Gulfstream Will Revamp Its Top G-V With Better Cockpit and Performance

Gulfstream V-SP: seven windows, more cabin space, and better performance.

In looking for the next act to follow its top of the line G-V, Gulfstream realized it already had it in production. But the design could be finessed and updated. Hence the Gulfstream V-SP, due for certification late next year.

"We found we could offer an improved cockpit, more cabin space, better field performance and greater high speed range-and all for $44-45 million complete in 2003 dollars, little changed from the comparative price today of 'a low $40 million'" for a completed G-V," senior program manager Pres Henne told Show News.

The most noticeable improvement is what he calls "the most advanced commercial cockpit in the world." The "PlaneView" cockpit features Honeywell Primus Epic avionics driving four enormous, wall-to-wall 10x13 inch display screens, with functions selected by cursor control device or traditional buttons. The standard cockpit also includes a head up display and an EVS Enhanced Vision System, which is a significant safety enhancement.

More compact avionics racks have allowed Gulfstream to move the entry door two feet further forward, and add a seventh window to the G-V-SP to differentiate it from the G-V.
Less drag and engine enhancements bring 250-300 nm more range, especially at high speed, and better field performance.

"We found from present operators that if they are not going 6,500 nm, then they are going fast," said Henne, "and we have optimized that in the G-V-SP."