Luxse

It says a lot to the be among the first to pioneer something new, an honor which is the Gulfstream 550 deserves. It was one of the original private jets in the ultra-long-range class; at the time of its release it had the longest range (7,760 miles/6,750 nautical miles). It can complete trips of over fourteen hours and easily fly from Tokyo to New York or from New York to the southernmost tip of South America.

The cabin of the Gulfstream 550 is 50.1 feet long, 6.2 feet high, and 7.3 feet wide, for a total cabin volume of 1,669 cubic feet. Its extra-wide oval windows are unique to Gulfstreams and provide plenty of light and a great view. The cabin usually seats between fourteen and nineteen people. The size of the Gulfstream 550’s cabin is similar to that of the Gulfstream 500, but the layout has been modified to be more space-efficient. 226 cubic feet of internal baggage storage is available, a total of 2,500 pounds.

Other standard and optional cabin amenities include an Airshow 400 flight information system, a radio/satellite phone, fax machine, two LCD monitors, a DVD and CD player, wireless LAN, and power outlets. The two-zone temperature control system, which provides only fresh air, can be controlled from several locations in the cabin. Noise levels in the cabin are low, but additional sound proofing can be added if desired.

The Gulfstream 550 is equipped with two Rolls-Royce Deutschland BR700-710C4-11 engines, each able to produce 15,385 pounds of thrust on takeoff. Runway requirements for a sea level takeoff is 5,910 feet, at an elevation of 5,000 feet and a temperature of 77 ˚ F, the required length is 9,010 feet. The Gulfstream 550 can climb directly to 37,000 feet in eighteen minutes. An altitude of 43,000 feet is required for long-range missions, during which the cruise speed averages 488 knots. For a high-speed cruise of 459 knots, the private jet should fly at 45,000 feet. The highest certified flight ceiling for the Gulfstream 550 is 51,000 feet, and the cabin is rated to 10.2 psi (a sea level cabin can be maintained at altitudes up to 29,200 feet)

Another name for the ultra-long-range private jets is “heavy iron” private jets. The Gulfstream 550 has maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 91,000 pounds, and a maximum payload of 6,600 pounds – making it one of the lightest heavy iron private jets on the market. Fortunately, dozens of small aerodynamic improvements were made to the Gulfstream 550’s structure to improve speed capabilities. The low drag is noticeable, especially at high speeds. According to Gulfstream at the time of the Gulfstream 550’s release, no other private jet with full fuel tanks could fly more passengers a further distance in less time than the G-550 could.

The avionics suite of the Gulfstream 550 is unique among private jets. Gulfstream’s Plane View Cockpit is based on the Honeywell Primus Epic Suite. It is unique because it includes the Honeywell Head-Up Display (HUD) and visual guidance system as well as the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS), which together allow pilots to complete instrument in very low-visibility conditions. The EVS and HUD create a real-time display of the runway and the surrounding area with infrared sensors. The light sensors are accurate enough to display the reflective lights on the runway stripes. This system allows landings to take place in conditions that practically every other private jet cannot.

The Gulfstream 550 has been successful in the business and private jet industry. It is used by both the U.S. military, where it has been renamed C-37, and the Israeli Air Force. The Gulfstream 550 climbs quickly, flies fast, and goes far. It has excellent range/payload capabilities and boasts a range beyond almost all private jets. For those that want top performance, the Gulfstream 550 is hard to beat.

[source: jetadvisors]

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