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Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently marked the five-year anniversary of the Gulfstream G650’s type certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with a look back at the aircraft’s esteemed history.
Announced in March 2008, the G650 had one of business aviation’s most successful product launches, with more than 200 firm orders following the aircraft’s introduction.
With a nonstop range of 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometres at Mach 0.90 and 7,000 nautical miles/12,964 kilometres at Mach 0.85, the aircraft established its position at the top end of the business jet market.
In flight test, the G650 exceeded original range projections, allowing Gulfstream to announce enhanced range of 6,000 nautical miles/11,112 kilometres at Mach 0.90. In May 2014, the company introduced the Gulfstream G650ER, an extended-range variant of the G650, with the ability to travel 6,400 nautical miles/11,853 kilometres at Mach 0.90 and 7,500 nautical miles/13,890 kilometres at Mach 0.85.
“The G650 set a new standard in business aviation, whether for its unmatched range and payload, industry-low cabin sound levels, or its award-winning four-living-area interior,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “It has redefined what business jet operators could expect from their aircraft.”
The G650 received its FAA type certificate on Sept. 7, 2012, and entered service on Dec. 20, 2012. Today, more than 250 G650 and G650ER aircraft operate in 40 countries.
The G650 has become the fastest non-supersonic aircraft to circumnavigate the globe, having flown westbound around the world in a record-setting 41 hours and seven minutes and claiming 22 city pair speed records along the way. In total, the G650 and G650ER have set 65 city-pair records.
The G650 also earned the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy, which is presented annually for innovation in performance, safety and efficiency of air or space vehicles.
