G550

When redesigning the Gulfstream G550’s interior, Gulfstream aerospace created the perfect balance between business and pleasure, maximizing comfort and maneuverability. The cabin measures 50.1 feet long, 6.2 feet high, and 7.3 feet wide, with a total volume of 1,669 cubic feet. Gulfstream upgraded the cabin by 58 more cubic feet, creating one of the largest interiors in the heavy business jet category. With the additional cabin length, Gulfstream was able to add two additional windows for a total of 14. Up to four separate living areas provide ample space for entertainment, business, or privacy. In addition, the G550 features 226 cubic feet of interior baggage storage, allowing passengers to store an abundance of luggage which they’re able to access while in the air.

With that much available space, a variety of cabin layouts are found across G550s. They include a forward or aft full-service galley, forward and aft lavatories, and storage credenzas, with some layouts including a crew rest compartment, dining or conference room, and even a full lavatory with a shower. Passengers enjoy a full-cabin entertainment system, all-leather seats in “club four” configurations with slide and swivel motions and footrests, and individual power outlets for phones, tablets, computers, and other electronics. The cabin is also equipped with individual high-quality LCD monitors, giving passengers the option for entertainment and real-time flight tracking.

Those on board will arrive at their far-away destinations feeling refreshed, too—thanks to a cabin environment Gulfstream describes as “ultraquiet,” a low cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, and a 100-percent fresh-air system that replaces the air in the cabin every two to three minutes.

The G550 is renowned for its transcontinental capabilities. It is powered by two BMW/Rolls Royce BF 700-710-C4-11 turbofan engines, each producing 15,385 lbs. of thrust. This combination engines provides the aircraft with enough power to complete long-leg missions in a very efficient manner—with 8 passengers and 4 crew and while travelling at mach .8, the G550 has a max range of 6,750 nautical miles. This means the accomplished jet can complete legs like Washington, D.C. to Dubai, London to Singapore, or Tokyo to Paris without fuel stops.

Possessing a surface ceiling of 51,000 feet, the G550 can dodge air traffic and dangerous weather conditions while increasing reliability and stability. From sea level, the jet can climb from sea level to 37,000 feet in just 18 minutes and from a runway as short as 5,950 feet. Drag-reducing modifications have been introduced, including a blunter-contoured wing design to help with turbulence, improved seals between fin and rudder, and a reconfigured cabin pressurization outflow valve.  

The Gulfstream G550’s avionics suite is designed to provide pilots with sophisticated and easy-to-use instruments that will increase their vision and hand-eye coordination in flight. The glass cockpit features Gulfstream’s PlaneView avionics suite, their exclusive version of the Honeywell Primus Epic system, with data displayed across four 14-inch LCD screens as well as a heads-up display. Either pilot can operate PlaneView using Gulfstream’s convenient cursor control device, not unlike a computer mouse or track ball. The G550 also uses the first interactive navigation system, I-NAV, which allows pilots to view and interact with the flight plan, add and delete routes, and view potential waypoints while in flight. A Honeywell/BAE visual guidance system and enhanced vision system come standard.