The Gulfstream G700 is the world’s most expensive ultra-long-range business jet, worth around $80 million.
The G700 boasts an unmatched combination of luxury, advanced technology, and performance capabilities. Compared to the $73 million Bombardier Global 7500 and the $53 million Embraer Lineage 1000E – on the face of it, the G700 might appear expensive.
As a testament to its unparalleled standing within the private jet industry, Sentinel Aviation notes that Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have recently purchased the G700 to add to their business jet fleets (a G650ER and two G550s, and the G650 and Pilatus PC-24 respectively).
Let us take a ‘deep dive’ into the G700 and see if the claims and price tag are befitting!
Unparalleled Cabin Size and Comfort
Gulfstream unveiled its luxury G700 at the 2019 NBAA Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. It boasts the longest, widest, and tallest cabin in its class. Offering an ultra-galley, up to five customisable living areas, including a master suite with a private shower. Its innovative features, like circadian lighting to combat jet lag, fresh wellness with plasma-ionised air replenished every two to three minutes, and 20 panoramic oval windows, elevate the in-flight experience.
The cabin has 5 customisable living areas
The cabin also features reliable high-speed WiFi to cover business and entertainment needs. The award-winning interior features elegant finishes and advanced cabin controls with tactile feedback. All-new, handcrafted seats are converted into ergonomic beds for exceptional comfort on ultra-long range flights.
Cabin altitude is the simulated altitude inside an aircraft cabin, which is crucial for passenger comfort and health. It is artificially lowered to be less than the outside flying altitude. This ensures passenger safety, as the air at high altitudes is too thin to provide sufficient oxygen for breathing. It is typically maintained at 6,000 to 8,000 feet on commercial flights, even when cruising at higher altitudes.
Superior Performance
Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the G700 achieves a top speed of Mach 0.925, nearly as fast as the speed of sound. Reaching altitudes of 54,000 ft (16,459 m, and with a range of 7,500 nautical miles, the G700 set speed records during recent international visits to the Middle East and Europe. The G700 allows non-stop travel between destinations like New York and Dubai, catering to ultra-long-haul flights. Its maximum takeoff/landing weights are 107,600 lb (48,807 kg) and 83,500 lb (37,874 kg), respectively, carrying a maximum payload weight of 5,985 lb (2,715 kg).
State-of-the-Art Technology
The aircraft features the Symmetry Flight Deck, with advanced touchscreen avionics and predictive landing systems, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. The onboard amenities, such as a high-definition entertainment system and speakerless surround sound, further add to its technological edge.
The Combined Vision System increases pilot situational awareness
The cockpit features extensive touchscreen technology, industry-first active control sidesticks, a new Combined Vision System CVS, dual head-up display, and the award-winning Predictive Landing Performance System, enhancing pilot situational awareness and airport access.
The Symmetry Flight Deck features active control sidesticks
Sustainability and Efficiency
Gulfstream’s aerodynamic wing and an all-new winglet combine with Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and its next-generation avionics to support fuel-efficient flight, an excellent balance between luxury with environmental responsibility.
Gulfstream’s all-new winglet supports fuel-efficient flight
Sentinel Aviation notes with interest that the Gulfstream G700 recently (October 31) successfully completed ground emissions testing of 100% neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) containing zero sulphur. Read More Here.
Record-breaking Performance
Two outfitted G700 aircraft took part in a world tour of more than 20 countries over six continents to showcase the aircraft.
The G700 never failed to impress and has set over 50 new speed records. These include:
- Savannah to Doha: 13 hours 6 minutes 6,711 NM 12,428km Mach 0.88
- Doha to Paris: 6 hours 15 minutes 2.953 NM 5,469km Mach 0.90
- Tokyo to Savannah: 10 hours 53 minutes 6,365 NM 11,788km Mach 0.91
- Nice to Singapore: 11 hours 30 minutes 5,754 NM 10,656km Mach 0.90
In Summary
The G700 is unquestionably a magnificent aircraft with distinctive characteristics. This combination of luxurious design, cutting-edge technology, and ultra-long-range capabilities justifies its premium price and status as a leader in private aviation. However the running costs are considerable, ranging from $2.2 to $4 million annually. In comparison, the Bombardier Global 8000 and the Dassault Falcon 10X will be strong competitors, once certified.
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