The Gulfstream G500 aircraft, a new offering from Gulfstream that is sure to be popular with the VIP market, recently took its first test flight in Savannah, Georgia. Gulfstream expects the G500 to receive FAA certification in 2017 and enter service in 2018.
The new design features a wider, quieter cabin along with advanced touchscreen controls, safety features and more efficient engines. A fully fueled G500 is expected to cover 5,000 nm/9,260 km at Mach 0.85 with eight passengers and luggage. If the payload is doubled, a range up to 4,600 nautical miles/8,519 kilometers nonstop can be achieved.
The cabin will have a width of 7 ft 11 in/2.41 m, height of 6 ft 4 in/1.93 m and length of 41 ft 6 in/12.6 m giving aircraft interior designers a huge canvas to use their skills. Passenger comfort will be increased due to the interior being pressurized at 4,850 feet/1,478 m along with insulation that will make the cabin quieter.
Gulfstream is also working on the G600 that is due to enter service in 2019. This aircraft will have the same width and height as the G500 with a cabin length of 45 ft 2 in/13.77 m and an increased range of 6,200 nm/11480 km.
