Gulfstream G550
Gulfstream G500/G550 C-37B | |
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A Netjets Europe G550 business jet on final approach to Frankfurt Airport | |
Role | Business jet |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Gulfstream Aerospace |
Introduction | 2004 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | United States Air Force United States Navy Israeli Air Force Netjets |
Produced | 2003–present |
Number built | 500 as of May 2015[1] |
Unit cost | |
Developed from | Gulfstream V |
The Gulfstream G500 and G550 are business jet aircraft produced by General Dynamics' Gulfstream Aerospace unit in Savannah, Georgia. They are marketing names for the Gulfstream V-SP. There were 450 Gulfstream G550s in active service as of January 2016.[4]
Development
Gulfstream G500 shorter range version
The G500, a variant of the G550, was certified by the FAA in 2003.[5] It was introduced into service in 2004. As a shorter range version of the G550, it has the same exterior appearance, as well as the PlaneView cockpit, but does not have the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) as standard equipment, although it is available as an option. It has a lower fuel capacity than the G550 for a range up to 5,800 nautical miles (10,700 km). The G500 was designed for an emerging market of customers who require the reliability of the G550, but not the range or the level of interior customization.[5]
Gulfstream G550
The G550, a variant of the Gulfstream V, officially named the Gulfstream V-SP,[6] was released to the market in 2003. It has increased performance. Range is increased to 6,750 nautical miles (12,500 km), mostly due to reductions in aerodynamic drag. The Gulfstream 550 has the longest flight range in its class. Additionally, this aircraft has a "PlaneView" cockpit,[7] which consists of 4 Honeywell DU-1310 EFIS screens, a Gulfstream-designed cursor control system, and an Enhanced Vision System (EVS). EVS is an infrared camera that displays an image of the view in front of the camera on a head up display. The system permits the aircraft to land in lower-visibility instrument meteorological conditions than a non-EVS-equipped aircraft.[8] This aircraft may be distinguished from the legacy Gulfstream V by a seventh passenger window on both sides of the aircraft, and by the square outflow valve on the aircraft right side as compared to the circular one on the GV. More than 182 Gulfstream G550 aircraft have been produced as of 2008.[9]
The Gulfstream 550 competes against the Airbus Corporate Jet, Boeing Business Jet, and the Bombardier Global Express.
Design
The cabin pressurization can be maintained at the equivalent of 6,000 feet (1,800 m) altitude.[10] Comparable aircraft maintain cabin pressurization of 8,000 feet (2,400 m), giving the Gulfstream V an advantage in comfort.
Variants
- GV-SP
- The same as the Gulfstream V or GV with a new flightdeck display system, airframe aerodynamic and engine improvements, main entry door moved forward, also marketed as the G-550.
- G500
- Variant of the GV-SP, identical to the G550 but has a reduced fuel capacity. Visual Guidance System (HUD) and Enhanced Visual System are options.
- G550
- Marketing name for the GV-SP.
- C-37B
- United States military designation for the G550.
- G550 Airborne Early Warning
- Israel has acquired a number of G550s, fitted with the IAI EL/W-2085 sensor package (a newer derivative of the Phalcon system) for Airborne Early Warning (AEW) use and named the aircraft Eitam. This aircraft is heavily modified for the AEW role by Gulfstream's partner, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and is also called CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning) by Gulfstream Special Missions Department. Israel has also acquired a number of G550s dubbed SEMA (Special Electronic Missions Aircraft) with systems integration also carried out by IAI.[11] Italy has acquired 2 G550 CAEW as part of a counter-deal to Israel's $1 billion order for 30 Alenia Aermacchi M-346 advanced jet trainers. [12] Singapore ordered four similar G550 CAEW aircraft equipped with the EL/W-2085 sensor package from Gulfstream and IAI.[13][14]
- Air-to-air refueling variant: Israel Aerospace Industries has studied adapting the G550 for air-to-air refueling use.[15][16]
Operators
Civil operators
The aircraft is operated by private individuals, companies and executive charter operators. A number of companies also use the aircraft as part of fractional ownership programs.
