Gulfstream IV
Gulfstream IV / G400 C-20F/G/H/J GIV-SP / G350 / G450 |
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A Gulfstream IV of the Royal Netherlands Air Force | |
Role | Business jet |
Manufacturer | Gulfstream Aerospace |
Status | Active service |
Primary users | United States Air Force United States Army United States Navy National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
Produced | 1985-present |
Number built | 870 [1] |
Unit cost | |
Developed from | Gulfstream III |
Variants | Gulfstream V Gulfstream G350/G450 |
The Gulfstream IV (or G-IV or GIV) and derivatives are a family of twinjet aircraft, mainly for private or business use. The aircraft was designed and built by Gulfstream Aerospace, a General Dynamics company based in Savannah, Georgia, United States from 1985 until 2003. Power is two Rolls-Royce RB.183 Tay turbofans. In October 2016, Gulfstream announced it will end production of the G450 and deliver the last in early 2018, as the G500 is starting to be delivered. 870 GIV/GIV-SP/G450 have been produced.[1]
Contents
Design and development[edit]
Gulfstream, in collaboration with Grumman, began work on the Gulfstream IV in March 1983 as a re-engined, stretched fuselage derivative of the Gulfstream III. A decision to redesign the wing structure for weight reduction presented an opportunity for an aerodynamic redesign of the wing to reduce cruise drag and increase range. Wing contour modifications had to be restricted to the forward 65% of wing chord so that no redesign of the control surfaces would be necessary. Modification of the inboard wing would have entailed a redesign of the fuselage floor structure, consequently this region of the wing was not modified. Outboard wing modifications were aimed at reducing the peak subcritical pressure coefficient and moving it aft in an effort to reduce shock strength and increase shock sweep.[5] The Gulfstream IV wing has a weaker, more swept outboard shock resulting in a lower cruise drag. Other benefits arising from this design are a lower root bending moment due to the more inboard center of pressure, a lower stall speed due to washout and a larger fuel volume due to increased chord. These aerodynamic improvements result in an increase in range of over 300 nautical miles.[6]
In addition to the innovative wing design, the Gulfstream IV also became the first jet to have an entire glass cockpit.[7] The first GIV made its maiden flight on September 19, 1985.[8] The model received type certification from the FAA on April 22, 1987.[9] The G-IV entered into service with serial number 1000 in 1987 and was upgraded to the special purpose GIV-SP version at serial number 1214 in 1993. It was later redesignated G400 at serial number 1500.[10]
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170108120808im_/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/GULFSTREAM_G-IV_photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg/220px-GULFSTREAM_G-IV_photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg)
A shorter range variant was created based on the GIV and given the G300 designation in 2002.[8] The G400 has a large cabin, long range of 4,350 nautical miles (8,060 km) and the same comfort and design that characterize the G series. Maximum cruise height and speed are 45,000 ft and Mach 0.88. Earlier models were fitted with Honeywell's SPZ 8000 Avionics package. The SPZ 8400 Avionics Package was an option, becoming standard on later models. Its second hand price was below $15 million in 2009.[10]
In 2001 Gulfstream began work on an improved version of the GIV-SP, originally designated GIV-X. It was later renamed G450. The G450 is lengthened 1 ft (0.305 m) over the G400 and shares the forward fuselage and larger cockpit of the G550. Production of the G450 began in October 2004, replacing the G400. The G450 has better performance and comes with the PlaneView cockpit with four 14 in (355 mm) liquid crystal displays and a Head up display (HUD). The shorter range G350 version of the G450 was developed and received certification in 2004.[11]
Operational history[edit]
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates a GIV-SP (N49RF) modified to fly scientists and crew members at 45,000 feet around tropical cyclones. The aircraft was modified to drop instruments called "dropsondes" to measure windspeed, barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature as they fall to the surface of the ocean. By sampling the cyclone with these dropsondes over a 4,000 mile track around the storm, the forecasters at NOAA's National Hurricane Center and Hurricane Research Division can better predict where the hurricane will be "steered" by the upper level winds. They also predict wind shear that will either increase or decrease a hurricane's strength. The GIV-SP is suited for this mission since it is fast, and can fly long distances with ample cabin space for the crew and instruments.[12] In 2009, the NOAA GIV-SP was further modified by the addition of a side-scanning Doppler radar to the rear fuselage. This radar is used for storm cloud profiling.[13]
In June 1987 a Gulfstream IV set 22 world records in its class in flying west around the world in 45 hr 25 min. The next year another GIV set 11 world records flying east around the world.[14] In 1990, Gulfstream CEO Allen Paulson and a Gulfstream flight crew set 35 international records for around-the-world flight in a GIV.[15]
Variants[edit]
C-20F/G/H/J military variants[edit]
The U.S. military variant of the IV, designated C-20F/G/H/J Gulfstream IV in Department of Defense service.[16] The C-20F is a GIV model operated by the U.S. Army in a command/executive transport role.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170108120808im_/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/USMC_C-20.jpg/220px-USMC_C-20.jpg)
The C-20G aircraft[18] may be configured for cargo operations, 26 passenger operations or combinations of the two. With passengers seats removed, it may be configured as three pallets with no passengers or two pallets and eight passengers or one pallet and fourteen passengers. With full seating, the aircraft is capable of accommodating up to twenty-six passengers and a crew of four. A hydraulically operated cargo door is installed on the starboard side of the aircraft, and a ball roller cargo floor is capable of accommodating palletized cargo. The C-20G is operated by Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Four Eight (VR-48) at Naval Air Facility, Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, DC and at VMR Detachment Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.[19]
The C-20H is a GIV-SP model operated by the U.S. Air Force in a command/executive transport role. The C-20J is a GIV-SP model operated by the U.S. Army in a command/executive transport role.
