Gulfstream G500 and G600 debut

Savannah, Georgia – Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has introduced an all-new family of business jets: the Gulfstream G500 and G600. 

 

Gulfstream announced the clean-sheet aircraft before a crowd of approximately 3,000 people. During the event, the first G500 taxied up under its own power, and General Dynamics chairman and CEO Phebe Novakovic revealed a nearly 70ft mockup of the G600.

 

"Today's announcement demonstrates the power of General Dynamics' consistent and disciplined investment in both Gulfstream's research and development and manufacturing facilities," said Novakovic. "The effect of that investment is manifest in the two airplanes we announced today."

 

The G500 can fly 5,000nm (9,260km) at Mach 0.85 or 3,800nm (7,038km) at Mach 0.90. The G600 is capable of traveling 6,200nm (11,482km) at Mach 0.85 or 4,800nm (8,890km) at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for both aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same speed as Gulfstream's G650 and G650ER.

 

Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream, said, "The G500 and G600 build upon the technology present in our G650 and our latest aircraft, the G650ER. Once again, our customers played a major role in the development and creation of these aircraft. The G500 and G600 continue the long Gulfstream tradition of being the first original equipment manufacturer to ensure an optimal combination of speed, range, wide-cabin comfort and fuel burn."

 

The cabins for the G500 and G600 are distinguished by their wide cross-sections. The finished cabin of each aircraft measure 91" (213cm) wide and 74" (188cm) tall. Carrying up to 19 passengers each, the G500 has three living areas, and the G600 has up to four, as well as an optional crew rest. Both aircraft have forward and aft lavatories and include a full-size galley that can be located in either the forward or aft portion of the aircraft. The baggage compartment has 175ft3 (5.0m3) of usable volume.

 

Both aircraft feature a cabin altitude of 4,850ft (1,578m) at FL510. Large oval windows, the same size as those on the G650, allow natural light into the cabins.

 

Gulfstream's new Symmetry Flight Deck comes in the form of active control sidesticks (ACSs), integrated touchscreen controllers, a next-generation enhanced vision system (EVS), and Honeywell Primus Epic avionics.

 

With electronic linking of the ACSs, the pilot and co-pilot can see and feel each other's control inputs, which helps improve pilot coordination in the cockpit.

 

Adding to the pilots' more intuitive interaction with the aircraft are 10 integrated touchscreens, which will be used for system controls, flight management, communication, checklists, and monitoring weather and flight information.

 

The G500 and G600 incorporate a third-generation Gulfstream EVS, the Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display system and Head-Up Display II.

 

Similar to the G650 and G650ER, the G500 and G600 offer a full three-axis digital fly-by-wire system with benefits that include flight-envelope protection, stability augmentation, increased redundancy and reduced maintenance.

 

The G500 and G600 are powered by versions of the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 series engine, which offers improved fuel efficiency, fewer emissions and engine noise, and 10,000-hour time between overhaul.

 

Manufacturing for the G500 and G600 will be done at two new purpose-built facilities in Savannah. Gulfstream will produce the wings and the vertical and horizontal stabilizers for each aircraft.

 

The first flight of the G500 is scheduled for 2015. Gulfstream projects it will receive type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency in 2017 and begin deliveries in 2018.

 

The G600 flight-test program is expected to begin approximately 12 to 18 months after the G500's, and entry-into-service is projected to be in 2019.

 

Following the announcement of the Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600, Dallas-based Flexjet LLC, a provider of fractional aircraft ownership services, ordered up to 50 Gulfstream aircraft. The sale includes firm orders and options for G450, G500, and G650 aircraft, and a 10-year product support service agreement.

 

Additionally, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar Airways for the purchase of up to 20 aircraft, including firm orders and options for the new, wide-cabin G500 and the flagship G650ER. 

 

His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive, Qatar Airways, said, "Qatar Executive has been on an accelerated growth path since its inception and is held to an exceptional standard of quality that is widely known by our global clientele. In order to keep pace with the future strategic growth plans of our private jet division, the fleet is being expanded with aircraft that meet the needs of our guests, providing a wide range of options. Today's announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding for G650ERs and G500s signals a next step for Qatar Executive's relatively young and buoyant history."

 

As part of Qatar Airways, Qatar Executive offers air charter services for individuals, families, businesses, corporations and governments. Qatar Executive's service portfolio includes aircraft management, airliner charter, maintenance, and FBO services.