One-Hundredth G150 Delivered, Auto-Throttle System Available

Two of Gulfstream's newest business jets have been busy setting speed records as they travel around the world. At the NBAA convention in Orlando, FL. Monday, the company announced a number of enhancements and accomplishments for G150 aircraft: four new city-pair speed records, the 100th customer delivery and the availability of an automatic throttle system.

The G150 set the four city-pair speed records in September, flying from Savannah to Barbados; Barbados to Cape Verde, Sal; Cape Verde to Libreville, Gabon; and Libreville to Cape Town, South Africa. The aircraft was on its way to the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defence Show in Cape Town when it set the multiple records. “These speed records demonstrate the G150’s exceptional range and performance for our customers,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. “The G150 is a midsize workhorse and is ideal for both short- and long-range trips.”

On Sept. 11, the G150 flew 1,723 nm from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to Grantley Adams International Airport in Seawell, Christ Church, on the island of Barbados. Its average cruise speed was Mach 0.80, resulting in a flight time of 3 hours and 54 minutes. Piloting the aircraft were demo pilots Nicholas Rose and Stephanie Ruyle. Later that same day, the same crew flew the G150 from Barbados to Amilcar Cabral International Airport in Cape Verde on Sal Island. The 2,243-nm trip took 5 hours and 9 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.80.

On Sept. 12, Rose and Ruyle piloted the aircraft 2,298 nm from Cape Verde to Libreville Leon M’ba International Airport in Libreville, Gabon, in 5 hours and 13 minutes, at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.80. The following day, they flew 2,099 nm from Libreville to Cape Town, South Africa, in 4 hours and 44 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.78.

All four city-pair speed records are pending certification by the National Aeronautic Association, the official record keeper for U.S. aviation, and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale in Switzerland for approval as world records.

In addition to the city-pair speed records, Gulfstream also announced that the 100th G150 has been delivered. The aircraft was sold to an overseas customer and operates in Europe.

In the cockpit, the FAA has granted a Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for Safe Flight’s Enhanced AutoPower automatic throttle system. The full authority system, available for retrofit on any operational G150 and as an option on new G150s, provides continuous thrust management during takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach, landing and go-around flight modes. Fully integrated with existing avionics displays and controls, the auto-throttle system features precise, smooth and synchronized speed control.

The G280 aircraft has also set some new city-pair speed records, flying from Dallas to Teterboro, NJ, Teterboro to Jacksonville, FL, and Jacksonville to Dallas, TX. Gulfstream’s new super mid-sized aircraft has now established seven speed records since setting its first in May.

The G280 flew from Love Field in Dallas to Teterboro Airport in 2 hours and 47 minutes. Its average speed was 493 miles per hour. On board were Chip Leonard and Brett Rundle, Gulfstream international demonstration captains; Rhonda Eschete, senior international flight attendant; and two passengers. With the same crew and just one passenger, the aircraft flew from Teterboro to Jacksonville in 2 hours and 7 minutes at an average speed of 438 miles per hour. The group continued the flight from Jacksonville back to Dallas in 2 hours and 2 minutes, traveling at an average speed of 446 miles per hour. All three flights were at altitudes of 43,000 feet. The National Aeronautic Association has confirmed the records and forwarded them to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale in Switzerland for approval as world records.

(Images: Top, G150. Bottom, G280 provided by Gulfstream)

FMI: www.gulfstream.com