The G500 is a high-speed business jet designed and manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. The class-leading jet offers a range of 7,038km at a speed of Mach 0.90.
In October 2014, Gulfstream Aerospace unveiled the G500 at its factory in Savannah, Georgia, US, along with G600, another aircraft of the same family. The G500 will be manufactured at two of the company’s facilities in Savannah.
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The maiden flight of the T1 test aircraft was completed in May 2015, and type certifications from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) were anticipated for 2017. Deliveries would then commence in 2018.
Gulfstream Aerospace successfully conducted first flights of T2 and T3 test aircraft in November 2015 and T4 in February 2016.
The G500 business jet was displayed at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in November 2015.
G500 cabin details
The G500 business jet features a wide cabin, designed to optimise passenger comfort and aircraft performance. The cabin is 2.41m wide, 12.65m long and 1.93m high, providing enough head and shoulder room for passengers.
It can accommodate up to 19 passengers, three living areas and resting space for optional crew, as well as two restrooms, one at the front and another at the rear. A full-size cooking room can be placed either at the front or rear of the aircraft.
A pressurised cabin reduces the impact of jet lag, while fresh air flow minimises fatigue. The cabin is fitted with large oval windows that allow natural light into the cabin and seats are widely spaced to provide enough foot room, with a footrest included to comfortably recline.
The cabin also features pedestal-mounted conference tables, high-speed communications and entertainment tools, ensuring in-flight comfort.
Passenger experience is further enhanced with a new cabin management system that allows passengers to control the internal environment by adjusting lighting, temperature, window shades and entertaining equipment from their seats through touchscreen devices.
Flight deck and avionics
The G500 incorporates an advanced Symmetry flight deck, which is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including active control side sticks (ACS), integrated touchscreen controllers, a next-generation enhanced vision system (EVS) and Honeywell Primus Epic avionics.
The active control side sticks enhance safety and situational awareness in the cockpit by providing tactile feedback and more space, as well as better comfort for pilots. Electronically connected ACSs enable better coordination between the pilot and co-pilot, by allowing them to see and feel each other’s control inputs. G500 is the first aircraft to have this feature.
The ten integrated and interchangeable touchscreen controllers, which replaced the switches, will be used for flight management, system controls, communication, checklists and monitoring weather and flight information.
A third-generation enhanced vision system (EVS) enhances the pilot’s sight in low visibility conditions. The EVS includes a high-resolution infrared sensor and advanced camera to cover a wider field and provide a clearer view. It is linked to a head-up display, allowing the pilot to view clear images in his field of vision.
The G500 aircraft also features a full three-axis digital fly-by-wire system that provides envelope protection, stability augmentation, increased redundancy and reduced maintenance. Its cockpit is aesthetically appealing with a combination of leather, brushed nickel and glass materials. In addition, crew seats are also comfortably designed with perforated leather and ventilated mesh, as well as being able to pan fully from side-to-side for easy movement.
Baggage compartment
In addition to the built-in storage of each seat, the G500’s baggage compartment offers 175ft³ of usable volume. The section includes fold-down shelving and space designed to store golf clubs, ski gear and bulky suitcases.
G500 engine details
The Gulfstream G500 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 series engines, which can produce a maximum of thrust 15,144lb. Its engines offer high fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions, noise levels and maintenance times. They exceed the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) standards by up to 50% for nitrous oxide and 35% for carbon monoxide emissions.
Gulfstream business jet operating speed
The G500 can fly at a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925, with a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000ft. A fully fuelled G500 aircraft with eight passengers and luggage can reach a distance of 9,260km at Mach 0.85. It will offer a non-stop range of 8,519km with maximum payload.
Its take-off and landing distances are 5,200ft and 3,100ft, respectively, while the basic operating and maximum take-off weights are 21,137kg and 34,859kg, respectively.
