Gulfstream G550
Summary
| Category | Military Training Aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream |
| First flight | 1 January 2003 |
| Year introduced | 2004 |
| Number produced | 600 units |
| Average unit price | $62 million |
Technical specifications
| Version: G-V | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 12,500 km (7,767 mi) |
| Wing area | 106 m² (1141.0 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 28.5 m (93.4 ft) |
| Height | 7.7 m (25.1 ft) |
| Length | 29.4 m (96.5 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 15,545 m (51,001 ft) |
| Empty weight | 20,956 kg (46,200 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 41,050 kg (90,500 lbs) |
| Takeoff distance | 1,570 m (5,151 ft) |
| Powerplant | 2 x turbofans Rolls-Royce BR710A1-10 delivering 6690 kgf each |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
United States | 4 (+7) | |
|
Singapore | 4 | |
|
Israel | 3 (+1) | |
|
Italy | 2 (+2) | |
|
Australia | 0 (+4) | |
All operators
Description
The Gulfstream G550, designated GV-SP, is an American business jet manufactured by General Dynamics' Gulfstream Aerospace. The initial production G550 (GV-SP) conducted its first flight on July 18, 2002. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued its type certificate on August 14, 2003. Gulfstream delivered the 500th G550 in May 2015. Production for the G550 was maintained in a limited capacity for special missions and government orders as the Gulfstream G600 began replacing it in executive transport roles by October 2019. Gulfstream terminated production of the G550 in July 2021, following the production of over 600 aircraft.
Compared to the preceding Gulfstream V, the G550 features aerodynamic refinements aimed at reducing drag, contributing to a 250 nautical mile range increase and enhanced fuel efficiency. The maximum takeoff weight was increased by 500 lb, resulting in improved takeoff performance. Design modifications include the addition of a seventh pair of cabin windows and relocating the main entry door 2 ft forward, increasing usable cabin length. The aircraft is equipped with the PlaneView flight deck, which utilizes Honeywell Primus Epic avionics integrated with cursor control devices. Standard equipment includes a Rockwell Collins head-up guidance system and an Elbit enhanced vision system designed to augment situational awareness in low-visibility conditions.
Beyond its primary function as a civilian executive transport, the Gulfstream G550 has been adapted for various specialized military and government roles. The U.S. military utilizes the aircraft design as the C-37B for VIP transport and as the EA-37B Compass Call for electronic warfare missions, replacing the EC-130H. Israel operates heavily modified G550 aircraft for Airborne Early Warning (AEW), designated Eitam, equipped with the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) EL/W-2085 sensor package. Israel also fields G550s designated SEMA (Special Electronic Missions Aircraft). Singapore similarly operates G550 CAEW aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force operates the MC-55A Peregrine variant configured for SIGINT and ELINT gathering. Italy acquired G550 CAEWs, designating them E-550A. These applications highlight the G550's adaptability for special mission configurations, leveraging its operational characteristics and capacity for extensive modification.
Main Variants:
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G500: A version with reduced fuel capacity, offering a range of 5,800 nautical miles.
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C-37B: The U.S. military designation for the G550 configured for VIP passenger transport.
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EA-37B Compass Call: A U.S. military version equipped for electronic warfare, designed to replace the USAF's EC-130H Compass Call aircraft.
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G550 CAEW (Eitam/E-550A): An Airborne Early Warning variant, heavily modified with the EL/W-2085 sensor package by Israel Aerospace Industries, also acquired by Italy and Singapore.
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MC-55A Peregrine: The Royal Australian Air Force designation for a variant used for SIGINT and ELINT intelligence gathering.