Gulfstream has introduced an all-new family of business jets: the G500 and G600. The aircraft share a clean-sheet airframe and are not derivatives of the G550 or G650.

The manufacturer announced the aircraft in October before a crowd of approximately 3,000 people. During the event, the first G500 taxied up under its own power. A 21-metre G600 mock-up was also revealed.

The G500 can fly 5,000 nm at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm at Mach 0.90. The G600 is capable of travelling 6,200 nm at Mach 0.85 or 4,800 nm at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for both aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same speed as the G650 and G650ER.

“Once again, our customers played a major role in the development and creation of these aircraft,” says president Larry Flynn. “The G500 and G600 continue the long Gulfstream tradition of ensuring an optimal combination of speed, range, wide-cabin comfort and fuel burn.”

Carrying up to 19 passengers each, the G500 has three living areas, and the G600 has up to four, as well as an optional crew rest area. Both aircraft have forward and aft lavatories and include a full-size galley that can be located in either the forward or aft portion of the aircraft, and are equipped with Gulfstream's Symmetry flight deck with touchscreens and active control sidesticks.

The first flight of the G500 is scheduled for 2015. Gulfstream projects it will receive type certification from the FAA and EASA in 2017 and begin deliveries in 2018.

The G600 flight test programme is expected to begin approximately 12 to 18 months after the G500's, and entry into service is projected for 2019.