Government and military operators
- Government of Azerbaijan - 1 G550 4K-A106 in use for VIP transport
- In late 2015 the RAAF ordered two Gulfstream G550 aircraft to be delivered by 30 November 2017. The aircraft will be used for signals and electronic intelligence gathering.[17] Both Australian Aviation and FlightGlobal have reported that the aircraft will possibly form the replacement for the electronic intelligence-gathering role performed by the RAAF's AP-3 Orions.[17][18]
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) - 1 G550 special mission aircraft. The aircraft is dubbed HALO (High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft). The aircraft's primary objective is to explore the atmosphere and its carbon cycle. Its unique configuration allows a flying altitude of more than 15 kilometers, a range of more than 8000 kilometers and a load capacity of three tons.[19][20]
- Israeli Air Force - 2 Eitam CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning); 3 Shavit SEMA (Special Electronic Missions Aircraft)[21]
- Italian Air Force - 2 G550 CAEW as part of a counter-deal to Israel's $1 billion order for 30 Alenia Aermacchi M-346 advanced jet trainers.[22]
- State of Kuwait - 1 Gulfstream G550 in service[23] for transport of the Royal family.
- Moroccan Air Force - 1 G550 in use for VIP transport
- Nigerian Air Force - 1 G550 in use for VIP transport
- Saudi Ministry of Interior - 1 G550 for VIP transport
- Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) - four G550s with the IAI/ELTA EL/W-2085 active electronically scanned array (AESA) active phased array radar for CAEW duties from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).[24] These were delivered in late 2008 and were expected to be fully operational by late 2010.[25] An additional G550 for use as an AEW trainer was to be acquired and maintained by ST Aerospace for the RSAF.[26]
- Swedish Air Force - one G550, designated TP 102D[27] It along with a G-IV designated TP 102A, and a G-IV SP, designated TP 102C, serve as transports for the Royal Family and the Prime Minister.
- Tanzania Government Flight Agency - one G550 in service for VIP transport[28]
- Government of Turkey - two G550s for in use for transport of the Prime Minister of Turkey
- Turkish Armed Forces - two G550 Command and Control aircraft in use[29]
- Government of Uganda - one G550 in use for Presidential flights since February 2009. It replaced a Gulfstream IV-SP that had been in service since 2000.[30]
- United States Air Force – one special equipped C-37B used as VIP transport including the President[31]
- United States Navy – three C-37B in service as VIP transports[32]
- United States Army – one C-37B in use since 2005[20]
Specifications
G550
Data from Gulfstream website[33]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 pilots, 0–2 attendants
- Capacity: 14–19 passengers
- Length: 96 ft 5 in (29.4 m)
- Wingspan: 93 ft 6 in (28.5 m)
- Height: 25 ft 10 in (7.9 m)
- Empty weight: 48,300 lb (21,900 kg)
- Loaded weight: 54,500 lb (24,700 kg)
- Useful load: 6,200 lb (2,800 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 91,000 lb (41,300 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan, 15,385 lbf (68.44 kN) each
- Maximum Ramp Weight: 91,400 lb (41,500 kg)
- Maximum landing weight: 75,300 lb (34,200 kg)
- Maximum fuel weight: 41,300 lb (18,700 kg)
- Cabin dimensions: volume: 1,669 ft³ (47.3 m³), height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), width: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
- Baggage compartment volume: 226 ft³ (6.4 m³)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 585 mph (941 km/h, 508 knots, Mach 0.885)
- Cruise speed: 562 mph (904 km/h, 488 knots, Mach 0.85)
- Range: 6,750 nmi (7,768 miles, 12,500 km)
- Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
- Takeoff distance: 5,910 ft (1,800 m)
- Landing distance: 2,770 ft (880 m)
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Bombardier Global Express
- Bombardier Global 5000
- Dassault Falcon 7X
- Boeing Business Jet
- Airbus A318 Elite
- Embraer Lineage 1000
References
- ↑ "Gulfstream Delivers 500th G550" (Press release). General Dynamics. 2015-05-17. Retrieved 2015-12-11.
