The competition for the world’s fastest private jet has always been a tough race. Aircraft manufacturers are keen to offer the very best of the best, and as such, private jets are always getting faster. This is no exception when it comes to ultra-long-range aircraft; often, speed is even more important in terms of covering long distances in a shorter time. But which ultra-long-range aircraft is the fastest?
It is not unusual for the fastest private jets to reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.925 or more. Cruise speeds are lower, but missions are still completed faster than ever before and with greater fuel efficiency. Recent models from Gulfstream and Bombardier have broken numerous speed records.
How is speed measured?
The speed of flight is measured in knots of true airspeed (ktas) which is the aircraft’s velocity relative to the air mass traveled through. Private jet speed is often measured in Mach number, which compares it to the speed of sound. The speed of a private jet also depends not only on the make or model but also takes into account the number of passengers, the payload and the weather conditions.
Most passenger aircraft cruise at 480 to 575 miles per hour or between Mach 0.74 and Mach 0.8. The latest private jets by Bombardier and Gulfstream fly at speeds upwards of Mach 0.92. These ultra-long-range business jets are designed to fly long distances while cutting down on the hours spent in the air.
The Gulfstream G700
Maximum speed: Mach 0.935 (993 km/h)
Maximum range: 7,750nm (14,350 km/h)
|
Performance characteristics |
Specifications |
|---|---|
|
Passenger capacity |
19 |
|
Power plants |
2x Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 turbofan engines |
|
Thrust per engine |
18,250 lbf (81.2 kN) |
|
Operational range |
7,750 NM (14,350 km) |
|
Cruise speed |
Mach 0.9 (516 knots, 956 km/h) |
|
Service ceiling |
51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace
The recently certified G700 can reach the maximum speed in optimal conditions but normally maintains a cruise speed of Mach 0.90 for up to 6,650 nautical miles. To date, the G700 has won more than 50 speed records. Its impressive range means that it can fly almost anywhere in the world nonstop. The G700 was designed with an aerodynamic wing and winglets that both improve fuel efficiency.
The Bombardier Global 7500
Maximum speed: Mach 0.925 (982 km/h)
Maximum range: 7,700nm (14,260 km)
|
Performance characteristics |
Specifications |
|---|---|
|
Passenger capacity |
19 |
|
Power plants |
2x GE Passport engines |
|
Thrust per engine |
18,920 lbf (84.2 kN) |
|
Operational range |
7,700 NM (14,260 km) |
|
Cruise speed |
Mach 0.85 (562 knots, 1,040 km/h) |
|
Service ceiling |
51,000 ft (15,545m) |
The Global 7500 is one of the largest private jets in the world. It entered service in 2018 and over 200 of the aircraft have been produced at the present time. It has a transonic wing that was redesigned. The General Electric Passport engines, especially created for the aircraft, produce an incredible 18,920 pounds of thrust. The aircraft can fly for up to 17 hours and although it has a maximum speed of Mach 0.925, it is just pipped to the post as fastest by the Gulfstream G700.
The Gulfstream G800
Maximum speed: Mach 0.925 (982 km/h)
Maximum range: 8,000nm (14,800 km)
|
Performance characteristics |
Specifications |
|---|---|
|
Passenger capacity |
19 |
|
Power plants |
2x Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines |
|
Thrust per engine |
18,250 lbf (81.2 kN) |
|
Operational range |
8,000 NM (14,800 km) |
|
Cruise speed |
Mach 0.85 (488 knots, 903 km/h) |
|
Service ceiling |
51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
Photo: Gulfstream
The Gulfstream G800 was designed to be the longest range business jet in the world. Its high speed range means that flying greater distances at top speed you gain time. On flights of over 6,500 nautical miles, you can save 1.5 hours on average. The aircraft is slightly smaller than the G700 and has the same wings and engines as the G700. It is designed to maximize fuel efficiency. Although a touch slower than the G700, it is on par with the Global 7500, but with more range.
The Bombardier Global 8000
Maximum speed: Mach 0.94 (1,150 km/h)
Maximum range: 8,000nm (14,800 km)
|
Performance characteristics |
Specifications |
|---|---|
|
Passenger capacity |
19 |
|
Power plants |
2x General Electric Passport engines |
|
Thrust per engine |
18,920 lbf (84.2 kN) |
|
Operational range |
8,000 NM (15,000 km) |
|
Cruise speed |
Mach 0.92 (609 knots, 594 mph, 1,130 km/h) |
|
Service ceiling |
51,000 ft (16,000 m) |
Photo: Bombardier
Could the Bombardier Global 8000 be the fastest private jet of the future? In May 2021, during testing, the Global 8000 exceeded the speed of sound at Mach 1.015. It has a slightly smaller cabin than the Global 7500 and is designed for a slightly longer range, in competition with the Gulfstream 800. It has the same engines as the Global 7500. The Global 8000 is a little faster during the cruise and has a maximum speed of Mach 0.94, although this may change.
The need for speed
The latest private jets are almost reaching the speed of sound at Mach levels. Both Gulfstream and Bombardier are using newer, improved engines, the latest avionics, design, and technology to create some of the fastest private jets in the world. The race will continue, and although the Gulfstream G700 is currently the fastest, just above the Global 7500 and the newest Gulfstream G800, the fastest in the near future will probably be the Global 8000, which will just surpass it once it is certified.