The next generation of Gulfstream aircraft : the G500 and the G600
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. 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.
Optimal comfort and safety
Since 1958, Gulfstream has produced more than 2,200 aircraft for customers around the world. Build upon the technology present in the G650 and in the G650ER, the G500 and G600 are the next generation of Gulfstream aircraft and ensure an optimal combination of speed, range, wide-cabin comfort and fuel burn.
To maximize passenger comfort, the cabins for the G500 and G600 are distinguished by their wide cross-sections. Indeed, the finished cabin of each aircraft, which measure 91 inches/213 centimeters wide and 74 in/188 cm tall, provide 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 ft/5.0 cu m of usable volume.
Both aircraft feature an industry-leading cabin altitude of 4,850 ft/1,578 m at FL510 and 100 percent fresh air that boosts mental alertness and productivity while reducing fatigue. The quietest cabins in the industry provide an ideal environment for work-related discussion or social conversation.
Besides the passenger comfort, the enhanced G500 and G600 also feature an all-new symmetry flight deck with touch screens and active control sidesticks. Gulfstream’s revolutionary new SymmetryTM Flight Deck is the most advanced, stylish, comfortable and intuitive in business aviation.
The cutting-edge technology comes in the form of active control sidesticks (ACSs), integrated touchscreen controllers, a next-generation enhanced vision system (EVS) and Honeywell Primus Epic avionics. Moreover, 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.
Enhanced performance
Speed is one of the biggest differentiators.
The G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm/7,038 km at Mach 0.90. The G600 is capable of traveling 6,200 nm/11,482 km at Mach 0.85 or 4,800 nm/8,890 km at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for both aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same speed as Gulfstream’s G650 and G650ER.
The G500 and G600 are powered by versions of the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 series engine. The PW800 delivers excellent fuel efficiency, fewer emissions and engine noise, and has a 10,000-hour time between overhaul with no midlife inspection for lower operating cost.
The combination of the new PW800 engines and the Gulfstream-designed wing result in industry-leading fuel efficiency for both the G500 and G600.
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. To discover more business jets, have a look at our aerospace category.
