Gulfstream G550 is the flagship of the famous family of business aviation aircraft manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (the G550 is the largest aircraft manufactured by the company). Gulfstream G550 in production since 2003. From its predecessor, the Gulfstream V Gulfstream G550 features an elongated saloon and radically improved avionics. In the photo it seems small, but nearby it surprises with its size - the wingspan is almost the same as that of the Boeing 737. The G550 gains height almost like a fighter, and in the tanks it carries a fuel weight equal to the weight of the aircraft.
The G550 is distinguished by a combination of flight range, high speed, high flight altitude and optimal for long flights flights. The G550 has Rolls-Royce engines of the same series as the rival Global 6000, but more traction, which allows it to develop a little more speed and gain more speed.
The Gulfstream G550 is certified for 19 passengers, but such a tight line-up is not found in practice. The usual passenger capacity of the G550 is 12-14 people, who are accommodated with perfect comfort, despite the relatively narrow fuselage. The salon has 3 sections for accommodating passengers. Almost the same space is reserved for office space, which occupy the crew lounge, one or two bathrooms and a very spacious kitchen in front or rear of the cabin. Each pair of chairs located opposite is transformed into a full-fledged berth. A later modification of the Gulfstream G500 aircraft has a more spacious cabin, due to the lack of a crew lounge. The well-being of passengers is ensured not only by the comfortable equipment of the cabin, but also by a unique ventilation system. At the maximum flight altitude inside the pressure chamber, a pressure corresponding to an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level is maintained.
The cabin is optimal for long flights. At full height, passengers of almost any height can stand in it. An additional feeling of spaciousness (although the fuselage is much narrower than that of the Global 6000) is created by huge oval portholes - the Gulfstream business card.
The salon has a length of 13.39 m, a width of 2.24 m and a height of 1.88 m, the same space remains for office space, where there are two bathrooms, a spacious kitchen and a crew lounge. Each passenger seat is equipped with a monitor, which is built into the on-board skin on the console, with a quick connection to the Internet.
Among the advantages of the G550 are a small pressure drop relative to sea level, frequently updated air in the cabin and good sound insulation.
In addition, the G550 set about 40 speed records. The most noteworthy is a non-stop flight from Seoul (South Korea) to Orlando (Florida), which took place on October 3, 2003. The distance between cities, comprising 7301 nautical miles, was covered by the G550 in 14.5 hours. The flight was organized just two weeks after the aircraft was put into operation.
The G550 is distinguished by the most versatile and comprehensively equipped cabin compared to other aircraft of the same class. Everything is designed to provide maximum comfort and performance.