Gulfstream Aerospace recently announced that it had "sold the last commercially available Gulfstream G550". It is due to be delivered during 2021. GAC noted that this sale cleared "the way for production of the award-winning business-aviation icon to wind down." While "commercially available" might be interpreted by some that additional military orders are in store, the same press release definitively stated that "manufacturing of the G550 will end."
The initial fifth generation model, the GV Gulfstream V, first flew on November 28, 1995 and was certified on April 11, 1997. A total of 193 GVs were produced before its successor was introduced. Based on the GV's airframe, the GV-SP had two variants - the G550 and the shorter range G500. Only 10 of the latter model were built.
Since its certification on August 14, 2003, more than 600 Gulfstream G550s have been delivered to civilian and military operators. Armed forces have found the type's 6,750NM range suitable for head of state travel and for Airborne Early Warning (AEW) missions.
With more than 400 sixth generation models (G650 and G650ER) in service; ongoing deliveries of seventh generation models (G500 and G600); and the flight test programme of the eighth generation model (G700) underway; it was not surprising to learn that the production of the remaining fifth generation model (G550) will be coming to an end.
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Gulfstream V N427HG departing Farnborough
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| Gulfstream G550 N550GA arrives into Farnborough |
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| Gulfstream C-37A 01-0028 at RAF Fairford |
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