23 May 2005
Just a week after entering service, a new large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 business jet established a new intercontinental city-pair speed record, flying 3,550 nautical miles from Chicago to Luton in just 7 hours and 19 minutes at an average speed of Mach .85. There were zero en route winds and the aircraft landed with 3,500 lb of fuel remaining.
The G450 set the its first speed record on its way to Geneva, Switzerland, where it is being displayed at the annual European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE).
Piloting the G450 was Bill Waners, Gulfstream’s chief pilot for G550/G450 demonstration, while David Smith, G550/G450 demonstration captain, served as copilot. Flight attendant Kitty Ramage and four passengers were also on board.
Guifstream has submitted an application with the U.S. National Aeronautic Association to confirm the new city-pair record.
On Nov.19, 2004, the European Aviation Safety Agency validated the FAA certification and on May 9, 2005, Gulfstream delivered its first G450 to a customer.
www.gulfstream.com
