The gulfstream G650, designated Gulfstream GVI in its type certificate, is a Large Business Jet produced by Gulfstream Aerospace.
The G650 program which began in 2005 was unveiled to the general public in 2008. This aircraft was also named the winner of the Collier Trophy in 2014 due to the fact that it strengthened business aviation through the use of significant technological advancements in Aircrafts performance, Cabin comfort, Safety, Range and speed.
The G650ER is an Extended Range version of the G650 which Gulfstream developed.
Let’s quickly journey through some memory lane of this boisterous airliner before diving into its specifications and designs. You can jump the history part if you don’t want to read it.
brief history of the G650
The G650 was an internal company project launched in May 2005 and was publicly unveiled on March 13, 2008. During its disclosure, it happened to be the largest, fastest Jet in business aviation proudly owned by gulfstream. (I can somehow feel their pride Now )😂
However, the G700 and G800 now have better tech and spec than the G650. Other competitors also have improved jets that do well enough just like the G650 or even better for example, the Bombardier Global 7500.
The G650 had its maiden flight on November 25, 2009. The jet passed through numerous tests, became grounded and was later called back to continue testing, received certification and was later introduced into serving humanity on May 28, 2011.
Well, enough of the history talks, let’s dive into its specs and designs which made the jet lovely and adorable.
g650 specifications
The G650 has a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 to 0.90 with its maximum speed reaching Mach 0.925 going a whooping distance of 7000 nmi or 13,000km.
The aircrafts speed and range are thankful to the Rolls-Royce BR725 engines it uses, each producing a maximum thrust of 17,000 pounds force.
Gulfstream made it known that with a weight of less than 45,400kg, the G650 can land at small aviation airports. Giving passengers the advantage of avoiding large and busy airports that often cause unnecessary delays therefore saving them time and money.
The jet’s cabin is 8 feet 6 inches (2.59m) wide and 6 feet 3 inches (1.91m) high. Its cabin length is 46.82 (14.27m) feet having an overall cabin volume of 2,138 (60.5 m³) cu feet
Gulfstream made use of composite materials in the empennage, winglets, rear pressure bulkhead, engine cowlings, cabin floor structure and many fairings while using metals for the fuselage and wings (That’s why I call planes: flying metals 😉)
The airliner uses a complete fly-by-wire control technology with no provision for mechanical controls. Instead the surfaces are moved by dual hydraulic systems.
The G650 was the second jet to incorporate fly-by-wire controls into its fleet after the Dassault falcon 7x followed by Embraer Legacy 500.
In an effort to acquire a common type rating with the G550, the G650 shares the same yokes and columns with the G550.
G650 design
The Gulfstream G650 and G650ER are all the same. The difference being that the ER (Extended Range) Version packs an additional 500nmi flying distance due to its increased fuel carriage increasing its certified flying distance to 7500nmi. (You must know that these planes can go farther than the numbers given.)
An upgrade from G650 to G650 ER only costs about $2-3 million. That’s nothing for some people though (lol).
G650 cabin
This awesome airliner can be configured to have 4 sections that can be masterfully designed to include kitchen, bar, entertainment section, offices or bedrooms. It is also equipped with satellite telephones and wireless internet connection.
The Cabin’s length is 46.82 (14.27m) feet providing more space for legroom. Its height is 6.27 (1.91m) feet providing headroom space and its width is 8.17 (2.49m) feet making it possible to fit in larger seats and beds. The overall exterior length of the G650 is 99.74 (30.4m) feet and the overall cabin volume is 2,138 (60.5m³) cu feet. The aircraft can comfortable carry 19 passengers.
It also has a baggage volume of 195 (5.5m³) cu feet and can go as high as 51,000 feet above land.
This amazing aircraft has bigger sized windows than many in its class. Being surrounded with 18 of such windows gives its customers natural light (during the day time) and a clear panoramic view of the outside.
Gulfstream’s scientists and engineers understand the importance of breathing fresh air which could be a problem when flying as high as 51,000 feet. They found a way to engineer some system which flows in fresh air for customers to not only enjoy the flight but do so in great health.
Being a private or business jet, designs are solely based on customer’s style. However, the interior makes sure to provide more space for legroom and easy customization. Gulfstream also did a great job by designing the unseen technological parts of this aircraft, making it wonderful and lovely in and out.
Gulfstream g650 charter
Chartering a Gulfstream G650 in today’s world should be as easy as anything, when you have what it takes.
An average hourly G650 charter cost is around 11,400 USD. Cost may vary though, depending on provider / Charter Company.
Chartering a G650 for business trip or leisure is easy like I said earlier. You only have to check your travelling style I.E how much you can spend and how regular you may need to travel in a year. For regular travelling, the best choice can be to get a Jet card from the company of your choice, if they offer it or if you’re a one-off traveler, booking online can be the best choice.
gulfstream g650 owners
A lot of people already know that Elon Musk own a G650 However, He’s not the only billionaire who’s got fresh eyes for planes.
Here a small list of super-rich millionaires and billionaires who cruise on a G650
Elon Musk
Jeff Bezos
Bill Gates
Mark Zuckerberg
Lauren Powell Jobs
Steven Spielberg
There may other owners out there enjoying what this jet has to offer or simply doing so by chartering it.
Gulfstream g650 for sale
You can acquire a G650 from places like…
conclusion
Gulfstream has been a trusted producer in the private jet niche. The G650 only shows off their expertise in producing nice, lovely jets.
The G650s space and speed give it the advantage to handle more tasks easily without complaining. Chartering a G650 or acquiring one is really a great idea.
let me know your thoughts in the comments section.
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