Air Lease Corp’s G650 seen at Grand Cayman. Photo: Cole Goldberg – OPShots.net//
Gulfstream introduced a new family of business jets today: the Gulfstream G500 and G600.
Not only do the two planes optimize comfort (with a wider cabin) and speed (the maximum operating speed for both aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same speed as Gulfstream’s G650 and G650ER), but they come with a touchscreen cockpit display and industry-first active control sidesticks. Gulfstream announced the launch of the new aircrafts before a crowd of approximately 3,000 people on Tuesday.
“This is another extraordinary day in the storied history of Gulfstream,” said Larry Flynn, Gulfstream’s president. “I could not be more pleased to announce the next generation of Gulfstream aircraft.”
The G500 has three living areas while the G600 can have up to four, in addition to an optional crew rest area. Both planes can carry up to 19 passengers, have forward and aft lavatories and come with a full-size galley.
Speed and efficiency are key differentiators for the new models. The G500 and G600 can fly at a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, and are powered by versions of the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 series engine. These factors, coupled with the Gulfstream-designed wing, result in industry-leading fuel efficiency for both models, according to the company.
The new Symmetry Flight Deck system includes active control sidesticks, touchscreen controllers, an enhanced vision system and Homeywell Primus Epic avionics, allowing the pilot and co-pilot to “see and feel each other’s control inputs,” according to the company, “which helps improve pilot coordination in the cockpit.”
“The active control sidesticks enable both pilots to be consistently on the same page, enhancing safety,” said Dan Nale, Gulfstream’s senior vice president of Programs, Engineering and Test. “No other business aircraft on the market has this feature.”
The first flight of the G500 is scheduled for 2015. Gulfstream projects it will begin deliveries in 2018. The G600 flight-test should begin 12 to 18 months after the G500’s,with deliveries expected to begin in 2019.
Projected completed price for the G500 is $45.5 million while the G600 will sell for $54.5 million. Launch customers for the new models are Qatar Airways and fractional provider Flexjet.
Read more at https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/jets/gulfstream-g600-and-g500-unveiled#wvdotc6ZIhVlwImb.99
via – https://www.forbes.com/sites/aliciaadamczyk/2014/10/14/gulfstream-introduces-new-aircraft-family-of-private-jets-g500-g600/ and https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/jets/gulfstream-g600-and-g500-unveiled
