Summary
- Gulfstream’s G650 has a 7,000 nautical mile range at a top speed of 0.925 Mach.
- Over 500 examples of the type have been produced, and popular demand led to a 3-year waiting list upon its entry to the market.
- Innovative features like clean air circulation, low noise levels, and jet lag-reducing tech enhance passenger comfort.
Private jets are known for their comfort and luxury, and their interiors are always aimed at being the very best they can be. Passenger comfort is everything, but with new innovative technology, it is even possible to reduce jet lag. The G650 is a top-rated aircraft and one that has led the way in improving business jet interior features. So, what makes the Gulfstream G650 stand out among the rest?
An introduction to the G650
The Gulfstream G650, designed by Savannah, Georgia-based Gulfstream Aerospace, is a twin-engine business jet with a 7,000 nautical mile range, equating to 8,100 miles or 13,000 kilometers. This means you could fly from Beijing to Capetown or Los Angeles to Dubai without needing to refuel.
Photo: Gulfstream
The aircraft has a maximum top speed of 0.925 Mach or 983 kilometers per hour. The G650 has Rolls-Royce BR725 turbofan engines that produce 16,900 pounds of thrust.
A popular and super fast private jet
The aircraft was first introduced in 2005 but didn’t fly until 2009. It received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in 2012. Over 500 of the G650 and G650ER have been produced.
Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace
It was so popular that there was a three-year waiting list when aircraft sales began; it is prevalent among celebrities and business leaders alike. The G650 holds the record for the longest and farthest flight in business aviation history, says Gulfstream. In 2015, the G650 flew 8,010 nautical miles or 14,835 kilometers from Singapore to Las Vegas.
A look at the interior
The spacious interior can seat up to 19 and sleep up to 10 passengers. The cabin is one of the largest for similar aircraft in its class, and handcrafted leather seats can be turned into lie-flat beds. There is also a divan, which can be turned into a bed. The aircraft is designed for both productivity and comfort. Four main living areas can be adapted for dining, entertainment, business, or relaxing. Every seat has a window so that the cabin is flooded with natural light.
The cabin can be configured with a full-size galley either at the front or the rear. The galley includes an espresso maker, microwave, oven, and chiller. There are two lavatories, one at the front and one at the rear of the aircraft. There is a small compartment that can be used as a crew rest area for those ultra-long-range flights.
The G650 has the Airshow system for the moving map and inflight entertainment. Ka-band high-speed Wi-Fi is fitted onboard. There are flat-screen TVs and video monitors and a cabin management system that allows clients to control temperature, window blinds, and lights. The baggage compartment can be accessed directly from the cabin.
Innovative features
The cabin is innovative in that it has a clean air system that uses 100% fresh air and changes it every two to three minutes. Air ionizing technology neutralizes any hint of allergens and viruses. The cabin altitude is set at 4,850 feet instead of the usual 8,000 feet, the lowest cabin altitude of any business jet, which ensures that passengers are jet lag-free.
Photo: Gulfstream
The aircraft has one of the quietest cabins in its class at just 47 decibels of noise. The aircraft project was named the 2014 winner of the Collier Trophy for having “strengthened business aviation through significant technological advancements in aircraft performance, cabin comfort, and safety.
Cockpit features
The cockpit has a heads-up display and enhanced vision system, which increase situational awareness in low-visibility conditions. A predictive landing performance system helps prevent runway overruns. Auto-throttles reduce pilot workload, and the TCAS II system offers enhanced collision avoidance.
Aircraft specifications
Exterior
- Exterior Height: 25 ft 8 in
- Wing Span: 99 ft 7 in
- Length: 93 ft 8 in
Interior
- Cabin Height: 6 ft 5 In
- Cabin Width: 8 ft 6 In
- Cabin Length: 53 ft 7 In
- Cabin Volume: 2138 cu ft
- Internal Baggage: 195 cu ft
Occupancy
- Crew: 2
- Passengers: 13-19
Operating Weights
- Max T/O Weight: 99600 Lb
- Max Landing Weight: 83500 Lb
- Operating Weight: 54000 Lb
- Fuel Capacity: 44200 lbs Lb
- Payload W/Full Fuel: 1800 Lb
- Max Payload: 6500 Lb
Photo: Gulfstream
Range
- Normal Range: 6820 nm
- Max Range: 7130 nm
- Service Ceiling: 51000 ft
Distances
- Takeoff Distance: 5858 ft
- Balanced Field Length: 6285 ft
- Landing Distance: 4167 ft
Performance
- Rate of Climb: 3570 fpm
- Climb Rate One Engine Inop: 467 fpm
- Max Speed: 516 kts
- Normal Cruise: 500 kts
- Economy Cruise: 488 kts
- Cost per Hour: $ 5,373.54
- 2019 List Price: $68,150,000
- Avionics:: PlaneView II Flight Deck
Power Plant
- Engines: 2
- Engine Mfg: Rolls Royce
- Engine Model: BR 725 A1-12
The price of a Gulfstream G650
The ultra-long-range private jet can be bought new from the assembly line for around $65 million, but according to Aircraft Bluebook, a preowned model could cost from $35 million for an early model to $60 million for a more recent model. For those not interested in the extra costs associated with owning a business jet, a G650 can be chartered for around $10,500 per hour.
