The Gulfstream V (Model GV, pronounced "G-five") is a long-range, large business jet aircraft produced by Gulfstream Aerospace, derived from the previous Gulfstream IV. It flies up to Mach 0.885 (508 kn; 940 km/h), up to 51,000 feet (16,000 m) and has a 6,500 nmi (12,000 km) range. It typically accommodates four crew and 14 passengers. It first flew on November 28, 1995, and entered service in June 1997.[1] It is used by the US military under the designation C-37A.[3] It is followed by an improved version, the Gulfstream 550 (Model GV-SP).
Development
Model in wind tunnel
In the early 1990s, the Gulfstream V (GV) was developed as a response to the Bombardier Global Express.[4]
It was certified on April 11, 1997.[5]
Capable of flying up to 6,500 nmi (12,000 km), it rolled out in 1995 and was Gulfstream's first ultra-long range business jet. Total production of the Gulfstream V was 193 aircraft.[2]
By 2018, 1997-1999 Gulfstream GVs were trading at $8.8-10.25 million.[6]
By 2019, a GV was worth around $10 million: below $6 million for a fixer to up to $13 million for a late model low-time aircraft.[4]
Design
Compared to the Gulfstream IV, the engines are changed from Rolls-Royce Tay to Rolls-Royce BR700-710A1-10 with increased thrust, higher bypass ratio, and Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC). Operating ceiling is increased from 45,000 to 51,000 ft (14,000 to 16,000 m). It has thrust reversers and composite flight control surfaces. The horizontal tail area is 30% larger, wingspan is increased from 74.6 to 93.5 ft (22.7 to 28.5 m), the fuselage is lengthened by 5 ft (1.5 m) forward of the main entry door, and by 2 ft (0.6 m) aft of the wing. Maximum takeoff and landing weights are increased by 15%.[5]
It has a new semi supercritical wing for a fuel capacity of 41,000–12,000 lb (18.6–5.4 t) more than the G-IV.
The three zone cabin is similar to the G-IV, smaller than the Global Express, while its dispatch reliability, cabin noise and fuel efficiency compare favourably against its competitors of the same era.
Compared to the comparably priced Global Express, the GV offers more range and is more fuel efficient while the Bombardier offers better runway performance, a larger cabin and a softer ride.
BR710 overhaul comes at 8,000 hour or 10 years if it comes earlier and costs $1.25 million per engine.[4]
Variants
USCG C-37A in flight
G-V
Production aircraft powered by two BMW-Rolls-Royce 700-710A1-10 engines.
C-37A
United States military designation for the G-V aircraft.[7]
C-20C
Modified C-20B with enhanced, secure communications. Used to support senior-level personnel and to provide backup for Air Force One.Only 3 delivered to the Air Force in 1985 as the Reagan administration’s massive investment in “continuity of government” operations upgraded the government’s command-and-control systems.Their tail numbers were 50049, 50050 and 60403.One of three aircraft long tasked with evacuating the president in an emergency and preserving the so-called National Command Authorities,the officials with authority to launch nuclear weapons.The C-20Cs had slightly older dial-and-gauge cockpits to help protect the plane from the electromagnetic pulse that would accompany a nearby nuclear explosion.The gear aboard is top-notch, with special satellite communications networks and special classified defensive measures that would protect the plane during an attack.[8]
Operators
On ramp, Gulfstream V fuselage with six windows
Civil operators
The majority of G-Vs are operated by corporate and individual owners. Mark Cuban paid $40 million for a Gulfstream V in October 1999, earning a Guinness Record of "largest single e-commerce transaction". Steve Jobs received a Gulfstream V as compensation from Apple in 2000.[9]
A Special Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA), based on a highly modified Gulfstream G-V aircraft, was delivered to the Israeli Ministry of Defense in June 2005.[10]
Italian Air Force operates two G550-based AEW&C systems (IAI EL/W-2085).[11] The first aircraft was delivered on 19 December 2016.[12] The second aircraft was delivered on 23 January 2018.[13]
Japan Coast Guard received the sole C-37A on January 17, 2005.[16] Dubbed "Umi Washi" (Sea Eagle), the aircraft will be operated by the JCG for maritime surveillance search and rescue. The second aircraft was delivered in mid-2005.
The 89th Airlift Wing's 99th Airlift Squadron, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, operates four C-37As. The 6th Air Mobility Wing's 310th Airlift Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida operates three C-37As. The 15th Airlift Wing's 65th Airlift Squadron, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii operates one C-37A.[19] The 86th Airlift Wing's 76th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany has two C-37As. The Executive Transport Detachment Pacific, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii operates one C-37A. The United States Army Priority Air Transport Det. (USAPAT), Andrews AFB, MD, operates two C-37As.[citation needed]
On March 11, 2005, Gulfstream delivered an ultra-long-range G-V to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The aircraft—known as the High-performance, Instrumented Airborne Platform for Environmental Research (HIAPER), based in Boulder, Colorado, is being used by environmental and atmospheric scientists from both public and private research facilities.[20] The GV was chosen by NCAR for its exceptionally high cruising altitude, long range, endurance, payload, reliability, and low operating costs, as well as worldwide product support.[21] The HIAPER Gulfstream V is modified to accept wing/pylon mounted instrumentation.
^"C-37A: Gulfstream V". Office of Aviation Forces. United States Coast Guard. January 26, 2012. Archived from the original on April 17, 2012. Retrieved May 9, 2012.
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