Gulfstream G550: Cooler than Cool

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

Alternative: Global Express XRS, On Ground: Rolls-Royce Phantom.

You can be quite happy with your Cessna or take pride in the wide cabin of your Challenger. But don’t tell me you’re not secretly dreaming of a G550.




Comfort
A big stylish cabin, berthable chairs, a full-size galley, and a large baggage compartment. All you need to fly far and high, leave for a long time and stay comfortable.

Technology
Competitors fly faster, but the G550 ain’t a slow one either. Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, the Plane View cockpit – a joint development of Gulfstream and Honeywell. The “golden ratio” and the technology standard for bizjets.

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

Cool
One of the most likely contenders for the “ideal plane” nomination. The choice of kings, tycoons, oligarchs, and other leaders of the highest echelon.

Quality
It says Gulfstream. Read “quality”.

Flying
Far, high, and fast. The efficient large wing gives it plenty of lift. The plane is great at high altitude. Takeoff/landing performance is great for this size and weight.

Photo: Gulfstream Aeropspace

Practicality
Buying a jet like this to fly less than 2000 nm is like getting a Bentley out to visit your next-door neighbour.

Costs
This is an expensive airplane. Expensive! If you are one to worry about fixed and variable costs, better forget about it.

Verdict
You’ll look very cool – and at a price! Is it worth the money? You decide.

Overall: 11 of 13

Specs

Price $48,995 million
Variable Costs $3795.56
MTOW 91 000 lbs (41 278 kg)
Seats 12-18
Cabin Size (LxHxW) 50'1''x6'2''x7'4" (13,39х1,88x2,24 m)
Cabin/Baggage Compartment Volume 1 669/226 cu. ft (47,26 / 6,4 cu. m.)
Range 6 750 nm (12 501 km)
Cruising Speed 506 ktas (940 km/h)
Rate of Climb 3 650 fpm (18,55 m/s)
Service Ceiling 51 000 ft (15 545 m)
Useful Load 6 200 lbs (2812 kg)