The Gulfstream IV is the leader among large-cabin private jets since its introduction, being able to fly 8 passengers and 3 crew from Tokyo to Seattle at a speed of .80 Mach. Everything from its engines to its flight control systems are reliable and high-performance making it a desirable choice since its introduction as evidenced by the 88 solid orders even before it hit the market.

Between 14 and 18 passengers ride comfortably in the 1,513 cubic foot cabin with 6.1 foot in height, 7.3 foot width and 45.1 foot length (an 18 inch increase from the G-III). 169 cubic feet of baggage space is accessible in-flight with 2 full-length closets for coat storage located inside the two full-sized lavatories.

The many cabin features make transcontinental and transoceanic flights enjoyable, with a the full-sized galley fully equipped with everything needed for hot and cold food preparation: a high-temperature oven, microwave, full-sized sink with hot and cold water, cooled storage, and two coffee makers. There is even fitted storage space for the dinner service (including crystal and cutlery) custom-made for Gulfstream’s private jets.

Standard and optional electronic offerings include a CD, VHS, and DVD player, two LCD screens, individual headphones at each seat for the cabin audio system, a fax machine, and satellite phones. Power plugs, work tables, and a LAN connection are also included for any additional electronics brought on board. Electronics, lighting, and the two-zone temperature control system are controlled from several cabin locations.

The Gulfstream IV’s Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 610-8 engines are built around the high-pressure engine core of the Spey RB.183-555, which has thousands of hours of flight time successfully documented in other jets. The Rolls-Royce Tay engine gets 1,000 pounds more thrust on takeoff than the Spey producing 12,240 pounds of thrust each, allowing a sea level takeoff in 5,450 feet. At an altitude of 5,000 feet, the runway requirement increses to 7,470 feet. The engines easily meet both FAR part 36 phase III noise requirements, producing 79.1 EPNdB on takeoff, and SFAR part 27 emissions limits. Oil consumption and vibration levels are reportedly low as well.

The Gulfstream IV can climb directly to 37,000 feet in 17 minutes. Resulting from over 800 hours of wind tunnel testing and aerodynamic improvements, the Gulfstream IV is able to cruise at .85 Mach (480 knots) while at a cruise altitude of 41,000 feet. The Gulfstream IV’s flight envelope extends up to 45,000 feet. The cabin is rated to 9.5 psi, allowing the G400 to maintain a sea level cabin at 22,000 feet. Maximum range (while traveling at .80 Mach with 8 passengers and 3 crew) is 4,710 miles (4,100 nautical miles).

Much of the Gulfstream IV’s speed and range capabilities can be attributed to improvements in the G- III’s structure. A completely new wing design reduced drag allowing for an fuel capacity increase of 1,000 pounds. Overall weight was reduced by 500 pounds due to Kevlar and graphite-epoxy composites in some parts of the cabin and engine nacalles.

The fully integrated cockpit includes 6 – 8” square Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) displaying all flight, systems, and navigation information. The full-color CRTs replace the mass of electromechanical instruments and displays usually taking up most of the control panel. Color radar, dual Flight Management Systems (FMS), navigation computers, and Engine Instrument and Crew Alert Systems (EICAS) are provided by Sperry Flight Systems.

The Gulfstream meets every requirement a world traveler could have for a private jet when it comes to cabin space, speed, range, and reliability with its innovation and quality.