In the second edition of our Gulfstream breakdown, we’re going to take a look at the differences between the G500, G550, G650 and G650ER, Gulfstream’s most massive business jets.
G550
Gulfstream’s G550 is identical to the GV-SP, which is a GV with an upgraded avionics system, aerodynamic improvements and upgraded engines. First delivered in 2003, the G550 comes equipped with two Rolls-Royce BR710 C4-11 engines. The G550 requires 6,045 feet to takeoff and 2,801 to land. It has a normal cruise speed of 475 knots and a climb rate of 3,650 feet per minute. It has a cabin length of 42 and a half feet, a height of six feet, and a width of seven feet.
G500
From 2003-2012, the G500 was manufactured as a shorter range version of the G550 with a reduced fuel capacity and a range of 5,991 nautical miles. This model of the G550 has a climb rate of 3,950 feet per minute, a normal cruise speed of 488 knots, requires 5,250 feet to takeoff and 2,801 to land. It also comes equipped with a PlaneView cockpit that used Honeywell’s Advanced Flight Deck Display Suite.
In 2016, Gulfstream began production of a new version of the G500, replacing the B710C4-11 engines found on the older models with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA engines. The newer models of the G500 have a range of 5,000 nautical miles, a normal cruise speed of 488 knots, require 5,200 feet to takeoff and 3,000 to land. The newer G500 model also has a redesigned cabin that’s nearly nine feet shorter in length, but is seven inches wider and a couple inches taller with room for 19 passengers. It comes equipped with the Honeywell Symmetry Flight Deck, as well.
G650
The G650, first delivered in 2012, has a cabin that’s more than four feet longer than the G550’s, three inches taller, and more than a foot wider. It comes equipped with Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, and is the largest and fastest Gulfstream on the market. Its range is almost 200 nautical miles further than the G550’s at 6,912, and its cruise speed is nearly 30 knots faster at 502. The G650 requires 6,000 feet to takeoff, 3,182 to land and has a climb rate of 3,570 feet per minute.
G650ER
The G650ER is an extended-range version of the G650 with a maximum takeoff weight increase of 4,000 pounds (104,000 compared to 100,000), making room for an extra 4,000 pounds of fuel. Its range is more than 500 nautical miles further than the original G650 at 7,437 nautical miles. The extra fuel capacity was added by modifying the fuel system to add more room in the wings. Original G650 models can be modified to extend their range with a $2 million upgrade.
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