Improvements Over G200 Include New Wing Design, PlaneView Avionics

Gulfstream Aerospace announced Sunday at NBAA 2008 the introduction of its newest super mid-size business jet, the Gulfstream G250. An update to the Israel Aerospace Industries-sourced G200, the G250 will offer the largest cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in its class, according to Gulfstream.

Projected performance numbers back up those lofty claims. Gulfstream states the G250 will be capable of traveling 3,400 nautical miles at 0.80 Mach, with a maximum operating speed of 0.85 Mach. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, the G250 will be able to climb to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, where it can avoid air-traffic congestion and adverse weather.

"I'm delighted to announce the newest aircraft in the Gulfstream line," said Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream. "Our customers played a definitive role in designing this business jet by participating in our Advanced Technology Customer Advisory Team. As a result, we are confident they'll appreciate the G250's state-of-the-art technology, superior performance and enhanced styling."

The G250 will be powered by twin Honeywell HTF7250G engines, each of which provides 7,445 pounds of thrust. Gulfstream notes these fuel-efficient engines feature reduced emissions, longer maintenance intervals and decreased noise levels. They also offer excellent climb performance, which should propel the G250 to FL410 in less than 20 minutes.

The G250 also sports an all-new, advanced transonic wing design, which Gulfstream says has been optimized for high-speed cruise and improved takeoff performance. At maximum takeoff weight, the G250 will be able to take off from a 5,000-foot runway; its 3,400-nautical-mile projected range would allow the G250 to fly nonstop from New York to London or from London to Dubai.

Sporting the largest cabin in its class, the G250 includes an ergonomically-designed galley, a vacuum toilet system (common on larger jets, but rare on midsized planes) and voluminous storage.

For the pilots, the G250 is equipped with the PlaneView 250 avionics suite, based on the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion. This flight deck features three high-resolution, 15-inch diagonal Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) that are capable of showing multiple formats, including a navigation map with terrain; approach and airport charts; graphical flight planning, and optional synthetic and enhanced vision. 

The cockpit also includes two new Standby Multi-function Controllers (SMCs). Installed in the glare shield, these first-of-their-kind SMCs incorporate a variety of features, including Standby Instrument, Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS) Display Control, and Remote Information Display on a 5.3-inch LCD.

The G250 is the only aircraft in its class with auto braking. Additionally, the G250 brake-by-wire system features individual anti-skid, completely independent mechanical backup and a brake temperature monitoring system.

Gulfstream projects the G250 will be certified in 2011, and expects to begin customer deliveries of the new aircraft the same year. The first flight of the aircraft is scheduled for the second half of 2009.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com