Gulfstream Aerospace produces the Gulfstream G650, a large business jet. Powered by Rolls-Royce BR725 turbofans, the plane can carry 11 to 18 passengers over 7,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.925. The aircraft was introduced in 2008, and an extended-range version (G650ER) was released subsequently. As of Q2 2024, the Gulfstream G650’s list price varies between $60 and $65 million.
The G650 was Gulfstream’s largest and fastest business jet until it was surpassed in 2019 by the G700, which has a longer airframe, a higher top speed, and upgraded engines.
In 2012, Gulfstream introduced the G800, which is similar in size to the G650 but contains upgraded G700 amenities. The G650 project received the 2014 Collier Trophy, and 500 units were delivered by 2022.
- The following models are included in the series:
- G650, G650ER, G700, and G800
- Let us have a look at the major features of the Gulfstream G650 series.
1. Technological Features
Rolls-Royce BR700-725A1-12 engines power the Gulfstream G650.
The G650 features entirely fly-by-wire controls with no mechanical coupling to the flying surfaces. The prototype employs a three-axis digital system with quadruple redundancy for reliability.
The PlaneView II flight deck, powered by Honeywell Primus Epic avionics, features four huge LCDs, a synthetic vision display, and the EVS II enhanced vision system. New features include an LCD head-up display, a next-generation flight management system, and a three-dimensional scanning weather radar.
The Gulfstream G650 is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, each with 17,000 pounds of torque. With a weight of less than 100,000 pounds, the G650 can land at smaller airports, letting passengers to avoid more congested ones.
The Gulfstream G650 has cutting-edge safety and design, including an award-winning cabin and the most modern flight deck. It features industry-leading wings made of aluminum for greater precision, allowing for higher fuel efficiency and long-range capability.
The Gulfstream G700 features an improved Symmetry flight deck, which is also utilized in the G500 and G600 variants. Innovative design and cutting-edge technologies enhance the aircraft’s superior flight deck.
2. Interiors.
A typical arrangement has 16 passengers and four crew seats.
The Gulfstream G650 and G650ER cabins have six feet of headroom and measure roughly 42 feet long with an open layout. The average configuration includes 13 to 16 seats, three-person divans, and a huge television.
However, depending on the arrangement, the aircraft can carry up to 19 passengers. Each leather seat has a touchscreen interface for regulating lighting, temperature, and entertainment, which are also available via the Gulfstream Cabin Control app on guests’ smart devices.
The cabin features a large galley with a microwave, warming oven, refrigerator, and freezer, as well as an enclosed lavatory in the back of the aircraft. An extra lavatory and crew seat may also be provided.
The G650 features up to four living rooms and ten cabin space options for working, leisure, dining, and sleeping. Its 14 characteristic oval windows stand out, each measuring 28 inches and allowing panoramic vistas to enhance the overall experience.
The Gulfstream G700 has the industry’s largest spacious cabin, with up to five living areas, including an ultra-galley and a grand suite with a shower. This personalization provides flexibility, luxury, comfort, and functionality, resulting in an optimal flight experience adapted to guests’ tastes.
The G800’s cabin is meant to meet all of its clients’ demands, from work to pleasure and sleep. Its stylish cabin, created with excellent materials, provides comfort and convenience during the voyage.
Passengers can find three living rooms, including a specialized crew compartment that can accommodate up to 15 passengers.
Because of a purifying plasma-ionization clean air system, the cabin air is 100% fresh and regenerated every two to three minutes, allowing you to breathe effortlessly and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable environment.
This immediately improves the aircraft’s interior, making the cabin one of the most sumptuous options available in the ultra-long-range business jet segment.
3. Specifications.
The G650 features a PlaneView II cockpit with Gulfstream’s Enhanced Vision System (EVS).
The Gulfstream G650 has a Dual Auto-throttle system, which provides precise control over its Rolls-Royce engines, resulting in an even and controlled flight experience.
The crew evaluates runway requirements and is assisted by its Predictive Landing Performance System in all weather situations, thereby improving both safety and operating efficiency.
The G650’s FAA certification for steep approaches allows it to access airports such as Aspen/Pitkin, increasing its operational flexibility.
The model G700, which debuted in October 2019, has a 10-foot-long cabin with five regions and ten windows on each side. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 turbofan engines that generate 18,250 pounds of torque.
