Gulfstream Aerospace delivered its final G450 as it prepares to usher in its replacement, the fly-by-wire G500, the company announced on Friday. The G450 entered service in 2005 and quickly proved it had longer legs than anticipated, flying 4,350 nm at Mach 0.80.
“For the past 12 years, the G450 has been one of the best-selling jets in the industry, beloved by pilots and passengers alike for its technological advances, smooth handling, range, and passenger comfort,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “During its 30-year history, the GIV series transformed business aviation, and the G500 is already well on its way to doing the same, with the industry’s first active-control sidesticks and the most integrated application of touchscreen controls in the flight deck.”
Like its predecessor, the G500 is exceeding its anticipated range, able to fly 5,200 nm at Mach 0.85. Five of the new clean-sheet types are currently participating in its test program, and certification is expected in the next few months.
The Savannah, Georgia-based airframer has produced more than 360 G450s, which have amassed nearly one million flight hours over more than 461,000 flights. Burns noted the company will continue to provide full product support and sustaining engineering for G450 fleet.