The United States Department of Defense C-20A/B/C/D/E aircraft are all Gulfstream III variants.
G350/G450[edit]
The G450 is a designation for the model GIV-X, approved by the FAA on August 12, 2004, as is the G350, which has a reduced fuel capacity. Compared to the Gulfstream IV, its fuselage is 12 inch longer and the main entry door relocated aft. Rolls-Royce Tay 611 engine are replaced by 611-8C with FADEC, redesigned thrust reverser, nacelle and pylon which increases range and payload coupled with aerodynamic improvements. Many Gulfstream V-SP improvements are used: the Honeywell advanced flight deck display suite, electrical power generation, cabin temperature control and pressurization, nose and nose landing gear. It also have improved APU and flap/stab actuation system, redesigned main landing gear wheels and brakes, flight control system hard-over protection system.[9]
330+ aircraft were in service at the end of 2014, with prices ranging from $15 million to $32 million.[20]
Operators[edit]
Civil operators[edit]
The aircraft is operated by private individuals, companies and executive charter operators, and in fractional ownership programs.
Government and military operators[edit]
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- The Botswana Air Force operates a single G-IV for VIP transport.
- The Sultan of Brunei operates a G-IV.[21]
- The Chilean Air Force operates one G-IVs in a commander / executive transport role.
- Côte d'Ivoire Air Force as a VIP transport.
- The Egyptian Air Force operates four G-IVs in a commander / executive transport role.
- The Indian Air Force in Reconnaissance Role.[citation needed]
- Royal Jordanian Air Force operates 3 G-450 For VIP transport.
- The Japan Air Self-Defense Force operates five G-IVs under the designation U-4, modified to incorporate a large cargo door and can move palletized cargo and passenger mixes similar to the C-20G aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and Marines.
- The Sultan of Johor operates a G-IV.[21]
- The Mexican Navy uses a G-450 for government / VIP transport.
- The Royal Netherlands Air Force operates one G-IV SP in a commander / government transport role.
- The Royal Saudi Air Force operates one G-IV in a commander / government transport role. The military operates two G-IVs SP and two G450s in the med/vac transport role.[citation needed] The Saudi Arabian Minister of Finance and Economy operates a G-IV (G300). Saudi Arabian Airlines operates 6 G-IVs for government use. Saudi Aramco - 3 G450 .
- The Swedish Air Force operates four Gulfstream IVs, two are modified G-IV SPs in the SIGINT role and are designated S 102B Korpen (Raven).[22] Two other aircraft, a G-IV designated TP 102A, and a G-IV SP, designated TP 102C, serve as transport for the Royal Family and the Prime Minister.
- The Turkish Air Force operates a G-IV SP in a commander / executive transport role.
- The Pakistan Air Force operates four G-IV SPs in a commander / executive transport roles.
- Falcon Aviation Services VIP transport.
- United States Air Force as C-20 series
- United States Army as C-20 series
- United States Navy as C-20 series
- United States Marine Corps as C-20 series
- NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps - operates a G-IV-SP in an atmospheric research and hurricane tracking role.
- The Venezuelan Air Force operates a G-IV in a commander / executive transport role.
