Large-Cabin, Ultra-Long Range Aircraft Surpasses 450,000 Landings

SAVANNAH, Ga., May 13, 2012 — Nearly 15 years after its entry-into-service, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s first ultra-long range business jet – the Gulfstream GV – has surpassed one million flight hours.

“This milestone reflects the safety, performance and reliability of these aircraft,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.

The GV remains an extremely reliable aircraft, currently operating at an NBAA dispatch reliability rate of 99.82. Over the past 15 years, the GV in-service fleet has completed more than 458,000 takeoffs and landings. The GV fleet leader has flown more than 16,100 flight hours and completed more than 7,400 landings.

The GV rolled out in September 1995 and was manufactured simultaneously alongside the GIV-SP.  Within a few months of the GV’s first delivery in June 1997, its development team was awarded the 1997 Robert J. Collier Trophy, the highest honor in aeronautics and astronautics in North America.

The GV was the launch aircraft for the BR710 engine by what was then BMW/Rolls-Royce, now wholly owned by Rolls-Royce. The engine was the first member of the very successful BR700 engine family. New technologies made it very light and fuel efficient with an excellent take-off and climb performance.

“Rolls-Royce congratulates Gulfstream on this milestone for the GV, the first aircraft to be powered by our BR710 engine,” said Scott Shannon, executive vice president, Customer Business, Civil Small and Medium Engines, Rolls-Royce. “The GV has delivered outstanding performance and reliability and we are proud to have played our part in its success.”

A total of 193 GVs were manufactured. The aircraft has been certified in 55 countries, including 31 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) countries. The holder of more than 60 world aviation records, the GV can fly 6,500 nautical miles non-stop, cruise at speeds up to Mach 0.885 and reach altitudes of 51,000 feet, well above commercial traffic.

The robust construction, versatility and reliability of the Gulfstream V make it highly desirable for use as a special mission aircraft. For example, GVs are used for weather research, electronic intelligence, medical evacuation and maritime patrol. The GV also serves the U.S. Air Force and presidential fleet under the C-37A designation.

Source: Gulfstream Aerospace
Photo: Rob Vogelaar Z.A.P.P.