Gulfstream G500 & G600 Business Jets Set City Pair Speed Records After Demonstrating Steep-Approach Ability

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Posted On: 12/9/2021 10:42:12 AM

Gulfstream Aerospace’s G500 and G600 recently demonstrated their steep-approach landing ability at several European airports with short runways. Gulfstream expects the aircraft to receive FAA and EASA steep-approach certification next year. (Photo courtesy of Gulfstream.)


Gulfstream Aerospace reported this week that its next-generation G500 and G600 business jets both recently successfully demonstrated their low-speed handling and short-field landing abilities at London City Airport in England and Lugano Airport and Sion Airport in Switzerland. Gulfstream expects both aircraft to receive steep-approach certification next year from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The G600 has already received FAA and EASA certification for improved takeoff performance on grooved runways in wet conditions. The G500 is expected to receive such certification in 2022.


Even More Value

Following anticipated steep-approach certification, the G500 and G600 would gain official access to the aforementioned airports. Gulfstream notes that while London City Airport requires the certification due to its short runway and stringent noise-abatement requirements, Lugano’s short runway sits in the mouth of a valley and requires an extremely steep approach to access. Gulfstream President Mark Burns says the jets’ recent takeoff and landing performance will let customers gain access to more locations around the world, saving them more hours per year.


“Our customers already benefit from Gulfstream’s high-speed performance advantage when flying, and the investment we’ve made in flight testing and continuous improvement delivers even more value with increased flexibility,” Burns says.


The G500 & G600 Up Close

After their successful steep-approach demonstrations, the G500 and G600 both proceeded to set city pair speed records while flying from Europe to the United States. Since the G500 and G600 were introduced in 2014, they’ve combined to set more than 60 such records. The latest occurred when the G500 flew 3,077 nautical miles (5,699 kilometers) from London City Airport to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey in 6 hours and 46 minutes, topping the previous record by 12 minutes. The G600’s latest record came while flying 4,235 nm (7,843 km) from London to Seattle in 8 hours and 39 minutes. Both aircraft landed with fuel reserves exceeding National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) minimums under Instrument Flight Rules.


Entered into service in 2018, the G500 provides up to three living areas and is equipped with two high-thrust PW814GA Pratt & Whitney engines. It has a 5,300-nm (9,816-km) flight range, and a Mach 0.85 long-range cruise speed, a high cruise speed of Mach 0.90, and a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925. The G600 entered service in 2019. It offers up to four living areas and is powered by dual Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines. The aircraft has a 6,600-nm (12,223-km) flight range, a maximum long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, and a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925. Both aircraft feature a clean-sheet design, advanced wings built from one piece of aluminum, and the Symmetry Flight Deck, which includes active control sidesticks, 10 touchscreen displays, and Phase-of-Flight technology.


Find The Right Gulfstream Aircraft

Controller.com offers a wide variety of new and pre-owned Gulfstream aircraft for sale, including G650ER, G550, G500, G450, and G200 business jets.


Source: Gulfstream

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