The G280, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s new super mid-sized business jet, has earned type certificates from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel, where the aircraft is manufactured.
The certificates, which verify the airworthiness of the G280 design, are among the final steps required before Gulfstream delivers the first fully outfitted G280 to a customer.
Gulfstream says the aircraft, a joint effort between it and Israel Aerospace Industries, offers the most comfortable cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in its class.
“Gulfstream is excited to bring this aircraft to its customers, especially since we’re able to provide a plane that does more than we originally announced,” said Gulfstream president Larry Flynn.
The G280 has a range of 3,600 nautical miles at Mach 0.80 — or more than 600 miles per hour.
“This increase of 200 nautical miles over our original projections results in increased fuel efficiency and lower operating costs for our customers,” Flynn said. “It’s the only mid-sized aircraft that can reliably fly nonstop between London and New York.”
The G280’s design has much in common with large-cabin Gulfstream models in terms of safety, reliability, handling, styling and cabin management, Flynn said.
Joseph Weiss, president and CEO of Israel Aerospace, said the aircraft was a blend of the two manufacturers’ technological strengths through all stages of development, manufacturing and certification.
Gulfstream will deliver the first G280 aircraft before year-end to a U.S.-based manufacturer with a worldwide presence spanning 190 countries.
Customer input
The G280, announced in October 2008 as a replacement for the G200, rolled out under its own power a year later and took to the skies just two months after that.
A total of three G280 aircraft participated in the flight-test program, logging more than 2,150 hours over 794 test flights.
As with all Gulfstream aircraft, the G280 was designed with considerable input from Gulfstream customers.
“Their contributions were invaluable in creating a super mid-sized aircraft that flies so far and so fast,” said Pres Henne, Gulfstream’s senior vice president for programs, engineering and test.
The range and speed increase over the G200 was achieved while burning less fuel, Henne noted.
“We’re extremely proud of this aircraft and know our customers will be, too,” he said.
Above and beyond
David Dagan, vice president and general manager of the commercial aircraft group for Israel Aerospace, agreed.
“The new G280 is the impressive result of an extensive development program,” he said. “The aircraft’s performance ultimately exceeds initial projections.”
In the cockpit, the G280 features the most advanced flight deck in its class, the PlaneView280, which includes three 15-inch liquid crystal displays capable of showing multiple formats, including a navigation map with terrain; approach and airport charts; graphical flight planning and optional enhanced vision.
“The PlaneView280 system is designed to improve situational awareness and safety through its highly interactive controls and interfaces, as well as its advanced graphics and synoptics,” Henne said
In the cabin, three interior floor plans can seat eight-to-10 and berth up to four. An advanced environmental control system provides 100 percent fresh air and a low cabin altitude.
“Taken together, these amenities significantly reduce fatigue, increase mental alertness and enhance productivity,” Henne said.
Flynn agreed.
“This aircraft leads its class in every significant aspect of performance and comfort,” he said.