No, we're not talking about just any airplane factory! Clearly, Gulfstream is much more than that! We are talking about excellence and pioneering, bringing memorable brands to global aviation for many decades.
Due to its innovations, the G650 alone breaks 120 world records for speed and flight distance. In fact, this fact contributed to awards in the past, starting with GV who presented the first trophy to the factory in 1997, known as the Robert J. Collier trophy, the highest aeronautical and aerospace decoration in the United States. In 2003, the award was repeated with another product from the factory, the G550, being the second trophy won in less than a decade.
Without a doubt, we are talking about champion products, including in the number of deliveries per year, in the executive “jets” segment. In 2023 alone, Gulfstream delivered 111 aircraft, placing it among the three largest aircraft deliveries in the world, according to GAMA (link here).
Total deliveries in four years – “intercontinental jets” only.
| Bombardier | 637 planes |
| Gulfstream | 624 planes |
| Embraer (Praetor and Legacy only) | 195 planes |
| Dassault | 162 planes |
Source: GAMA. 2019-2023.
The art of excellence has been the pillar of the manufacturer's strategic vision since the delivery of the first aircraft in 1957, the Gulfstream I.
At that time, the manufacturer didn't even have the name it carries today. It was called Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation and was based on military aircraft production.
From the 50s onwards, the company decided to take flights in an emerging market, “executive aviation”, which had very few options, such as the Cessna 172, which made its first delivery to the first owner of an executive plane, two years earlier.
The Gulfstream I, despite being a turboprop (Rolls Royce Dart engine), already had impressive performance figures, being able to accommodate up to 12 engers, flying at an average speed of 300kt at FL250, with a maximum range of 2.200 nautical miles.
It is evident that the model was a success, so much so that it allowed the delivery of 200 units between 1957 and 1969, when from then on, a modernization gave birth to the Gulfstream II, at a stage in which Grumman decided to separate its military production unit from the civil one. .
Unfortunately, with budget problems, in 1978 Grumman decided to sell its civil aircraft production line to American Jet Industries, which then changed its name to Gulfstream American.
Along with the acquisition, the Gulfstream III project began, which had its first flight the following year.
Three years later (1982), focusing exclusively on the international market, the fourth model of the jet was introduced, the GIV, along with yet another change in the company's name, which was renamed Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.
The first delivery of the GIV took place in 1986, marking yet another revolution, starting with the dashboard, where screens replaced the old “clocks”, and the remodeling of the wing that enabled an incredible increase in efficiency. With greater efficiency, the plane began to deliver greater flight range, along with greater load capacity and reduced noise emissions.
We, at Aeroflap, recognize GIV as a first symbol of an upward trajectory, of great success, and exclusive achievements. That's why we published an article exclusively from GIV a while ago, which can be accessed here.
Moving forward in history, the 90s marked a new trajectory of success for the company, with the g of the first major contract with Net Jets, in 1994. The feat allowed the advancement of the project for the new aircraft, the GV, which became the first ultra-long-range business aircraft, in 1995, delivering the highest cruising speed and longest flight range on the market.
“[…]GV, who presented the first trophy to the factory in 1997, known as the Robert J. Collier trophy, the highest aeronautical and aerospace decoration in the United States.”
In 1999, Gulfstream underwent another change in its corporate structure, when it was acquired by General Dynamics, for 5 billion dollars.
Two years after the negotiation, the company purchases the smaller aircraft factory, located in Texas, Galaxy Aerospace, transforming the “mid-size” and “super mid-size” models Astra SPX and Galaxy into Gulfstream G100 and G200, respectively.
An interesting fact is that at the beginning of the transaction, some G200 units were initially produced in Tel Aviv, Israel, and then flown to Dallas, to be finished at Gulfstream. This is because, before the acquisition, the Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) was co-owner of Galaxy Aerospace.
It is evident that of the acquisitions, only the G200 line survived, being delivered to this day, under the name G280. After several improvements, the equipment today delivers a range of 3.600nm at Mach 0.80, with a maximum speed of Mach 0.85.
Despite no longer being manufactured, the G100 lasted 12 years, when it was replaced by the G150 in 2006, with production continuing until 2017.
Finally, several other models were introduced on the market, including after 2002, when the names of new products changed from having Arabic numerals to Roman numerals, such as the Gulfstream 550 and the G500. In order not to make this article too long, we will stop here, in the factory's timeline, and briefly highlight some of the great current achievements.
Today, Gulfstream excitedly announces its new FAA and EASA certified model, the G700.
This is a fantastic plane, capable of flying at up to 7.500NM, the equivalent of a flight from Guarulhos airport to the Russian capital, Moscow.
The jet can accommodate up to 19 engers, having a maximum speed of Mach 0.92, the highest speed in civil aviation.
As for internal space, it has an internal cabin height of 1,90 meters and a width of 2,50 meters.
There is plenty of luggage space, as it has the equivalent of 5,5 m3 for cargo. It would be practically 73% of the internal fuselage of a Grand Caravan.
Finally, you can meet in person this true synonym of excellence and a true work of art, at the Gulfstream stand at the Catarina Aviation Show, today! The event runs until June 15, 2024. For more information, access this link below – here
The Aeroflap team will also be at the event, look for us! It will be a great pleasure to exchange experiences with our readers.
