Developed as a direct successor to the well-known Gulfstream GV, the G550 expands upon the long-range capabilities of its predecessor and adds an updated interior to provide passengers with optimal comfort. The G550 turned heads right from the start—in October 2003, less than two weeks after entering service, a G550 flew nonstop from Seoul, South Korea to Orlando, Florida, covering the 7,301 nm distance in 14.5 hours and breaking the GV’s previous ground distance record by over 1,000 nm. It would go on to set 40 city-pair records in its next five years of service. This brawny jet with international reach can fly further and faster than the GV, and does so while incorporating several advancements for passenger and pilot alike.
Gulfstream G550 Features
Interior
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.
Performance
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.
