The Gulfstream G500/G600 Family
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There is something unique about the large cabin Gulfstream business jets from the outside that immediately commands attention. The pointed nose, long swept-back wings, oval windows, and large cylindrical engines give the aircraft an almost stately look. These basic attributes have changed little over the decades despite many advances that continue to push the boundaries of speed and comfort. Each new model has helped to re-define a family of aircraft admired for their quality of craftsmanship, capabilities, safety, and overall flying experience. Now in their 7th generation, the G500/ G600 family of aircraft are considered among the leaders in their field. When you want extra room to stretch out, need to accommodate larger parties, or an aircraft with the range for those longer flights in excess of 4 hours consider the Gulfstream family of large cabin business jets.
The first large cabin purpose-built business jet, the Gulfstream II took to the air in October 1966. Its predecessor the Gulfstream I (formerly known as the Grumman G-159) was a twin-turboprop business aircraft that first flew in 1958. A successor to the G 1, the jet powered G II was designed to provide high speed and long range capability using a combination of large swept wing design and powerful engines. Even these early model Gulfstream jets could reach 45,000 feet, higher than most passenger airliners of the day, and cruise at 85% of the speed of sound (Mach 0.85). An improved version of the G II, the Gulfstream III (G III) first flew in 1979, and a stretched version with further enhancements know as the Gulfstream IV (G IV) flew six years after that. These earlier models all had range capabilities upwards of 4,200 - 4,300 nautical miles / 7,000-8,000 km. Many of these aircraft, particularly the G IV, continue in service today. With numerous upgrades they are popular choices for trans-continental and international travel.
The Gulfstream V (G V) became the company's first ultra-long range aircraft when it rolled off the assembly line for the first time in 1995. With a fuselage 7 feet longer than the G-IV, and an almost 19 foot longer wingspan, the G V was designed to fly 6,500 nautical miles/ 12,000 km. The G V was also the last of the large Gulfstream Jets to use roman numeral nomenclature. The next development, the G550, entered production in 2003.
The G650 and G650ER are Gulfstream's longest range jets. They entered service in 2012 and 2014 respectively. The G650 is capable of traveling 7,000 nm / 12,964 km, while the G650ER can perform missions of 7,500 nm/ 13,890 km, roughly equivalent to New York to Hong Kong nonstop. Such long distance flights demand the utmost in services and amenities. Both aircraft can be equipped with a full kitchen and bar and commonly feature a variety of entertainment and business productivity options including satellite telephones and wireless Internet.
The next production variants to come are the G500 and G600 , slated to enter service in late 2018 and 2019 respectively. The G500 has a range of 5,200 NM / 9,630 km, while the slightly larger G600 can fly 6,500 nm / 12,038 km. The G600 will replace the G550. Both aircraft seat up to 19 passengers and can sleep 8-9. The G600 can be configured for up to four living areas. A shower is also an option for those that want to arrived fully refreshed and ready to do business.