G150 Also Receives Group Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum
Approval
Gulfstream's new
G150 business jet has met Stage 4 noise requirements as set forth
by ICAO. It is the first Gulfstream business jet to be certified by
the FAA for Stage 4, the industry’s most stringent noise
standards. Additionally, the G150 recently received group Reduced
Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) approval.
“The G150 is the first Gulfstream aircraft to comply with
these stringent noise requirements,” said Pres Henne, senior
vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream.
“While we were not required to meet these standards because
we applied for the G150’s type certificate before the Stage 4
noise requirements became effective, we felt it was important to
step up and do so.”
Stage 4 requirements have been in effect since Jan.1, 2006. As
mandated by the FAA, all jet aircraft with a maximum take-off
weight of 12,500 pounds or more developed on or after this date
must meet Stage 4 requirements, which are 10 EPNdB (effective
perceived noise level in decibels) less than the previous Stage 3
requirements.
In August, the G150 also received approval from regulatory
authorities for group RVSM operations after meeting required
equipage and altitude-keeping performance standards. With this
approval, the G150 can fly at predetermined RSVM flight levels that
are separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet. Aircraft not approved for
RSVM operations have fewer flight levels and a vertical separation
of 2,000 feet.
Gulfstream introduced
the G150 in September 2002. On May 3, 2005, the G150 completed its
first flight, which lasted 4 hours, 13 minutes. The G150 received
its certification from both the Civil Aviation Administration of
Israel (CAAI) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Nov.
7, 2005, 10 weeks ahead of schedule. This marked the first time
that two civil aviation agencies certified the same aircraft on the
same day.
Powered by two Honeywell TFE731-40AR engines, the G150 can reach
speeds of up to Mach .85 and altitudes of 45,000 feet, well above
commercial traffic and weather. At a long-range cruise speed of
Mach .75, the G150 can fly four passengers nonstop up to 2,950
nautical miles – father than any other aircraft in its class.
The G150 easily connects cities such as New York to Los Angeles,
London to Moscow, or Rio de Janeiro to Santiago.
The fully-equipped G150 flight deck features Rockwell Collins
Pro Line 21 Avionics. Also included is Gulfstream’s signature
Cursor Control Device (CCD), which is standard equipment on all of
Gulfstream’s large-cabin aircraft – the G550, G500,
G450 and G350. As with all Gulfstream business jet models, the new
G150 is backed by Gulfstream’s award-winning product
support.
G150 aircraft are designed and built in collaboration with
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, Israel. Initial
manufacturing is completed in Tel Aviv, Israel, after which the
aircraft are flown to Gulfstream’s Dallas facility for the
final phase of manufacturing.