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Gulfstream unveils two new business jets
jets
Gulfstream's new G500 and G600 business jets - photo by Photo provided

Gulfstream Aerospace has introduced an all-new family of business jets: the Gulfstream G500 and G600. The two new aircraft optimize speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency to offer customers best-in-class performance with advanced safety features.

Gulfstream announced the clean-sheet aircraft Tuesday 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 70-foot 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 5,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm at Mach 0.90. The G600 is capable of traveling 6,200 nm at Mach 0.85 or 4,800 nm at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for both aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same speed as Gulfstream’s G650 and G650ER.

“This is another extraordinary day in the storied history of Gulfstream,” said Larry Flynn, president of Gulfstream. “I could not be more pleased to announce the next generation of Gulfstream aircraft. Once again, our customers played a major role in the development and creation of these aircraft.”

The finished cabin of each aircraft, which measures 91 inches wide and 74 inches tall, provides wide-cabin comfort with considerable head room and shoulder room for passengers.

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. Ample storage space is also prevalent in the baggage compartment, which has 175 cubic feet of usable volume.

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.

“The G500 and G600 are tremendous additions to our family of aircraft, filling a niche in an already extensive product line,” Flynn said. “In 2008, we introduced two game-changers in business aviation, the G650 and G280. Now, six years later, we’re introducing another pair of revolutionary aircraft, the G500 and G600. Thank you to all of our employees for making this possible. Those who build, design, develop, sell, market, service and support our aircraft — you are the best in the business.”