Features
Gulfstream introduces G700

Gulfstream Aerospace introduced its new flagship G700 business jet on the eve of the 2019 National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. Company president Mark Burns revealed a full-scale mockup of the G700 and showed a video of the aircraft taxiing under its own power at Gulfstream headquarters in Savannah.

The G700 flight-test fleet will incorporate five traditional test aircraft and one fully outfitted production test aircraft. Manufacturing for all test aircraft is underway. Gulfstream anticipates G700 customer deliveries in 2022.

“The Gulfstream G700 takes the very best elements from our most innovative products and unites them with cutting-edge advances to create an all-new, advanced-technology aircraft that redefines safety, comfort and range at speed,” said Burns. “This announcement is the biggest news in business aviation history and is the result of the investments General Dynamics made to develop Gulfstream technology for Gulfstream products. Thanks to our nearly 18,000 employees around the world, the G700 is continuing a long Gulfstream tradition: raising the bar for ourselves and the industry.”

Gulfstream states the aircraft boasts the tallest, widest and longest cabin in the industry with leading range and speed capabilities. It can fly 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 kilometers) at Mach 0.85 or 6,400 nm (11,853 km) at Mach 0.90. The aircraft, which features newly designed Gulfstream winglets, is powered by all-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines.

The Gulfstream G700 can hold up to five living areas, as well as an extra-large ultragalley with a passenger lounge or crew compartment. (Photo: Gulfstream)

The all-new cabin on the G700 can hold up to five living areas, as well as an extra-large ultragalley with a passenger lounge or crew compartment; a six-place dining or conference room; and a master suite with shower. The aircraft cabin features 20 panoramic oval windows, described as the largest in the industry, as well as the industry’s lowest cabin altitude, 100 per cent fresh air and a whisper-quiet cabin.

Gulfstream also points to the aircraft holding the most advanced circadian lighting system in aviation. This technology recreates sunrise and sunset through thousands of white and amber LEDs, helping passengers adjust to their new time zone.

The G700 also features the Symmetry Flight Deck and other new safety advancements. Along with active-control sidesticks and an extensive use of touch-screen technology, the flight deck also comes standard with Gulfstream’s Predictive Landing Performance System. This system gives pilots advanced warning of potential runway excursions so they can adjust approaches or go around. The G700 Symmetry Flight Deck also comes standard with Gulfstream’s Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision on dual head-up displays.

In preparation for first flight, Gulfstream has already reached nearly 14,000 hours of lab testing in its integration- and cabin-test facilities, Systems Integration Bench and Iron Bird. The company has completed ground vibration testing, engine runs, loads calibration and all structural testing required for first flight.