Rolls-Royce recently received FAA approval for its BR700-730B2-14 engine, known commercially as the Pearl 700, that powers the soon-to-be-certified Gulfstream G700 and G800 ultra-long-range twinjets. EASA gave its nod for the engine last September.
Developed at the Rolls-Royce Center of Excellence for Business Aviation Engines in Dahlewitz, Germany, the Pearl 700 incorporates the engine-maker’s Advance2 engine core with a new low-pressure system. This results in an 8 percent increase in takeoff thrust, to 18,250 pounds, compared with the predecessor BR725 engine. Rolls-Royce said the engine also provides a 5 percent efficiency improvement while keeping down noise and emissions.
Gulfstream opted for the same engine for both its 7,750-nm G700 and 8,000-nm G800, which are slated for certification and service entry in the upcoming fourth quarter and mid-2024, respectively.
“We are excited about this latest advancement towards G700 and G800 certification,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “The G700 and G800 are introducing new standards for efficiency and performance in the business aviation industry thanks to the combination of Gulfstream aerodynamics and the Pearl 700’s efficiencies. We are seeing great demand for the technology, cabin comfort, and ultra-long-range capabilities the G700 and G800 will provide our customers.”
Rolls-Royce recently received FAA approval for its BR700-730B2-14 engine, known commercially as the Pearl 700, that powers the soon-to-be-certified Gulfstream G700 and G800 ultra-long-range twinjets. EASA gave its nod for the engine last September.
Developed at the Rolls-Royce Center of Excellence for Business Aviation Engines in Dahlewitz, Germany, the Pearl 700 incorporates the engine-maker’s Advance2 engine core with a new low-pressure system. This results in an 8 percent increase in takeoff thrust, to 18,250 pounds, compared with the predecessor BR725 engine. Rolls-Royce said the engine also provides a 5 percent efficiency improvement while keeping down noise and emissions.
Gulfstream opted for the same engine for both its 7,750-nm G700 and 8,000-nm G800, which are slated for certification and service entry in the upcoming fourth quarter and mid-2024, respectively. By mid-September, the G700 flight-test program was nearing completion, with more than 4,100 hours flown by five flight-test aircraft and two outfitted production-test
While the Rolls powerplant obtained its nod, Gulfstream unveiled upped the aircraft’s performance specifications over that previously announced. The G700 will be certified with more range and speed, and will offer better passenger comfort.
The G700’s range was increased to 7,750 nm at Mach 0.85 and to 6,650 nm at Mach 0.90, representing a 250-nm boost at both speeds versus original projections. Mmo was also increased, from Mach 0.925 to Mach 0.935. Meanwhile, the cabin altitude has been further reduced to 2,840 feet at 41,000 feet, meaning passengers should experience less fatigue on flights.
“We are undertaking one of the most extensive flight-test programs as the G700 is the first business aircraft to undergo FAA certification following the passage of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “As a result, we will be delivering an extremely mature, rigorously tested aircraft that will outperform expectations in speed, range, and cabin comfort.”
There are 40 G700s—including the seven used for certification flight testing—listed in the FAA registry, with industry analysts estimating that about two dozen are in completions or already completed. Phebe Novakovic, chairman and CEO of Gulfstream parent General Dynamics, said in late July that Gulfstream plans to deliver 19 G700s to customers in the fourth quarter following FAA certification.