra-long-range business jet, the GV left the assembly line in 1995. Gulfstream continued to thrive and grow and manufactured the GIV-SP and the GV and has set speed and distance records as well as winning awards for its aircraft.
Further development
By the 2000s, Gulfstream had developed the G100 and G200 and renamed their products. The ultra-long-range G500 and G550, the long-range G400, the mid-range G200 and G300 and the fast G100 were all in production. The G350 and G450 followed. In 2008, the G650 was introduced and has been one of their most popular aircraft.
Current production:
|
Aircraft |
Maximum Range |
Passengers |
Length |
Cabin Height |
Cabin Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gulfstream G800 |
8 000 nmi (14 800 km) |
Up to 19 |
30.4 m |
1.9 m |
2.5 m |
|
Gulfstream G700 |
7 500 nmi (13 900 km) |
Up to 19 |
33.5 m |
1.9 m |
2.5 m |
|
Gulfstream G650ER |
7 500 nmi (13 900 km) |
Up to 19 |
30.4 m |
2.0 m |
2.6 m |
|
Gulfstream G650 |
7 000 nmi (13 000 km) |
Up to 19 |
30.4 m |
2.0 m |
2.6 m |
|
Gulfstream G600 |
6 200 nmi (11 482 km) |
Up to 19 |
29.3 m |
1.9 m |
2.4 m |
|
Gulfstream G500 |
5 000 nmi (9 300 km) |
Up to 19 |
27.8 m |
1.9 m |
2.4 m |
|
Gulfstream G400 |
4 200 nmi (7 800 km) |
Up to 11 |
26.3 m |
1.9 m |
2.3 m |
|
Gulfstream G280 |
3 600 nmi (6 700 km) |
Up to 10 |
20.4 m |
1.9 m |
2.2 m |
The current range of aircraft that Gulfstream produces are the G280, G400, G500/G600, G650/G650ER and further, the recently certified G700 and the newest G800, which should receive certification this year. At the current time, Gulfstream has the fastest and longest-range business jet currently in production, the G700. The world-setting records and awards continue to flow in.
Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace
In conclusion
There is no doubt that Gulfstream is one of the most recognizable and popular aircraft manufacturers and they have some of the most technologically advanced business jets on the market. They are synonymous with luxury and quality and have delivered over 2000 aircraft.
The most popular aircraft in service are the G550 and G650 and are still in demand not only by A-listers but by governments worldwide. The G650 and G650ER alone have just notched up over one million flight hours. With the new G700 and G800 on the way, Gulfstream will always remain a popular choice for private jet owners and operators alike.