Former military operators[edit]
- The Irish Air Corps previously operated a G-IV as a government transport.[23]
- The Government of Uganda purchased one G-IV SP in December 2000 at a cost of US$31.5 million for Presidential flights. It was replaced in February 2009 by a G550.[24]
Specifications[edit]
GIV[25] | GIV-SP[25] | G350[26] | G450[27] | |
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Cockpit crew | Two | |||
Seating capacity | 14-19 | 19 maximum, 12-16 typical | ||
Length | 88ft 4in / 26.92m | 89ft 4in / 27.23m | ||
Wingspan | 77ft 10 / 23.72m | |||
Wing area | 950.39sqft / 88.3m² | |||
Overall height | 24ft 5in / 7.45m | 25ft 2in / 7.67m | ||
MTOW | 73,200 lb (33,203 kg) | 74,600 lb (33,838 kg) | 70,900 lb (32,160 kg) | 74,600 lb (33,838 kg) |
Empty weight | 35,500 lb (16,103 kg) | 42,700 lb (19,368 kg) | 43,000 lb (19,504 kg) | |
Cruising speed | Mach 0.80–Mach 0.85 (459–488 kn; 850–903 km/h) | |||
Maximum speed | Mach 0.88 (505 kn; 935 km/h) | |||
Range | 4,220 nmi (7,815 km) | 3,800 nmi (7,038 km) | 4,350 nmi (8,056 km) | |
Service ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | |||
Engines (×2) | Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 | Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8C | ||
Thrust | 13,850lbf / 61.6kN |
In popular culture[edit]
The hip-hop artist Drake mentions the Gulfstream IV (G4) aircraft in the song Forever.
See also[edit]
- Related development
- Related lists
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Gulfstream G450 Production To End, Paving The Way For The All-New G500" (Press release). Gulfstream. October 21, 2016.
- ^ "Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation". Company-Histories.com.
- ^ "Operations Planning Guide" (PDF). Business & Commercial Aviation. Aviation Week. 2012.
- ^ "Business Jets Specification and Performance Data" (PDF). Business & Commercial Aviation. Aviation Week. May 2015.
- ^ Chandrasekharan, R.M., Murphy, W.R., Taverna, F.P. and Boppe, C.W., "Computational Aerodynamic of the Gulfstream IV Wing", AIAA paper 85-0427, presented at the AIAA 23rd Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Reno Nevada, January 1985.
- ^ Boppe, Charles W., "Computational Aerodynamic Design: X-29, the Gulfstream Series and a Tactical Fighter", SAE paper 851789, 1985 Wright Brothers Award Paper, presented at the Aerospace Technology Conference & Exposition, Long Beach California, October 1985.
- ^ Joel Thomas (19 May 2014). "History of the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation". stratos jet charters.
- ^ a b Frawley, Gerald. "Gulfstream IV, G300 & G400". The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003/2004. Fishwick, Act: Aerospace Publications, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7.
- ^ a b "Type Certificate date Sheet NO. A12EA, revision 46" (PDF). FAA. February 22, 2016.
- ^ a b "Gulfstream IV". Business and Commercial Aviation. Aviation Week. January 2009.
- ^ "Flight test : Gulstream G450 - Heir apparent". Flight International. November 23, 2004.
- ^ "Gulfstream IV-SP (G-IV)." National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration web site.
- ^ Picture of the Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft Retrieved 1 November 2011.
- ^ "Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV". airliners.net
- ^ Lacy, Clay. "Clay Lacy on Allen Paulson". Clay Lacy. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
- ^ DoD 4120-15L, Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles. US DoD, 12 May 2004.
- ^ The Grey Ghost Hawaii Reporter: Dispatches from the War on Terrorism, September 24, 2004
- ^ Navy C-20G
- ^ Wings of Gold, Vol. 36, No. 3, Fall 2011, Association of Naval Aviation, Alexandria, VA, pp.18-21
- ^ Fred George (Nov 24, 2014). "An Operational Look At: Gulfstream's G450". Business & Commercial Aviation.
- ^ a b (Professional Pilot Magazine)
- ^ S-102B Korpen
- ^ Government jet sold to US company
- ^ The Editor, . (February 2009). "Museveni's Shs88 Billion Jet Arrives". The Observer (Uganda). Retrieved 19 May 2015.
- ^ a b Gerard Frawley. "Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV Gulfstream IV". The International Directory of Civil Aircraft. Technical Data & Specifications.
- ^ "G350 Specifications" (PDF). Gulfstream. 2010.
- ^ "G450 Specifications" (PDF). Gulfstream. September 2015.
External links[edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gulfstream IV. |
- Gulfstream G450
- Fred George (April 2000). "Gulfstream IV SP Operator Survey" (PDF). Business & Commercial Aviation. Aviation Week.
- Fred George (December 2003). "Gulfstream's 450 Surprise". Business & Commercial Aviation. Aviation Week.