OT: For you aviation buffs....the wraps are off our new aicraft

[Tom Adams]

Kinda long post, but if you're into airplanes I think you'll enjoy the read.

FLAGSHIP JET IS LARGEST, MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY

ADVANCED AIRCRAFT IN GULFSTREAM FLEET:

Gulfstream today announced the introduction of an all-new business jet:

the Gulfstream G650. With its ultra-large cabin and ultra-long range, the

G650 establishes a new price and performance point for business-jet

aircraft. The G650 offers the longest range, fastest speed, largest cabin

and the most-advanced cockpit in the Gulfstream fleet. It is capable of

traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach or 5,000 nautical miles at

0.90 Mach. Using an advanced aerodynamic design, the G650 has a

maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach, which will make it the fastest

civil aircraft flying. It can climb to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet,

allowing it to avoid airline-traffic congestion and adverse weather.

"This is an exciting time in Gulfstream’s history," said Joe Lombardo.

"For 50 years, our company has been on the forefront of business-jet

aviation. I can think of no better way to celebrate our golden anniversary

than to introduce the Gulfstream G650. Created with significant input from

customers who participate in our Advanced Technology Customer

Advisory Team, a subset of our Customer Advisory Board, the G650

offers the most advanced flight deck and the widest array of cabin

comforts. Its performance and aesthetics are unprecedented."

Gulfstream expects to begin G650 customer deliveries in 2012. Based

on the aircraft development schedule, the company projects it will

receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification and

validation by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) in 2011.

First flight of the aircraft is scheduled for the second half of 2009.

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THE G650: ENHANCED CABIN ENVIRONMENT:

Comfort figures prominently into the G650. The unfinished aircraft cabin

measures 102 inches wide and 77 inches high, making it the largest

business-jet cabin. The extra space allows for a longer living area,

more seat recline, expanded leg room and increased stateroom

capabilities as well as larger galleys, lavatories, storage and crew rest

areas. An 84-inch-wide floor provides for larger seats, wider aisles and

the ability to seat three across. The G650 provides the most comfortable

and productive cabin environment. A cabin altitude of 4,850 feet at FL510

and 2,800 feet at FL410 reduces fatigue, increases mental alertness

and enhances productivity, while a quieter cabin provides a more

comfortable environment for conversation or relaxation. The aircraft's

advanced environmental control system features quieter air distribution

and independently vented lavatories. The G650's new 16 cabin windows,

measuring 28 inches by 20.5 inches, are the largest in the industry,

providing for even more natural light and visually expanding the aircraft's

already spacious interior. Gulfstream's Cabin Essential® design

philosophy means all of the G650's major cabin systems have been

designed with redundancy so a single-point failure will not result in the

loss of cabin functionality. That means a toilet always flushes; water is

always available; and an entertainment source always works.

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THE G650: THE PLANEVIEW COCKPIT:

The G650 features the most technologically advanced PlaneView® II

cockpit with a number of enhancements including: four 14-inch, adaptive,

liquid-crystal displays; three standard PlaneBook® computer tablets;

a smaller pedestal; a standby multifunction controller that combines

current display controller functionality with standby flight instruments; and

a fully automatic, three-dimensional scanning weather radar with an

integral terrain database for efficient ground-clutter elimination. In

addition, the G650 uses state-of-the-art vision systems to improve both

pilot situational awareness and flight safety. These standard systems

include the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS II), the Synthetic

Vision-Primary Flight Display (SV-PFD) system and Head-Up Display

(HUD II). Gulfstream is the first Part 25 Original Equipment Manufacturer

(OEM) to provide its customers with both enhanced and synthetic vision

systems. Kollsman (EVS II), Honeywell (SV-PFD) and Rockwell Collins

(HUD II) are major suppliers to Gulfstream on these three systems.

Working in concert, the EVS II and SV-PFD provide pilots with a superior

view of the terrain, obstacles and approaches, regardless of the weather

conditions outside the cockpit. EVS uses a forward-looking infrared

(FLIR) camera to capture real-world images and project them on the

pilot's all-digital HUD II, while the SV-PFD uses three-dimensional, color

terrain images that are derived from data stored in the Honeywell

Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS). "The

Gulfstream G650 uses state-of-the-art avionics to give operators a

visual edge," said Pres Henne, senior vice president of programs,

engineering and test. "But the G650's advances extend beyond the

cockpit. Every element of this aircraft was designed with safety,

reliability, comfort, productivity and performance in mind." Because the

G650 flight deck has the same basic layout as the G550, the pilot type

rating for the G650 is expected to be the same as the GV and the other

in-production, large-cabin Gulfstream business jets, with minimal

differences training.

