Much like the 747. The Gulfstream G650 is an air icon. Even if it’s only relatively new. The Gulfstream G650 is the world’s most luxurious aircraft. It costs $69.5 million. But is it worth it?
The standard G650 costs $69.5 million. The ER version costs $71.5 million. The aircraft consists of many luxury items. A bed chamber. An entertainment room. A full kitchen. A bar. And luxury dining and seating areas.
How was the Gulfstream G650 brought into being?
The G650 has become Gulfstream’s premier flagship. Gulfstream wanted a larger, faster and more expensive jet to enter the market. In May 2005, Gulfstream launched an internal project. In March 2008, it was revealed to the public.
The wing design was completed in 2006. In 2008, it completed 1,400 hours of wind tunnel testing. On 26 September 2009, the G650 taxied under its own power. A public rollout was held three days later. The G650 first took flight on 25 November 2009.
Flight testing of the G650 revealed the aircraft’s maximum speed of 0.925 Mach. This was announced on May 4 2010. Gulfstream reported that during 1,800 hours of flight testing. The G650 was able to reach 0.995 Mach during a dive.
In April 2010, a G650 on a test flight, crashed shortly after take-off. All G650’s were grounded until the 28 May 2011. Only then was it determined what the cause of the crash was. A faulty engine on take-off. On 28 May 2012, the remaining G650 test flights were resumed.
On 7 September 2012, the G650 received a type certificate from the FAA. The first G650 was delivered on 27 December 2012. It was delivered to an American man. Preston Henn. Founder of the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop.
On 18 May 2014, Gulfstream announced a new G650. One with larger range. This aircraft was designated G650ER. ER standing for ‘extended range’. In March, Gulfstream announced that the G650ER had flown non-stop from Hong Kong to Teterboro. A distance of 7,494 nautical miles (13,879 km or 8,624 mi). It is also claimed that it has flown non-stop Los Angeles to Melbourne.
The Gulfstream G650 design
The G650 fuselage was designed to be made of metal construction. Composites were also incorporated into the design. Used for the empennage. Winglets. Read pressure bulkhead. Engine cowlings. Cabin floor structure. And most of the fairings. The wing has a greater sweep. When compared to previous Gulfstream aircraft.
The aircraft controls are designed to be completely fly-by-wire. With the G650 being the second business jet to be fly-by-wire. With the Dassault Falcon 7X being first. Much before the Embraer Legacy 500. The G650 shares much in common with the G550. Including Yokes and column. All this in an effort to achieve a common type rating.
The Gulfstream G650 comes with many luxuries as standard. A full bar. A full kitchen. A variety of entertainment features. Including high speed internet. A TV set. And satellite telephones. Gulfstream designed the jet in such a way that it can land at large airports. But also small airports or those with noise restrictions.
G650 variants
The G650. Like many aircraft. Has many variants.
- The standard G650 variant. The base of the rest. Is by far the most common variant. Christopher Reyes, founder of Reyes Holdings. Is an owner of a G650.
- G650ER. ‘ER’ standing for ‘extended range’. With an increased weight. And increased fuel capacity. This variant is capable of flying 7,500 nautical miles. Compared to 6,997.8 nautical miles of the standard G650. Fuel capacity is increased by modifications to the fuel system. And extra fuel tanks in the wing.
- Military variants. It is speculated that the military may be interested in a militarised G650. In 2014, Gulfstream offered the G650 to the USAF to replace the E-8C JSTARS. For air-to-ground surveillance and targeting.
Who are the G650’s contenders?
The G650 is not alone. Bombardier has also released their contender.
- Bombardier Global 6000. Seating 13 people. And costing $45 million. Is a cheaper alternative. But has a drawback of less seating. And only 6,000 nm range.
- Dassault Falcon 7X. Seating 12-19 people. Costing $52.3 million. Is similarly priced. And has a similar amount of seats. With a range of 5,949.8nm.
- Gulfstream G550. Seating the same amount of people. And costing $43 million. This aircraft is a cheaper alternative. However has the drawback of older technology and design. All with a range of 6,750nm.