- ↑ Business & Commercial Aviation's 2010 Purchase Planning Handbook Aviation Week.
- ↑ BCA Staff (May 2011). "Purchase Planning Handbook". Business and Commercial Aviation (May 2011): 99. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ↑ http://www.gulfstream.com/aircraft/gulfstream-g550
- 1 2 "Gulfstream G500 Receives Federal Aviation Administration Type Certificate". Gulfstream. December 8, 2003.
- ↑ "Gulfstream G550 gets US approval". Flight International, December 17, 2002.
- ↑ cockpit image, airliners.net
- ↑ Thomas, Joel (19 May 2014). "History of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation". Retrieved 19 August 2014.
- ↑ "Gulfstream Marks Entry-Into-Service Anniversaries for the G550 and the GIV-SP". Gulfstream, September 17, 2008.
- ↑ "Gulfstream V in Service For 10 years". Gulfstream, June 18, 2007.
- ↑ "Israel to receive the first of three Eitam AEW aircraft". RF Design Magazine. February 13, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-11.
- ↑ https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italy-signs-g550-aew-deal-with-israel-374579/
- ↑ Govindasamy, Siva. "Singapore takes delivery of first G550 AEW". Flight International, February 23, 2009.
- ↑ EL/W-2085 – Airborne Early Warning System.
- ↑ Egozi, Arie. "IAI and Gulfstream planning G550 tanker". Flight International, August 13, 2007.
- ↑ Egozi, Arie. "IAI continues to evaluate G550 for air refuelling". Flight International, December 23, 2010.
- 1 2 "Defence confirms acquisition of two ISR and EW Gulfstreams". Australian Aviation. 7 January 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
- ↑ Waldron, Greg (4 January 2016). "L-3 G550 contract suggests new Australian surveillance deal". Flightglobal. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
- ↑ "new research aircraft HALO successfully completed” press release 6 December 2007.
- 1 2 Gulfstream Delivers Four Special Mission Aircraft And Receives Order For One More In 1Q05. Gulfstream press release, April 21, 2005.
- ↑ "Israel", Studies (PDF), The Institute for National Security, November 20, 2014.
- ↑ "Italy signs G550 AEW deal with Israel". Retrieved 2015-10-02.
- ↑ . planepictures.net
- ↑ "Singapore confirms new AEW purchase". Flight International.
- ↑ "Singapore to Replace Hawkeye With G550 AEW". defense-update.com.
- ↑ Craig Hoyl e (16 September 2008). "Singapore to get additional G550 as AEW trainer". FlightGlobal.com. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
- ↑ "FMV har anskaffat nytt statsflygplan". www.fmv.se.
- ↑ "Aircraft Register: 5H-ONE". Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ↑ "Turkey picks G550 for command and control mission". Flight International, 16 December 2008.
- ↑ Uganda Buys New Presidential Jet to Replace Older Model
- ↑ White House Chief of Staff Card Addresses the Excelgov Conference in Washington, DC (WhiteHouse.Gov)
- ↑ U.S. Navy fact file for C-37A (G-V) and C-37B (G550)
- ↑ "Gulfstream : G550". Gulfstream.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gulfstream G550. |
Gulfstream G550 AEW&C | |
Hi-res publicity photo of G550 AEW&C and SEMA by Gulfstream Aerospace. |
- Official Gulfstream G500 and G550 pages
- Gulfstream G550 on GlobalSecurity.org
- Gulfstream G550 manual on smartcockpit.com
- FAA G550 ownership registry by state
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