Gulfstream G550

Gulfstream · United States · first flew 2002 · light aircraft

The Gulfstream G550 is a large, ultra-long-range business jet capable of intercontinental sectors, long the benchmark for top-tier corporate and government transport.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	Large ultra-long-range fuselage with a row of distinctive oval windows
T — Tail	T-tail

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Large ultra-long-range fuselage with a row of distinctive oval windows
Winglet-tipped low swept wing and a tall T-tail
Two big Rolls-Royce turbofans on the rear fuselage

Identify it by the large fuselage with its signature row of big oval windows, the winglets and the rear-mounted Rolls-Royce turbofans under a high T-tail.

Specifications

The Gulfstream G550 has a length of 29.39 m (96 ft).
It has a wingspan of 28.5 m (94 ft).
Its maximum speed is 904 km/h (562 mph).
Typical crew: 2 pilots.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed from the GV, the G550 first flew on 18 July 2002 and was certified in 2003. It added enhanced vision, more range and a refined cabin, and over 600 were built before the final delivery in 2021.

Variants

The closely related G500 offered shorter range, while specialised versions served as airborne early-warning and ISR platforms. The newer G650 ultimately succeeded it at the top of the range.

Where you'll see it

A frequent ultra-long-range visitor to the UK, the G550 operates through Farnborough, Luton and Stansted for transatlantic corporate and government flights. Several serve in special-mission and VIP roles seen across British airspace.

Related aircraft

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