Gulfstream’s G280 Sets Speed Record

Gulfstream Aerospace and the Swiss Fédération Aéronautique Internationale confirmed last week the Savannah, Georgia, aircraft builder’s G280 super-midsize business jet set another FAI-sanctioned world speed record, this one between McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ) in Carlsbad, California, and Kona International Airport (HKO) in Kalaoa on the far west edge of the big island of Hawaii.

The G280 completed the 2,257-nautical-mile overwater flight at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.84 despite departing from CRQ’s 4,897-foot runway. The aircraft carried three people and touched down four hours and 47 minutes after takeoff, with fuel in excess of NBAA IFR reserves remaining.

The G280, capable of a top speed of Mach 0.85, has earned 57 speed records since its November 2012 entry into service.

In more traditional operations, the G280 will fly eight passengers a distance of 3,600 nm at Mach 0.80, a trip that means even against a winter wind, the aircraft can reach New York nonstop from London. This Gulfstream is also certified for the steep 5.5-degree approach into airports like London City, where the available landing distance is 4,327 feet for landing and just 3,937 feet for takeoff.