Spotlight on the gulfstream g550 business jet cabin interior aintv
The Gulfstream G550 is a business jet aircraft produced by General Dynamics' Gulfstream Aerospace unit in Savannah, Georgia. The certification designation is GV-SP. There were 450 Gulfstream G550s in active service as of January 2016. A version with reduced fuel capacity was marketed as the G500.
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Development
The G550 (GV-SP) received its FAA type certificate on August 14, 2003. Compared to the Gulfstream V, it is equipped with a Honeywell Advanced Flight Deck Display Suite to improve flight crew situational awareness and operational capabilities. Aerodynamic and engine were improved, coupled with operational changes for increased performance, range and economics. The main entry door is relocated forward and a seventh cabin window pair is added, coupled with cabin improvements for increased baggage space, external visibility and comfort.
The aircraft has a "PlaneView" cockpit with four Honeywell DU-1310 EFIS screens, a Gulfstream-designed cursor control system, and an Enhanced Vision System (EVS). A thermographic camera that displays a front view on a head up display, permitting to land in lower-visibility instrument meteorological conditions than without. The 500th Gulfstream G550 aircraft has been delivered in May 2015. Range is increased to 6,750 nautical miles (12,500 km). It competes against the Bombardier Global Express.
As it is replaced by the $54.5 million Gulfstream G600 with a lower 6200 nmi range but with a better cabin and cockpit, faster long range cruise and lower fuel burn, it could leave production in 2019. Deliveries went from 50 aircraft in 2011 to 19 in 2016 and with 40 units for sale in a fleet of 540, its valuation are falling : a 10-year-old G550 valued $28 million a year before is worth $18-$20 million in January 2017, while a two-year-old went from $40 to $35 million.
Variants
GV-SP
The same as the Gulfstream V or GV with a new flightdeck display system, airframe aerodynamic and engine improvements, main entry door moved forward, also marketed as the G-550.
G500
The Gulfstream G500 has a reduced fuel capacity. Introduced in 2004 as a shorter 5,800 nautical miles (10,700 km) range version, it has the same exterior appearance, as well as the PlaneView cockpit, but Visual Guidance System (HUD) and Enhanced Vision System (EVS) are options.
G550
Marketing name for the GV-SP.
C-37B
U.S. military designation for the G550 in a VIP passenger configuration.
EC-37B
U.S. military designation for proposed G550 version in an Electronic Warfare configuration to replace USAF's existing EC-130H Compass Call aircraft.
NP-37B
U.S. military designation for proposed G550 with the "Conformal AEW" body shape for use as range telemetry aircraft for U.S. Navy.
G550 Airborne Early Warning
Israel has acquired a number of G550s, fitted with the IAI EL/W-2085 sensor package (a newer derivative of the Phalcon system) for Airborne Early Warning (AEW) use and named the aircraft Eitam. This aircraft is heavily modified for the AEW role by Gulfstream's partner, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and is also called CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning) by Gulfstream Special Missions Department. Israel has also acquired a number of G550s dubbed SEMA (Special Electronic Missions Aircraft) with systems integration also carried out by IAI. Italy has acquired 2 G550 CAEW as part of a counter-deal to Israel's $1 billion order for 30 Alenia Aermacchi M-346 advanced jet trainers. Singapore ordered four similar G550 CAEW aircraft equipped with the EL/W-2085 sensor package from Gulfstream and IAI.
Air-to-air refueling variant: Israel Aerospace Industries has studied adapting the G550 for air-to-air refueling use.
Civil operators
The aircraft is operated by private individuals, companies and executive charter operators. A number of companies also use the aircraft as part of fractional ownership programs.
Government and military operators
Azerbaijan
Government of Azerbaijan - 1 G550 4K-A106 in use for VIP transport
In late 2015 the RAAF ordered two Gulfstream G550 aircraft to be delivered by 30 November 2017. The aircraft will be used for signals and electronic intelligence gathering. Both Australian Aviation and FlightGlobal have reported that the aircraft will possibly form the replacement for the electronic intelligence-gathering role performed by three of the RAAF's AP-3 Orions.
German Aerospace Center (DLR) - 1 G550 special mission aircraft. The aircraft is dubbed HALO (High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft). The aircraft's primary objective is to explore the atmosphere and its carbon cycle. Its unique configuration allows a flying altitude of more than 15 kilometers, a range of more than 8000 kilometers and a load capacity of three tons.
Israel
Israeli Air Force - 2 Eitam CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning); 3 Shavit SEMA (Special Electronic Missions Aircraft)
Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) - four G550s with the IAI/ELTA EL/W-2085 active electronically scanned array (AESA) active phased array radar for CAEW duties from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). These were delivered in late 2008 and were expected to be fully operational by late 2010. An additional G550 for use as an AEW trainer was to be acquired and maintained by ST Aerospace for the RSAF.
Swedish Air Force - one G550, designated TP 102D It along with a G-IV designated TP 102A, and a G-IV SP, designated TP 102C, serve as transports for the Royal Family and the Prime Minister.
Government of Uganda - one G550 in use for Presidential flights since February 2009. It replaced a Gulfstream IV-SP that had been in service since 2000.
Cabin dimensions: height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), width: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m), Length (exc. baggage) 43 ft 11 in (13.39 m), total length 50 ft 1 in (15.27 m)
