G650 May Spawn G450/550 Replacements

AIN has learned that Gulfstream Aerospace is working on new designs that may leverage elements of the new G650. One source speculated that a shorter G650 fuselage with new engines could provide a modern replacement for the G450/G550. Another source said that engine manufacturers Pratt & Whitney and GE are proposing new engines for Gulfstream’s next jet program. In an April report, JPMorgan forecast renewed development activity among business jet manufacturers, including “a new clean-sheet Gulfstream G450 replacement.” A GE spokeswoman said that “GE Aviation is working on a family of engines in the 10,000- to 20,000-pound-thrust range for large-cabin aircraft.” A Gulfstream spokesman said, “We are constantly evaluating new technologies and how they might apply to new aircraft designs.”