Gulfstream G500 Sets Off on World Tour

In anticipation of certification, the Gulfstream G500 is taking off on a five-month tour to get introduced to potential customers around the world. The ultra-long-range, high-speed luxury jet, the final of five test airplanes, recently took off from Dallas Love Field and will make stops in major cities such as Chicago, Melbourne, Beijing, Moscow and Milan.

“It’s an ideal time for customers to explore an aircraft that is already noted for its large, wide cabin, outstanding performance and industry-leading technology,” said Gulfstream’s president, Mark Burns. “It also gives us an opportunity to thoroughly test and examine the fully outfitted interior as we prepare for the G500’s service entry.”

Certification for the G500 is expected soon. The bizjet can carry eight passengers and their luggage up to 5,200 nm at Mach 0.85 or 4,400 nm at Mach 0.9. The top speed for the G500 is Mach 0.925 and the cabin can be configured to seat up to 19 passengers.

In flight, the G500’s advanced technologies allow pilots and passengers to get to their destination without the fatigue associated with high altitude flight. Whether the airplane is cruising at its maximum altitude of 51,000 feet or not, the cabin always remains below 4,850 feet, yet the cabin uses 100 percent fresh air, which is refreshed every two minutes, according to Gulfstream. The noise level in the cabin is also low enough to allow for normal conversation.

The G500 cockpit is powered by Gulfstream’s Symmetry Flight Deck, incorporating 10 touch screens as well as synthetic vision, an enhanced vision system and a head up display. The airplane is the first business jet controlled by active control sidesticks.