Dec. 20--Savannah-based Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. delivered its first fully outfitted ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 on Thursday.
The highly anticipated business jet, whose maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.925 makes it the fastest certified civilian aircraft in production, was delivered to a U.S. customer.
"We're extremely proud of this aircraft and the work that's been done by the G650 design, build and supplier teams," said Gulfstream president Larry Flynn. "The first delivery of an aircraft is always an auspicious occasion, and this one is especially so. This delivery represents the beginning of a new era in aircraft design and manufacturing in terms of quality, capabilities, reliability, parts availability and maintenance activities.
"We're thrilled to see the first G650 leave our hangar for a customer's. Soon the G650 will be a common sight at airports around the world," Flynn said.
Jay L. Johnson, chairman and CEO of Gulfstream's parent corporation General Dynamics, said the G650 sets a new world standard for business-jet performance, range, speed and comfort.
"I am very proud of the Gulfstream team. They have done a superb job in designing and manufacturing an aircraft that is already the envy of the global market."
Gulfstream recently announced enhanced performance characteristics for the G650, including more range. The G650 can now travel 6,000 nautical miles at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, a 1,000-nautical mile increase over the original target of 5,000.
This additional capability makes city pairs such as Tokyo to New York, New York to Dubai, Shanghai to London and Moscow to Los Angeles possible at speeds faster than any other business jet.
Each of the G650's Rolls-Royce BR725 A1-12 engines provides 16,900 pounds of thrust, yet the aircraft burns less fuel and produces fewer emissions than other aircraft.
The G650 cabin includes a number of technologically advanced systems, including the Gulfstream-designed Cabin Management System, which allows passengers to use personal electronic devices to control the cabin's high-definition audio and video components as well as lighting, temperature, window shades and other cabin functions, including the Gulfstream CabinView Passenger Flight Information System.
Gulfstream's Cabin Essential design philosophy means such cabin systems as lighting, power, control, entertainment and the water and waste systems are designed with redundancy that minimizes the risk of losing cabin functionality.
The G650, which earned its type certificate from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in September, still has a backlog of nearly 200 orders with a five-year waiting list.
The business jet, which sells for $64.5 million, is built in Savannah.
Copyright 2012 - Savannah Morning News, Ga.
