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Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s versatile super-midsize offering, the Gulfstream G280TM, displayed its performance and steep-approach capability recently while setting another city-pair speed record.
On Feb. 16, the aircraft departed Vermont’s Burlington International Airport, arriving six hours and 10 minutes later with a steep-approach landing at London City Airport. The 2,735-nautical mile/5,065-kilometre trans-Atlantic journey was completed at an average speed of Mach 0.83. Aircraft that operate at London City require steep-approach certification because of the airport’s short runway and stringent noise-abatement requirements.
The G280 has amassed 75 city-pair records. Earlier this year, the aircraft set another speed record while connecting Kahului, Hawaii, with Phoenix. On Jan. 5, the G280 flew from Kahului Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in four hours and 57 minutes, completing the 2,515-nm/4,658-km trip at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.83.
“The Gulfstream G280’s combination of range, fuel-efficiency and performance, particularly on short runways, reinforces its place atop the super-midsize class,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “These latest city-pair speed records are further proof of the aircraft’s superior performance capabilities bolstered by its advanced wing, robust airframe and powerful engines.”
Nearly 200 G280s are in service worldwide. It is the only super-midsize aircraft certified to land using an enhanced flight vision system (EFVS). It can easily fly nonstop from London to New York.
The G280 can fly four passengers 3,600 nm/6,667 km at Mach 0.80 or 3,000 nm/5,556 km at Mach 0.84. It is propelled by two Honeywell HTF7250G engines that help it climb from sea level to 43,000 feet/13,106 meters in approximately 20 minutes. The aircraft’s cabin includes whisper-quiet sound levels, a vacuum lavatory, a 10-passenger configuration, and 19 large oval windows.
Pending approval by the U.S. National Aeronautic Association, the G280’s latest records will be sent to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in Switzerland for recognition as world feats.
