Gulfstream G650 Review – The Gold Standard of Business Aviation

The Gulfstream G650 has become one of the ultimate benchmarks for business jet design and performance.

It blends an incredibly luxurious, spacious cabin with state-of-the-art bandwidth and communications systems, as well as unmatched range, speed and efficiency. The flight deck and passenger comfort features are also next gen leaders.

The G650 has garnered significant interest from corporations, charter providers, and wealthy individuals for its performance since it entered service in 2012.

In this review, we will cover everything from the history of the G650, how it works and technical details, its interior features enrolled both cabin and cockpit, cost to operate one and compete with it and beyond.

Keep reading!

History and Development

Gulfstream has been manufacturing private jets to perform at the top of their class for decades. Launched in 2005, the G650 program aimed to develop a successor flagship for Gulfstream, one which would out range the company's own G550 as well as cover competing aircraft.

Below is a timeline of the G650's steps on its path to Gulfstream's top product status:

• 2008 - Official program launch at NBAA convention, much interest received
• 2009 - First flight occurs two months ahead of schedule
• 2011 - Gulfstream pilots fly the G650 around the world in record time
• 2012 - FAA Type Certification received after extensive testing
• 2014 - Enhanced version called G650ER introduced with more range
• 2018 - G650 receives avionics, cabin tech upgrades
• 2022 - G650 production ongoing with over 400 delivered

The G650 platform has remained one of the sweetest rides in Gulfstream's stable thanks to ongoing development finesse. It marries tried and true systems with the best current innovations.

 

 

Specifications

The G650 contains specifications that are nothing short of amazing unlocking, its phenomenal range across the globe and ability to cruise at maximum speeds. So, here are some of the few parameters to be considered:

Physical Dimensions

• Length: 99 ft 8 in (30.4 m)
• Wingspan: 99 ft 7 in (30.3 m)
• Height: 25 ft 4 in (7.7 m)
• Cabin Length: 49 ft (14.9 m)
• Cabin Height: 6 ft 5 in (2 m)
• Cabin Width: 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m)

Performance

• Range: 7,000 nm (12,960 km)
• High Speed Cruise: Mach 0.925 (642 mph)
• Long Range Cruise Speed: Mach 0.85 (567 mph)
• Max Operating Altitude: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
• Fuel Capacity: 17,000 lb (7,711 kg)

Powerplant

• Engines: 2x Rolls-Royce BR725 turbofans
• Thrust: 18,900 lbf (84 kN) each engine

Weights

• Max Takeoff Weight: 99,600 lb (45,178 kg)
• Basic Operating Weight: ~54,000 lb (24,494 kg)
• Max Payload: 7,500 lb (3,402 kg)

Avionics

• Gulfstream Symmetry flight deck
• Honeywell Primus Epic avionics
• Enhanced vision capabilities
• Advanced navigation systems

Design Features

Optimizing the aircraft as a whole, the use of new aerodynamics and cabin concepts are part of the G650' application.

Wing Design The G650 has a high aspect ratio wing spanning over 99 feet. Winglets reduce drag on the wingtips at cruise. It employs a sophisticated airfoil design to ensure laminar flow at high subsonic speeds. Takeoff and landing performance enhancements are also provided by leading edge slats.

Cabin Design Gulfstream engineers took full advantage of the G700's interior volume with 48.5 feet (14.7 meters) of cabin space. Sound-proofing and noise dampening techniques make the sound level as low as a whisper. The property is flooded with natural light thanks to the signature oval cabin windows.

 

 

Flight Deck Gulfstream's Symmetry flight deck employs active matrix LCDs with touchscreen interfaces. In conditions of poor visibility, the LASER Enhanced Vision System gives pilots a synthetic view of the environment. It is displayed on four large panoramic displays, all critical flight and navigation data.

Gulfstream took the G650 experience to new heights by marrying aerodynamic flight performance with passenger comfort – and digitally controlling the entire craft.

Cabin Comfort and Configuration

The G650 interior experience raises the bar for private aviation with luxuriousness and customization that go above and beyond sheer performance numbers.

Interior Layout The G650 has a cabin that can be configured in hundreds of ways, and is nearly 49 foot long. Some usual configurations are:

• Entryway and forward galley
• Main seating area
• Private stateroom
• Spacious aft lavatory

Furnishings can be arranged differently to a certain extent while Swiss craftsmanship offers tremendous attention to detail.

Seating Options But the G650 comes with a few seating plans depending on an owner's requirements, including:

• Corporate configuration for 16 passengers
• Conference grouping for 10 passengers
• Forward casual club forward for up to 6 passengers
• 2 Couple Stateroom for Passengers

 

 

Pop-up worktables in the double club seats facilitate productivity. Divans and berthing areas let you just chill in-flight when things are a little bit longer.

Sleeping Accommodations The Farkhor-based G650 can be outfitted with the following for ultra long-range missions:

• Large forward master suite with double bed
• Multiple lie-flat seats for passengers
• Self-contained crew rest area

The G650 can become a soundproof haven in which to snooze between destinations, thanks to dimmable lighting and other touches.

