Gulfstream launched its new flagship, the G700, on 21 September 2019, the eve of NBAA-BACE. The company unveiled a mock-up of the new aircraft on its static display at Henderson Executive Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada. During the special launch event, Gulfstream also aired a video showing the aircraft taxiing under its own power at the company’s headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
“The Gulfstream G700 takes the very best elements from our most innovative products and unites them with cutting-edge advances to create an all-new, advanced-technology aircraft that redefines safety, comfort and range at speed,” said Mark Burns, president at Gulfstream. “This announcement is the biggest news in business aviation history and is the result of the investments General Dynamics made to develop Gulfstream technology for Gulfstream products. Thanks to our nearly 18,000 employees around the world, the G700 is continuing a long Gulfstream tradition: raising the bar for ourselves and the industry.”
The G700 can fly 7,500 nautical miles (13,890km) at Mach 0.85 or 6,400 nautical miles (11,853km) at Mach 0.90.
The all-new cabin features up to five living areas, including an extra-large galley with more than 10ft of counter space, as well as a passenger lounge or crew compartment; a six-place dining or conference room; and a master suite with an optional en-suite bath with a shower and wardrobe closet. There are myriad styling choices for the all-new seat designs, as well as a three-place sofa certified for take-off and landing. The aircraft has 20 of Gulfstream’s signature oval windows, plus 100% fresh air. Technologies showcased on the mock-up include wireless charging and 4K HDR monitors.
“Gulfstream has a long tradition of listening to our customers, and the G700 cabin is the evolution of that collaboration,” said Burns. “Customers shared how much they value flexibility and comfort in the cabin, all without compromising the speed and range advantages they have come to expect from Gulfstream. The G700 delivers all that and more.”
The aircraft also offers a circadian lighting system. The Gulfstream-developed technology recreates sunrise and sunset through thousands of white and amber LEDs. The system is designed to help passengers adjust to their new time zone and so reduce the physical impact of travelling.
The G700 features the award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck and other new safety advancements. Along with active-control sidesticks and extensive use of touchscreen technology, the flight deck also comes standard with a Predictive Landing Performance System, Gulfstream’s Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision on dual head-up displays.
All-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines power the G700 and there are also newly designed winglets.
In preparation for first flight, Gulfstream has already accomplished nearly 14,000 hours of lab testing in its integration and cabin-test facilities, Systems Integration Bench and Iron Bird. The company has successfully completed ground vibration testing, engine runs, loads calibration and all structural testing required for first flight.
The G700 flight-test fleet will comprise five traditional test aircraft and one fully outfitted production test aircraft. Manufacturing for all test aircraft is well underway. Gulfstream anticipates G700 customer deliveries in 2022.
