The Gulfstream GIIB is part of the elite large-cabin global private jets. It was designed for optimal range, runway performance, and flight performance. Since its release to the market, it has become one of the most-used private jets in the business world; companies like IBM and General Motors purchased more than one GII, and Coca-Cola purchased four. The Gulfstream GIIB has intercontinental range, and is truly an international jet. Its owners routinely take trips around the world to every destination imaginable: New York, Tel Aviv, Djokjakarta, Perth, Bora Bora, Sydney. The GIIB can go everywhere.
Power for the GIIB is provided by two Rolls-Royce Spey Mk511-8 engines, which provide 11,400 pounds of thrust each on takeoff. The GIIB climbs at a rate of 4,350 feet per minute. It can fly as fast as 488 knots, or at 442 knots for maximum range. The GIIB can fly up to 4,276 miles (3,714 nautical miles) with maximum fuel and reserves. Its maximum flight ceiling is 45,000 feet.The cabin of the GIIB is huge: a total of 1,270 cubic feet. The cabin is usually configured to hold ten to fourteen passengers, but can be configured to hold as many as nineteen. The cabin of the GIIB is 6.1 feet high, 7.3 feet wide and 33.9 feet long. At the time of its release, it had the largest cabin of any private jet available. Both a large entertainment center and a galley are included.
Runway performance is the Gulfstream GIIB’s strong point. At sea level, it can take off in 5,115 feet, falling right about average for jets with a similar cabin size, which isn’t so impressive. However, the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 69,700 pounds should be taken into account. The nearest weight for a private jet of similar cabin volume is Falcon 900EX EASy, with an MTOW of 48,300 pounds – 21,400 pounds less than the GIIB.
The avionics of the Gulfstream GIIB are modeled around the Honeywell SPZ-800 system. Standard equipment includes the Sperry SP 50G autopilot, the Honeywell Laser INS, Dual Collins VHF-20A comms, dual DME and ADF, a color weather radar, flitefone, and HF comms for overseas flights.
The Gulfstream GIIB isn’t just popular in the business world; it was also used by the militaries of Venezuela, Morocco, Oman, and the US Army and Coast Guard. It was also renamed the C-11A when used as a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) by the military. The C-11A was modified to mimic the landing trajectory of a space shuttle and then used to train shuttle flight crews.
The Gulfstream GIIB is the perfect private jet for frequent transcontinental and transoceanic trips. No other jet with such a low acquisition cost has such a large cabin – jets with similar price tags have half the cabin volume. The performance capabilities of the GIIB more than qualify it for a competitive spot in the heavy private jet class.