Here's a look at the $25 million Gulfstream G280 that's designed to take on Embraer and Bombardier
Here's a look at the $25 million Gulfstream G280 that's designed to take on Embraer and Bombardier
Sitting at the far edge of Gulfstream's Farnborough showcase is the G280.
Let's take a look inside. In case you're wondering, the white ducts pipe in cold air from ground-based air conditioners.
As you enter the aircraft, you are greeted by the plane's galley complete with stone countertops.
Turn to the right and you'll enter the G280's cabin. Gulfstream offers the cabin in four different seating configurations with room for up to 10 passengers.
This demonstrator is configured for nine passengers with six individuals seats and a three-person divan.
The G280's cabin isn't quite as spacious as its larger siblings, but it's far from cramped in there. It's six foot, three inches tall and seven foot, two inches wide.
Between each set of seats is a retractable table.
The seats themselves are plush and comfortable. Gulfstream takes their seats and interior fittings very seriously. In fact, the last time I was at their factory, the interior shop was by far the most secretive part of the entire facility.
Unlike the seats, the divan is upholstered in fabric which makes for a more comfortable sleeping experience when its berthed into a bed.
The cabin is also equipped with Gulfstream's signature oval windows as well as several large entertainment screens. The entire cabin is controlled using an Apple iPod-based digital management system.
In the back of the place is a bathroom complete with a sink and...
...Toilet.
Behind that is the cargo compartment.
Returning to the front the plane. The G280 features a modern Gulfstream PlaneView280 flight deck running Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics.
Unlike the new G500 and G600, the 280 uses a traditional yoke instead of sidestick controllers.
The G280 is powered by a pair of Honeywell HTF7250G turbofan engines each producing 7,624 pounds of thrust.
This helps the G280 to reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.85 and fly as high as 45,000 feet.
With four passengers on board, the jet can fly up 4,100 miles. According to Gulfstream, this means the G280 can easily New York to Paris or London to Dubai.