SAVANNAH, Ga., Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gulfstream
Aerospace Corp. today delivered its first fully outfitted
ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 aircraft. The
first aircraft was delivered to a U.S. customer. Gulfstream
Aerospace Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics
(NYSE:GD).
"We're extremely proud of this aircraft and the work that's been
done by the G650 design, build and supplier teams," said
Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream.
"The first delivery of an aircraft is always an auspicious occasion
and this one is especially so. This delivery represents the
beginning of a new era in aircraft design and manufacturing in
terms of quality, capabilities, reliability, parts availability and
maintenance activities.
"We're thrilled to see the first G650 leave our hangar for a
customer's. Soon the G650 will be a common sight at airports around
the world," Flynn said.
Jay L. Johnson, chairman and
chief executive officer of Gulfstream's parent corporation, General
Dynamics, said, "The G650 sets a new world standard for
business-jet performance, range, speed and comfort. I am very
proud of the Gulfstream team. They have done a superb job in
designing and manufacturing an aircraft that is already the envy of
the global market."
Gulfstream recently announced enhanced performance
characteristics for the G650, including more range. The G650 can
now travel 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 km) at its high-speed
cruise of Mach 0.90. This is a 1,000-nm (1,852-km) increase over
the original target of 5,000 nm (9,260 km). The additional
capability makes city pairs such as Tokyo to New York,
New York to Dubai,
Shanghai to London and Moscow to Los
Angeles possible at speeds faster than any other business
jet.
The G650's takeoff balanced field length decreased to 5,858 feet
(1,786 m) from the original 6,000 feet (1,829 m) at the aircraft's
maximum takeoff weight of 99,600 pounds (45,179 kg). This
improvement allows the G650 to fly farther from demanding, short
runways.
The G650 has a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.925, making it the
fastest certified civilian aircraft in production. Each of its two
Rolls-Royce BR725 A1-12 engines provides 16,900 pounds of thrust,
yet the aircraft burns less fuel and produces fewer emissions than
other aircraft.
The G650 cabin includes a number of technologically advanced
systems, including the Gulfstream-designed Cabin Management System,
which allows passengers to use personal electronic devices to
control the cabin's high-definition audio and video components as
well as cabin lighting, cabin temperature, window shades and other
cabin functions, including the Gulfstream CabinView Passenger
Flight Information System.
The cabin adheres to Gulfstream's Cabin Essential design
philosophy. This means the cabin systems (lighting, power, cabin
control, cabin entertainment, and the water and waste systems) are
designed with redundancy that minimizes the risk of losing cabin
functionality.
The G650 earned its type certificate from the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration on Sept. 7,
2012.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, designs, develops,
manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most
technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has
produced more than 2,000 aircraft for customers around the world
since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future,
Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the
wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the new
large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G280®; the
large-cabin, long-range G450®; the large-cabin,
ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550® and the
ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650®. Gulfstream
also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Pre-Owned
Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 12,500
people at 12 major locations. We invite you to visit our website
for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at
www.gulfstream.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately
93,700 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in
business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments
and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information
systems and technologies. More information about General
Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com.
SOURCE Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.