Gulfstream G150 | Article

Gulfstream G150

One of Gulfstream Aerospace’s newest business aircraft, the G150, was certified in November of 2005. Since its certification, fourteen jets have been delivered and have received positive reviews from customers across the globe. The G150 has just enough range to fly transcontinental missions, a competitive fuel consumption, fast cruise speeds, and one of the widest cabins in its class. It is designed to compete with business aircraft such as the Learjet 60XR, Citation Sovereign and the Hawker 900XP.

The G150 is similar to the G100 in most of its structures, major systems, and engines. The main point of divergence is the G150’s cabin, which has been completely redesigned. The cabin measures 17.7 feet long, 5.8 feet high, and 5.8 feet wide and can be configured for six to eight passengers. The cabin is significantly wider than that of its predecessor, and wider than the cabins of most of its competitors. A total of 80 cubic feet of baggage space is available in interior and exterior compartments. Cabin amenities include a full galley, entertainment system with a dual DVD/CD player, power outlets, and a fully-enclosed lavatory.

The majority of the structures of the G150 are similar to those of the G100. The nose is the exception: it has been completely redesigned, the result being a sleeker profile and a more aerodynamic aircraft. Significant changes have also been made to the wing: the wings of the G150 are more flexible, which translates into smoother aircraft performance in turbulent areas.

Another of the G150’s major selling points is its range. It can fly four passengers 3,018 nautical miles with required NBAA IFR fuel reserves. This gives the G150 the range necessary to complete transcontinental missions. City pairs include Los Angeles to Honolulu and New York to Shannon, Ireland. The G150’s fuel consumption is right on average with its competitors: on a 1,000 nautical mile trip with four passengers, the G150 burns 2,987 pounds of fuel. Whatever the G150 lacks in fuel consumption, it makes up for in cruise speeds. Its maximum cruise speed is 475 ktas, and its long range cruise speed is 430 ktas, notably faster than the competition.

Some of the most important improvements to the G150 took place in the cockpit: the G100’s Pro Line 4 flight deck was replaced by the extremely successful Pro Line 21 suite. Gulfstream added several improvements of their own to the Pro Line 21 system: better displays, easier FMS and E-chart updates, and an optional upgrade to a paperless cockpit.

The G150 matches its competitors in most areas, but slightly outpaces them in terms of cabin width, range, and cruise speed. The already-successful G100 is slated to repeat its success in the form of the G150.