Gulfstream GV-SP Specs and Description

Background/History

The lineage of the Gulfstream V-SP can be traced back to the original Grumman Gulfstream I turboprop aircraft of the late 1950’s, but the evolution has been so extensive that the original form is hardly recognizable. The fuselage cross-section is the only element of the original design retained in the Gulfstream V. The G-I’s straight wing and turboprop engines were replaced by the swept wing and pylon-mounted turbofans which have graced all Gulfstream jets, and the fuselage has been stretched from the G-I’s 63 ft. length to the 96.4 ft. length of the G-V-SP. The new Gulfstream V-SP filled the need for a large, intercontinental-range executive aircraft. The fuselage is longer than that of the G-IV, an entirely new wing is employed, and power is supplied by a pair of the new BMW/RR BR710 turbofan engines.

Power

The Gulfstream V-SP is powered by two upgraded Rolls-Royce BR-710A engines which produce up to 15,385 lbs. of thrust up to+15C. The improvements in the BR-710 engines boost the power delivery by about 2% over the original engines on the G-V.

Avionics

The avionics package for the Gulfstream V-SP is built around the Honeywell SPZ-8500 system, an integration of Primus 2000 equipment and the SPZ-8000 system. It includes six large-format CRT’s, triple Laseref III inertial reference systems, triple digital air data computers, and two FMS’s with provisions for a third FMS, dual Collins VHF comm and nav radios with DME, dual Mode S transponders, HF transceivers, ADF, radio altimeters, and a Primus 880 weather radar. HUD with Enhanced Vision System capability is available as an option.

Design Features

The Gulfstream V-SP offers more range, speed, cabin and baggage volume with shorter takeoff distances and lower operating costs, when compared to the G-V. The G-VSP features reduced drag improvements that take advantage of dozens of small changes to effect significant improvements in overall performance. The G-VSP is getting Plane View, Gulfstream’s version of Honeywell Primus Epic avionics suite with one-third more display area, higher reliability, lower weight and less rack volume. The most visible change from the G-V is the addition of a seventh widow on each side of the cabin. The G-VSP’s usable cabin volume will be 1, 204 cubic feet, versus 980 cubic feet for the G-V when fitted with a forward galley, which was made possible by moving the cabin door 2 feet further forward.

Accomodations

The Gulfstream V-SP is optimized for ultra long-range intercontinental travel. While it can easily accommodate 19 passengers, plus a crew of two or three and a cabin attendant, it is typically configured for eight to ten passengers in an arrangement that includes such amenities as a full lavatory with shower, a conference/dining room, and/or multiple work stations, and a crew rest area for flights possibly lasting longer than 14 hours.