Story ID: 
Software Update Boosts Gulfstream G280 Performance
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Upgrade allows slower approach speeds, shorter landing distances and enhanced flight management system performance.
Word Count: 210
An avionics software upgrade released this week for the super-midsize Gulfstream G280 results in slower approach speeds, shorter landing distances and enhanced flight management system performance. “With this upgrade, the aircraft’s performance is even better,” said Gulfstream senior vice president of programs, engineering and test Dan Neal. “Our customers will appreciate the increased functionality and utility, the operational improvements, the enhanced display layout and the improved situational awareness.”

According to Gulfstream, the PlaneView280 upgrade reduces the G280’s approach speeds by up to nine knots and decreases the landing distance by 270 feet, to 2,380 feet. Flight management system performance is also enhanced, with improvements to basic time and fuel predictions, optimum and maximum altitude and best rate-of-climb speed. New performance features are also included with the upgrade, allowing for automatic calculations for long-range cruise, maximum cruise and maximum endurance cruise speeds.

In addition, the upgrade incorporates human factors studies and pilot input to enhance the flight deck interface and optimize the display format. It also clears the way for operators to activate several optional features, including synthetic vision, ADS-B OUT and Link 2000+.

Current G280 operators can obtain the upgrade free of charge through Gulfstream service centers in Savannah, Ga., Dallas and London.