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GULFSTREAM’S NEW PAIR OF ACES by Sergio Barlocchetti - ph. courtesy by Gulfstream
Shared parts, high-end performance and a policy of pre-empting the competition by revitalising a product line. For the Savannah-based company it’s an important step that will see it dominate the market during the next ten years
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Gulfstream’s objective with the new G400 is to reclaim its leading position in the medium-large busi-ness jet market. Note the General Dynamics-style wing plan
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The interiors of the new G400 and G800 make use of lighter materials in a revamp of the classic style – acres of leather and excessive padding have now been rejected in favour of more space and more versatile interiors
T
he eagerly-awaited announcement from Gulfstream
million it will place Gulfstream in a market that will grow by 35%
(General Dynamics Group) at the Las Vegas NBAA2021
in ten years, impressive given that there are only eight companies
wasn’t long in coming, as the Savannah, Georgia-based
in the game, and three of those are not players in this sector. To
company confirmed the launch of its new twin-engine models, the
contest Gulfstreams’ pre-eminence and achieve the same impact on
large-cabin G400 and the ultra-long range G800, consolidating
the market Bombardier would have to merge with Textron Cessna’s
its position as number one in America’s high-end business jet
business jet unit, a move that has been on the table for some time
market. The G400 is intended as a competitor for the Bombardier
but has never been finalised.
Challenger 650, a development of the 600 model, which dates back
The G400 will have an exceptionally spacious interior – its fuselage
to 1978, and the Dassault Falcon 2000 LXS, the latest version of
is over eleven metres long, 2.31 metres wide and 1.88 metres high.
an aircraft that, though successful, has now been around since
The aircraft will cover distances of 4,200 nautical miles (over
1993. However, though the French manufacturer could, while
7,700 km) at speeds between 904 and 935 kph (Mach 0.85-0.88),
concentrating its resources on its top-of-the-range 10X, rustle
and at maximum load will be able to take off from runways 1,500
up an airplane, the Falcon 6X, similar to one of the new models
metres long and climb to a service ceiling of FL510 (a flight level of
under construction, Bombardier is burdened with a debt of almost
51,000 feet). In operational terms this means, for example, taking
six billion dollars and cannot afford the risks inherent in a new
off from Saint Tropez LaMole and landing in the USA. Connectivity
project. All of this leaves a gap in the market for the G400, which
is unrestricted, of course, as are the options for furnishings, which
slots in between the G280 at 25 million dollars and the G500
are now lighter, enabling enhanced performance.
at 45 million. The speed with which it will be launched on the
No destination seems out of reach of the G800, which has a range
market – within a year – is made possible by the fact that it shares
of 8,000 miles (14,800 km). Its cabin is three metres longer, and
parts with other models in the family, inheriting engines, avionics,
the consequent increase in size pushes required runway length at
wings, transverse fuselage sections and other systems. As a result
maximum load to 1,800 metres. Not so bad - Saint Tropez can be
the cost can be kept down to a relatively restrained 34.5 million
replaced by Nice or one passenger fewer can be carried and take-
dollars. The G800 is a different matter, though, as it will be up
off shifted to Cannes Mandelieu. Destination, for example, Tokyo
against larger jets like the Falcon 10X, but at a price of 71.5
Narita, non-stop. www.gulfstream.com
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