Gulfstream launches the G500 and G600 Terry Spruce 15th October 2014, 1:45

At a special launch ceremony held in Savannah, Georgia, Gulfstream introduced its two new members of the Gulfstream family, the G500 and G600 business jets.

Gulfstream announced the clean-sheet aircraft before a crowd of approximately 3,000 people.

During the event, the first G500 taxied up under its own power, and Phebe Novakovic, chairman and CEO of General Dynamics (the owner of Gulfstream), revealed a nearly 70 ft/21 m mock-up of the G600.

Novakovic said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates the power of General Dynamics’ consistent and disciplined investment in both Gulfstream’s research and development and manufacturing facilities. The effect of that investment is manifest in the two airplanes we announced today.”

The G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 km 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.

Larry Flynn, president of Gulfstream, added: “This is another extraordinary day in the storied history of Gulfstream. I could not be more pleased to announce the next generation of Gulfstream aircraft. The G500 and G600 build upon the technology present in our G650 and our latest aircraft, the G650ER. Once again, our customers played a major role in the development and creation of these aircraft. The G500 and G600 continue the long Gulfstream tradition of being the first original equipment manufacturer to ensure an optimal combination of speed, range, wide-cabin comfort and fuel burn.”

Both aircraft will carry a maximum of 19 passengers and each aircraft can be divided into living areas, the G500 will have three and G600 four of these spaces.

The cockpit will be fitted with the new Symmetry Flight Deck and Honeywell Primus Epic avionics suite, also will have active control sidesticks and enhanced vision system.

Dan Nale, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream says: “The active control sidesticks enable both pilots to be consistently on the same page, enhancing safety. No other business aircraft on the market has this feature.”

Both aircraft can fly at high speed cruise of Mach 0.90 and both are powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 powerplants.

ALSO READ: Gulfstream bets big on Pratt & Whitney with G500 and G600

Gulftstream will build the new aircraft at two new purpose-built facilities in Savannah. Gulfstream will produce the wings and the vertical and horizontal stabilisers for each aircraft.

The first flight of the G500 is scheduled for 2015. Gulfstream projects it will receive type certification from the US 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.

Flynn says: “The G500 and G600 are tremendous additions to our family of aircraft, filling a niche in an already extensive product line. 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.”

Flynn also confirmed that the introduction of the G500 and G600will signal the start of a new product line, rather than replacing the G450 and G550.