Gulfstream G800 ultra-long-range business jet made first flight

If you’re in the market for a private jet with greater range, Gulfstream may have the right jet for you. It’s new ultra-long-range G800 completed its first flight Wednesday in the skies above Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia, in a two-hour test flight using sustainable aviation fuel.

Debuting in October 2021, the G800 is designed to meet the booming demand for both private business jets and long-haul aircraft. Billed as the industry’s longest-range aircraft, the G800 can fly at 8,000 nm (9,200 mi, 14,800 km), with a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85 and an operational ceiling of 51,000 ft (15,500 m).

The new Gulfstream boasts a custom-built advanced high-speed wing with a wingspan of 103 ft (31 m) and a pair of Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines pumping out 18,250 lb of thrust each, allowing the craft to operate from runways only about 6,000 feet (1,800 m).

Inside, the G800 seats up to 19 passengers in up to four living areas, or three living areas and a crew compartment for long-haul haulage. The cabins feature ergonomic seats, a high-definition circadian lighting system designed to reduce jet lag, an air system that constantly replaces cabin air instead of recirculating it, and 16 windows that Gulfstream claims are the most industry giants.

First up is the next-generation Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, which includes dual head-up displays and a combined vision system with enhanced flight visualization and synthetic vision system images for improved situational awareness.

“When the first G800 test aircraft hit the market at our announcement last fall, we changed the game once again for our industry,” said Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream. “At Gulfstream, working closely with our customers allows us to continually build on our successes and develop aircraft that exceed their expectations. The G800 pushes the boundaries of performance even further with Gulfstream-engineered aerodynamics and cabin technology, and we look forward to our customers benefiting from longer mileage at higher speeds in our exceptional cabin environment.

“We have announced eight new aircraft over the past decade, strategically timed to capture market demand. We’re seeing a lot of interest in the G800, and this first flight brings us even closer to delivering Gulfstream for every mission.”

source: Gulf Stream