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THE G650: PERFORMANCE:

The G650 is powered by the new Rolls-Royce BR725 engine, which

produces 16,100 pounds of thrust at take-off. Manufactured by

Rolls-Royce in Germany, the BR725 engine features a 50-inch swept

fan with 24 blades for improved flow, increased efficiency, reduced

noise and lower emissions. The G650 has fuel-burn levels comparable

to those of smaller aircraft. The BR725, in combination with the new,

high-efficiency thrust-reverser system and an all-new aerodynamically

optimized wing, means the G650 can meet the latest take-off certification

requirements, has excellent "hot and high" performance and offers

outstanding intercontinental range. For example, the G650 can travel

the 6,370 nautical miles from Dubai to Chicago 88 minutes faster than

existing long-range jets. It shaves 31 minutes off the 4,788-nautical-mile

trip from Los Angeles to London and 50 minutes off the 5,932-mile trip

from New York to Tokyo.

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THE G650: RELIABLE SYSTEMS:

The G650 offers a full three-axis fly-by-wire system that delivers a

number of benefits to the user, including flight-envelope protection,

increased redundancy and reduced maintenance. The system is the

result of extensive testing in Gulfstream's Advanced Flight Controls

program, where designers and engineers have been flight-testing

advanced signaling and actuation on a GV aircraft. Those efforts led

to a redundant fly-by-wire system that exceeds certification requirements.

The system features a quadruple-redundant flight-control computer

system for commanding all flight-control surfaces. In addition, the

system has a separate and dedicated back-up flight-control computer

that provides an additional level of safety. The G650 also has reliable

electrical systems that use proven components. Two 40 kVA Integrated

Drive Generators, a 40 kVA APU Generator and one 15 kVA Ram Air

Turbine provide superior electrical power capacity, no-break power

transfer capability and added redundancy for safe, reliable operation.

The G650 fuel system stores 100 percent of the aircraft's 44,200 pounds

of fuel in the wings. The G650 retains the G550 heated fuel return system

but adds a new Fuel Quantity Monitoring System (FQMS). This system

uses a new distributed architecture with redundancy to maintain

fuel-quantity indication in the event of any single sensor failure.

Additionally, the electronically controlled refueling feature automatically

adjusts to provide accurate refueling under varying fuel temperature

conditions. To ensure all systems remain at peak performance, the

Gulfstream G650 uses Gulfstream’s PlaneConnect® program, a

maintenance link that automatically transmits aircraft maintenance

information to the customer's operations department with an optional

copy to Gulfstream Technical Operations. This data can then be

analyzed to identify systems' condition status. It also allows for

exceptionally fast maintenance turnaround times. With overall system

reliability improvements and with 600 hours between major inspections,

the G650 is projected to have unmatched availability and dispatch

reliability.

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THE G650: MANUFACTURING:

The G650 fuselage employs all-new structural design and manufacturing

processes, including bonded skin panels, machined frames and precision

assembly. These new methods not only improve aircraft quality, fit and

finish, they also reduce assembly time and the need for an extensive parts

supply. For example, the G650's new window design is 16 percent larger

but uses 78 percent fewer parts, thereby reducing assembly time 57

percent. This streamlined manufacturing cycle also consumes less

energy. The G650 will be produced in the recently completed

308,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Gulfstream in Savannah.

In summary, Gulfstream's all-new flagship jet, the G650, is a new,

one-of-a-kind, high-tech, state-of-the-art airborne office that features an

unmatched combination of characteristics: the largest and quietest cabin,

the longest range and fastest speed and the most technologically

advanced aircraft systems. "It's thrilling to see how far we've come since

that day 50 years ago when the first Gulfstream I prototype took to the skies.

We were the first then and we're still the first now. And with the help of our

customers, the support of our communities and the ingenuity of our

employees, we'll continue to make aviation history with cutting-edge

advances that revolutionize the business-jet industry," said Lombardo.

[jacksonbart]

Very cool, I assume most of these are sold to leasing companies which sell time shares to actual companies and uses a thrid party firms for servicing. Is that true?

[Jay481985]

Sounds like a great plane, unfortunate that it was released now amid bad economic times.

[seti]

Steve Jobs other Gulfstream is getting a bit old perhaps Apple will trade him up to this one

[oldtimer]

Any photos? Some of your own perhaps?

[Daddy Dee]

http://www.gulfstream.com/gulfstreamg650/

very cool aircraft. 51K is altitude enough to get over the weather, for sure.

range of 7000 mi at mach .85

very cool, indeed.

[IB Slammin]

Just give me the old Pits Special S2S........

The most fun I have had with my pants on. 5.5 G's on takeoff does it for me every time! Pulling the negative G's in a "hammer head" .....well, things tend to get a bit "grey" around the edges, if you know what I mean[].............I need to work out more often[]

tc

[customsteve01]

Very cool Tom, All the G aircraft are cool and this one is going to take the cake. What part did you help design?

[Tom Adams]

jacksonbart => Yeah a good deal of our current production of aircraft (G150, G200, G450, G550) are sold to companies like NetJets that offer fractional ownership. However I'd say at least 70% of our sales are to single owners - be they individuals or corporations.