It has a 7,500-nautical-mile range and a 4,000-pound (1.1814 kg) higher maximum takeoff weight than the G650ER. The G700’s maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 107,600 pounds (48,800 kilograms).
The G800 has a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 lbs (48,080 kg) and is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 high-thrust engines. It is intended to replace the G650, as it has the same fuselage size but includes improved features such as Rolls-Royce Pear 700 turbofan engines.
Gulfstream 650 Specifications:
Exterior:
- Exterior height: 25 feet (7.62 meters).
- Wing span: 99 feet (30 metres).
- Length: 93 feet (28 meters).
Interior:
- Cabin Height: 6 feet (1.8 meters).
- Cabin Width: 8 feet (2.4 meters).
- Cabin length: 28 feet (8.5 meters).
- Cabin Volume: 1146 cubic feet.
Distance:
- Takeoff Distance: 5858 feet (1.785 meters).
- Balanced Field Length: 6285 feet (1.915 meters)
- Landing Distance: 4167 feet (1.270 meters).
Performance
- Rate of Climb: 3570 fpm
- Maximum Speed: 516 kts.
- Normal cruise speed: 500 knots.
- Economy Cruise: 488 knots.
- Cost per hour: $ 6688.
- APU: Honeywell RE220, Avionics: Gulfstream PlaneView™ II.
Power Plants:
- Engines: 2 Rolls-Royce BR725 A1-12.
Operating weights:
- Maximum T/O Weight: 99600 Lb (45,177 lb).
- Maximum landing weight: 83500 lbs (37,874 kg).
- Operating Weight: 54000 lb (24,493 kg)
- Empty weight: 53,000 pounds (24,040 kg).
- Fuel capacity: 44200 pounds (20,048 kg).
- Payload useful: 39100 pounds (17,735 kg).
- Payload with full fuel: 1800 lb (816 kg).
- Maximum Payload: 6500 Lb (2948 lb)
Range
- Normal range: 4000 nm.
- Maximum range: 7000 nm.
- Service Ceiling: 51000 feet (15,544 meters)
4. Speed: Mach 0.90, a near-supersonic cruising.
The Gulfstream G650 is the world’s best-performing long-range business aircraft, with a nonstop range of 7,500 nautical miles at Mach 0.85. Connectivity is improved, resulting in additional nonstop flight alternatives between distant locations.
This extended-range version, weighing 4,000 pounds (1.814 kilograms), has a higher maximum takeoff weight and fuel capacity.
A $2 million refit modification to existing G650s boosts fuel capacity. The 2014 list price was $66.5 million. With the recent launch of the G700, the G650ER’s purchasing price has dropped. Currently, a new Gulfstream G650ER can cost around $60 million, depending on the features chosen.
The Gulfstream G650ER has an unrivaled non-stop range of 7,500 nautical miles, making it ideal for today’s fast-paced global business climate that prioritizes speed and efficiency. This range improves the amount of nonstop flights connecting distant places, making it an excellent choice.
The G700 has an extended airframe that extends by 10 feet (3.0 m), resulting in a higher top speed of Mach 0.935 (536.3 knots; 993.3 km/h; 617.2 mph). This performance boost is achieved through the use of a revised wing design and upgraded Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines.
In contrast, the Gulfstream G800 is a new long-distance leader capable of flying 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 kilometers) at Mach 0.85. It combines high-speed range with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled comfort.
The G800 can also travel 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 kilometers) at Mach 0.90. Its high-thrust Rolls-Royce engines and innovative high-speed wing provide best-in-class fuel economy and pollution reductions.
5 Sustainability
Renewable fuel leadership and business practices
Gulfstream is also a pioneer in sustainability, always developing in aircraft technology and environmentally responsible operations.
The Gulfstream G650 boasts 12% higher fuel efficiency than prior generations, thanks to upgraded avionics, quiet Pratt & Whitney engines, and Gulfstream aerodynamic wings. It generates remarkable speed and power while using less gasoline.
- Since 2016, the firm has logged over 2 million nm using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- In 2023, the Research and Development Campus in Savannah, Georgia, began using solar-generated electricity.
- Gulfstream was the first OEM to earn all four NBAA Sustainable Flight Department accreditations:
- Flight Operations, Ground Support, and Infrastructure