Gulfstream in Uniform : Part II

Gulfstream II

The US Coast Guard extended their relationship with Gulfstream by purchasing a brand new Gulfstream II to fill their VIP needs. The Bethpage built airframe (c/n 23) was delivered in April 1969 and served with them until 1995. The VC-11A as it was known in USCG service was the first aircraft to carry the famous USCG 01 serial. Only one other Gulfstream II saw US Military service and that was c/n 45, and this was used by the US Army. it was initially designated a VC-II but was later re-designated a C-20J. A handful of civilian registered Gulfstream IIs still operate in the United States with heavy external modifications, these are operated by various divisions of the United States Air Force.

Although the Gulfstream II was widely used by Governments around the globe only a handful of military operators made use of the type, these being Venezuela, Mexico, Denmark and Oman. Probably the one that isn't very well known about is c/n 62. The Russian Air Force had Black 62 on strength for a number of years during the late 90's before selling it back on to the US civil market, very little can be found about it's flying career in Russia if indeed it actually had one.

Photo by : Eric Bannwarth

Random Gulfstream video #4

Having just reported that G2 N44YS (098) is now at California City, thought it would be a good time to see their even older G2 N24YS (016) in service just under 3 years ago. I'm assuming this one has also been withdrawn. Can anyone confirm? Taken at San Jose CA by NickflightX (via YouTube)



Random Gulfstream video #3

It's about time we showcased another video and what better than G3 N540EA (338) arriving at Bern in Switzerland recently. Make sure you turn the volume up. I first saw this one in 1983, just 35 years ago. That was in Switzerland too.

... and the departure

Random Gulfstream video #2

Thanks to my colleague the other side of the world for posting this on his blog (MRC Aviation - link bottom right), a video from a few years back but worth another airing. Turn up your volume and enjoy this beauty landing in the middle of nowhere.



California City Update

Paul Filmer recently visited California City where a number of G2s and G3s are ending their days. His collection of photos can be seen by clicking on this link. skippyscage.com/aviation/ca/ A few have registrations still applied while others have the con number stencilled on the nose. Still a sad sight.

Interesting to note that the G2 above (N706TJ c/n 212) was the same machine I shot on the line at Savannah in 1977 and this can be seen at Savannah Nostalgia