Luxury Amenities To pamper its passengers, Gulfstream dresses the G650 cabin with:

• Convection oven professional situated kitchen
• Ultra-HD 4K entertainment engine
• Central touchscreen cabin management system
• Warm stone floors in lavatory.
• Immersive LED lighting scenes
• Satellite internet availability on high speed
• Four-Zone Climate Control System

The G650 provides the best inflight experience because of all things, from handcrafted furnishings and a refined aesthetic to advanced amenities.

Advanced Technology At the same time, this marvel of aviation technology pampered those inside but made flying easier and safer through its leading-edge system.

Symmetry Flight Deck Information concerning critical flight parameters and navigation data are displayed on four large LCD touchscreens forming part of the Symmetry flight deck. The layout is clean and intuitive, highlighting the importance of situational awareness.

The automation lowers crew workload dramatically.

Digital Flight Control It uses electrical signaling rather than heavy hydraulics between the sidestick and flight control surfaces. Digital inputs allow for smooth, accurate tuning through onboard computers and actuators. Integrated autothrottle further enhances performance.

Enhanced Vision Capability Utilizing IR camera imaging overlayed upon a mapped terrain database, the Enhanced Vision System offers almost instantaneous view of the environment down to 100 ft visual range for pilots. This incredibly increases situational awareness.

Safety Systems The G650, Gulfstream's flagship with its myriad of safety additions, includes:

• Predictive windshear detection
• Automatic descent mode
• Redundant flight controls and avionics
• Vision system integrity monitoring

Gulfstream's G650 has a lot of solid engineering and technology boosting the pilots' confidence as well as the passengers.

Operating Costs

Such a high-performing aircraft as the G650 is obviously going to require significant dicast for purchase and employment. But for plenty of international businesses and ultra-high net worth individuals, the capabilities and productivity savings far exceed the costs.

Fuel Costs The G650 has a gross weight fuel load of 17,000 pounds (7,711 kg) and at cruise speed varies from 800-1,200 pounds-per-hour depending on altitude. It could use 9,000 pounds at a cost of more than $36,000 for a 10 hour intercontinental trip.

Maintenance Expenses Like any big jet, the G650 requires a careful maintenance program by qualified personnel. Annual inspection, servicing and engine reserves $250k to $350k Even bigger maintenance every 6–8 years and costs of more than $2 million.

Aircraft Management and Crew Most owners hire management companies to operate the plane, its pilots and records. This can run $80,000–$120,000 per year in addition to crew salaries which can easily exceed $800,000 per year.

Insurance It's a prestigious - and expensive - bit of auto insurance to cover an asset worth $65 million that requires a lot of underwriting: The annual premium is often on the order of $180,000 or more.

For G650 owners and operators who need the capabilities that come with a fairly hefty operating price tag, those economics tend to be worth it for the productivity gained by the aircrafts full schedule in service.

Why Choose the G650?

The Gulfstream G650 offers numerous benefits for corporations and individuals in the market for world-class business jet:

Exceptional Performance The G650 is a phenomenal performer with its 7,000 nm range, Mach 0.925 top speed and advanced wing design. It has the ability to link disparate cities without making any intermediate stops.

Spacious, Customized Cabin The G650's interior, which measures just shy of 49 feet overall, can be outfitted in whatever arrangement the owner wishes using the finest materials.

Sophisticated Technology Modern avionics such as the Symmetry flight deck and Enhanced Vision System make flying easy while enhancing situational awareness and safety.

Reliability and Support  Operators can be confident in the G650 platform with a strong track record from service and support network worldwide by Gulfstream.

Exclusive Brand Image Owning a Gulfstream brand is another way to say elite status and it plays well with very rich individuals as well as corporate that wants their image reflects exclusivity and prestige.

The Gulfstream G650 is still a compelling choice for those who want the best combination of luxury, technology and capability in a private jet. This is something that will be relevant for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Gulfstream has long paid attention to performance at the high end of its business-jet spectrum, and its G650 rolls right inot his class.

For a decade, the G650 has stood as Gulfstream's golden standard. It is offering unmatched flight range and speed performance as well as beautiful custom interior experiences and advanced safety systems, the aircraft provides capabilities and comfort that can be found nowhere else.

FAQs

Can the G650 really fly nonstop between any two cities in the world? The Gulfstream G650 has a super long-range impressive range of over 7,000 nautical miles. Allowing it to fly direct between the vast majority of city pairs throughout global east and west.

There are some demanding city combinations that may require a fuel stop, but overall the G650 can directly connect distant points far better than smaller private jets.

How much baggage can a Gulfstream G650 fit? The G650 features a massive baggage compartment with up to 195 cubic feet of luggage and cargo space.

This gives it space for bags to carry a full load of passengers on those longer journeys. It is located in the pressurized baggage area that is accessible throughout a flight.

How long does it take to refuel the G650? It takes about 45 minutes to refuel a G650 with a standard single fuel truck to fill its 17,000 pound fuel capacity. Its refueling technique allows fast loading of Jet A gas, reducing the time an aircraft spends on the ground at airports.

Is the G650 capable of short runway operations? Yes, it can operate on runways just 5,000 feet long for takeoff and landing, thanks to slats at the leading edge of its wings that give great low speed lift. It enables it to reach numerous small airports that won’t take larger airliners.