The Gulfstream G400 is set to be the most affordable private jet developed by Gulfstream. A few days ago, the Gulfstream G400 took to the skies for the first time as it headed for a two-hour and 50-minute maiden journey from Savannah Hilton Head Airport (SAV). But what exactly can lovers of other wonderful aircraft developed by Gulfstream expect from the G400? Let’s find out.

Expect the G400 to be slightly shorter than the aircraft it was developed from

The G400 can accommodate up to 12 passengers despite having the second-shortest cabin length in the aircraft of the Gulfstream family that are currently produced.

Photo: Gulfstream

The G400 has the same fuselage cross-section as the two aircraft it was developed from – the G500 and the G600. The G400 is capacious for two and a half interior zones

Gulfstream G400 features

Some of the most wonderful qualities of the Gulfstream G400, as reported by Gulfstream include:

• The largest windows in business aviation.
• The lowest cabin altitude in the class.
• 100% fresh air is replenished every two minutes. The clean air system utilizes plasma ionization technology to purify the air.

Gulfstream G400 flight deck

The Gulfstream G400, like the G500 and G600, is equipped with a Honeywell Symmetry Flight Deck.

Photo: Gulfstream

This gives the pilots a chance to transition between these aircraft easily. Some of the features of the Honeywell Symmetry Flight Deck used in the G400 include:

• Four main displays set in a portrait configuration.
• Four force-touch screens in the glare shield of the aircraft.
• Three overhead touchscreens (this is different from aircraft that have an array of various switches and buttons).
• Standby display on each side of the cockpit.

BAE Systems active control sidesticks (ACS)

Many business jets use the standard control yoke. However, the G400 is different as it is equipped with the BAE Systems active control sidesticks (ACS) on either side of the pilot.

The sidesticks within the cockpits are a feature of the G500, G600, G700, and the future G800.

Photo: Gulfstream

Writing about the unique features of the G400, Justin Foster, who has expertise in Gulfstream, wrote about these sidesticks in the Gulfstream G400:

“This way of controlling the aircraft pairs specifically well with business jets that operate with fly-by-wire flight controls. The sidesticks assist the pilot by giving real-time feedback into the pilot’s hand. This feedback is given in the form of various cues and can be as simple as the sidestick becoming harder to push in a direction as the aircraft reaches its maximum limit. This feedback is called tactile cueing.”

How fast is the Gulfstream G400 expected to fly?

The G400 will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812GA turbofan engines. The engine was certified a couple of years ago. After the certification, the President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, Maria Della Posta, expressed her buoyancy at the success with the following words:

“When it enters into service (EIS), the G400 will be the third Gulfstream aircraft to rely on our PW800 engine family. We are gratified by the steady progress the PW800 engine family has achieved based on its ability to deliver a new level of performance and efficiency to the large cabin business aircraft class.”

Photo: Gulfstream

The G400 also has a shorter fuselage length, giving it a lighter weight, alongside the ability to reach high cruise speeds. It is also projected that the maximum operating speeds.

How much is the Gulfstream G400 expected to cost?

Joana Bailey, the managing editor for Simple Flying, covered the first flight of the G400, and compared it with some other aircraft of its category:

“At $34 million, Gulfstream has been competitive with its pricing for this jet. Its closest competitor from the Gulfstream stable is the G450, which has a list price of $38-$45 million. For a Gulfstream, a brand that commands a certain level of prestige and luxury, the G400 will be a welcome addition for those looking for a larger aircraft with a smaller price tag.”

However, this is only just the purchasing price. Someone looking to own this aircraft should also consider other costs of operating a private jet into account. Lightweight aircraft such as Eclipse 550 and Cirrus Vision SF50 are some of the light jets with the lowest operating costs, as they have an operating cost of $889 and $662 per hour, respectively.

Dr. Omar Memon, in his excellent guide about the operating costs of a private jet, gives us a hint about the expected operating costs of the Gulfstream G400:

“A private jet’s operating cost can vary between $500,000 to $1 million annually. While the storage, insurance, and routine maintenance costs are fixed, other expenses, including fuel and airport fees, vary depending on usage. “