Gulfstream G650ER sets 5 speed records

The Gulfstream G650ER lands in Las Vegas after setting five speed records. (Photo: General Dynamics)

The flagship G650ER from Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, based in Savannah, Georgia, attempted a worldwide record streak heading into the 2017 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition.

The G650ER embarked on its latest world-record run from New York-area's Newark Liberty International Airport on Oct. 1, 2017, taking off for Tokyo's Haneda Airport and landing 12 hours and 40 minutes later. The aircraft flew on Gulfstream's supply of renewable fuels and covered the 5,940nm (10,943km) trip at an average speed of Mach 0.89.

On Oct. 3, 2017, the G650ER returned from Haneda to Newark in 10 hours and 54 minutes at Mach 0.90.

Following the Newark-to-Tokyo round trip, the G650ER departed Long Island's Farmingdale Republic Airport in New York bound for Paris Le Bourget Airport and completed the flight in 5 hours and 59 minutes at Mach 0.90. It then traveled 2 hours and 40 minutes to Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport at Mach 0.90.

On Oct. 6, 2017, the G650ER completed the final leg of this world record tour from Moscow to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, flying 5,247nm (9,717km) at Mach 0.90 in 10 hours and 10 minutes.

"These records are part of our continued investment in demonstrating the real-world capabilities of our aircraft after they enter service and our drive to exceed our customers' expectations," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream.

Pending approval by the U.S. National Aeronautic Association, the records will be sent to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in Switzerland for recognition as world records.

The G650ER has a range of 7,500nm (13,890km) at Mach 0.85 and top operating speed of Mach 0.925.