Gulfstream G1 Specs and Description

Background/History

In 1956, Grumman Aerospace Corporation began the design of a twin turboprop-powered executive transport to replace the many hundreds of war surplus piston twin-engine aircraft performing such missions at that time. The new aircraft was intended for a crew of two and 10-14 passengers in a typical corporate or executive version, or an alternative high-density layout could seat a maximum of 24 passengers. Designated the Grumman G159 Gulfstream I, the prototype first flew in August 1958, with deliveries of production aircraft following in June of 1959. As the first aircraft in the Gulfstream line, the GI established the basic fuselage cross-section that carries through to today’s GIV and GV. The Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines selected for the GI gave it excellent high-speed cruise performance. 196 GIs were built by the time production ceased in 1969 in favor of the turbofan-powered GII series. In 1979, Gulfstream American Corporation purchased the Gulfstream design rights from Grumman and began offering a stretched airliner conversion called the G159C Gulfstream 1-C, which lengthened the basic aircraft by 10.7ft and allowed for seating up to 38 passengers, three abreast. The GI-C first flew in October 1979, with production ending in November 1980 after only five aircraft conversions were completed.

Power

The Gulfstream G1 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Dart Mk 529-8X or -8E turboprop engines rated at 2,110shp each, driving four-blade, constant speed, full-feathering Rotol propellers. Inspection interval on the engine is 8,000 hours.

Avionics

Original avionics offered in the GI series were of analog/mechanical design and have most likely been upgraded to more modern equipment on aircraft still in service. A typical avionics package might consist of dual Collins VHF comms and VHF navs, dual Collins flight directors, transponders, DME and an ADF. A GPS system, color weather radar, and possibly a TCAS and GPWS may also be installed.

Design Features

The Gulfstream GI is a twin-engine, medium-range, turboprop-powered executive transport designed as a monoplane with cantilever, low straight wings, a swept vertical stabilizer and straight horizontal stabilizers. The aircraft employs a retractable tricycle landing gear system with two wheels on each unit. An airstair-type entrance door is located on the port side of the fuselage, forward of the wing. The GI’s Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines give the aircraft high power and good high-speed cruise capabilities with low operating costs. The large fuselage and fuel tankage combine to give the aircraft excellent range for a turboprop executive or VIP transport. Another important design feature that contributed to the success of the type was an APU, which allowed for independent operation from remote airstrips and also provided ground power for air conditioning and other systems prior to engine start.

Accomodations

The G1’s interior configuration may vary considerably, but in an executive or corporate layout, the cabin will provide seating for 10 to 14 passengers and include a full lavatory and galley. The cabin dimensions are 32.5ft in length, 7ft in width and 6.1ft in height.