Jay => I'm not sure I'd totally agree with these being bad economic times. We're producing 6 planes per month and there's a 4 year wait for a G550. We had a 17% increase in sales in 2007 and the predictions are for more in 2008. Bottom line - we can't build 'em fast enough. And knowing how conservative Gulfstream tends to be, I can guarantee you that there's at least 100+ folks already lined up to plunk down $58.5 million for the G650.

Daddy Dee => Our current G550 is certified to FL510 and cruises all day long at .85 mach. What's really cool is the G650's top speed of .925 mach. And knowing how conservative the engineering numbers are, you can bet that Gulfstream didn't publish something they couldn't hit. So reading between the lines....I'm fairly sure the plane will exceed that top speed number.

Customsteve => Sadly, because of the project I'm currently assigned to, I wasn't assigned to the G650 project. I do have some involement, but only because the software we've been implementing is being used on that program.

Tom

[Daddy Dee]

Tom,

That's interesting. I was wondering about being rated so close to the speed of sound. Exceeding Mach 1 will be very cool.

[Tom Adams]

Well.....seeings how we've been the first to do many things in the business jet industry and we didn't invent the Quiet Spike ( http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/improvingflight/supersonic_jousting.html ) for nothing, I'll let you draw your own conclusions/speculations.

Tom

[boom3]

So, Tom, Gulfstream is giving a generous discount to members of the Klipsch Forum? []

[Jay481985]

Jay => I'm not sure I'd totally agree with these being bad economic times. We're producing 6 planes per month and there's a 4 year wait for a G550. We had a 17% increase in sales in 2007 and the predictions are for more in 2008. Bottom line - we can't build 'em fast enough. And knowing how conservative Gulfstream tends to be, I can guarantee you that there's at least 100+ folks already lined up to plunk down $58.5 million for the G650.

Tom

Aren't those the preordered planes that are being manufactured now, the guys that brought in 1-3 years ago in the good old days of the housing boom?

[Tom Adams]

More interesting news (wonder when Klipsch is gonna make the jump to fiber optics??)

FLY-BY-LIGHT AIRCRAFT-CONTROL SYSTEM DEMONSTRATED:

Gulfstream announced today that it has successfully demonstrated

aircraft control using fiber-optic "Fly-By-Light" (FBL) technology. This

is the first time FBL has been tested on a primary flight-control surface

of a Gulfstream business aircraft. During a nearly 75-minute flight

originating out of Savannah in the GV test aircraft, a fiber-optic harness

transferred pilot-control input from a Flight Control Computer (FCC) to

spoilers on the wing. The harness, which carries flight-control signals

on optical fiber, performs an electrical-optical conversion at each

avionics system endpoint, combining multiple signals onto a common

optical backbone that spans the aircraft. The electrical-optical

conversion uses in-line signal concentrators, each of which can

condense thousands of dual-path electrical signals into a single

optical bus. FBL technology provides significant weight savings and

increased safety over fly-by-wire systems. The system streamlines a

bulky wire bundle into just four fiber-optic wires. The fiber-optic harness

transmits a redundant signal for enhanced integrity and system safety.

The redundancy is inherent to the design of the harness. A fly-by-wire

system would require an additional harness to achieve the same level

of safety. "When you consider the benefits Fly-By-Light technology

delivers to its users in terms of weight and safety, the system Gulfstream

tested was better than expected," said Pres Henne, senior vice president

of programs, engineering and test. "We're pleased with the system's

performance and will continue to research its use in future applications."

[Tom Adams]

Jay => I'm not sure I'd totally agree with these being bad economic times. We're producing 6 planes per month and there's a 4 year wait for a G550. We had a 17% increase in sales in 2007 and the predictions are for more in 2008. Bottom line - we can't build 'em fast enough. And knowing how conservative Gulfstream tends to be, I can guarantee you that there's at least 100+ folks already lined up to plunk down $58.5 million for the G650.

Tom

Aren't those the preordered planes that are being manufactured now, the guys that brought in 1-3 years ago in the good old days of the housing boom?

That's partially true. When they buy a plane they are given a so-called tail number like 4130 (G450 designation with the model line starting with aircraft 4001). At the time they get a tail number, they pay us 25%. Once the fuselage sections start being built they send us another 25%. The next 25% installment is when the fuselage is mated to the wing. And the balance is due upon flight acceptance by the customer (usually the owners' pilot).

Tom

[j-malotky]

As for the economy and these new business jets, there have been many HUGE improvements on these jets. I remember hearing someone at EAA a few years ago saying that it will be more economical buying a new business jet than upgrade an older one. New Turbines are smaller, burn less fuel, and lighter than the old ones. Avionics today are unbelievable.

As for the old Pits S2-b, fun ride. Just make sure you tighten the bolts after each flight.[]

JM

[Me Loves Khorns]

Well, just checked on my portfolio, unfortunately, there is a lot of red showing up. Will have to wait a bit to put mine on order...

Cool plane though.

Paul