A Gulfstream G450 has undergone an extensive refurbishment at Duncan Aviation’s Provo, Utah, facility, combining a heritage-inspired camouflage exterior with a redesigned cabin tailored to its owner.

Led by senior lead designer Molly Pfeiffer, the project began with the owner’s idea for a digital camouflage paint scheme. Pfeiffer explored a range of more organic camouflage concepts, experimenting with scale, colour and pattern before a conversation with the owner’s family revealed that a relative had served on Second World War bomber aircraft, many of which featured silver exteriors.

Pfeiffer researched camouflage patterns from the era and settled on ‘frogskin’ camouflage, an organic pattern used during the Second World War. The historical motif was translated into a monochromatic palette of greys, with nearly 40 variations explored before the design was finalised.

The tone-on-tone camouflage wraps from the fuselage onto the tail and across the horizontal stabiliser. Pfeiffer says: “When you stand behind the aircraft and see how it wraps up and over the tail, it is just a really cool look. That flow was very intentional from the beginning, even though we were designing it in 2D.”

Inside, the owner wanted a cabin that felt like an extension of home and was comfortable for long-haul travel. Seats are upholstered in soft textiles with leather armrests and bases, while fabric is also used on the upper sidewalls, PSU panels and valences.

Flat-cut walnut veneer features throughout the cabin, including the lower sidewalls, with its figuring running in different directions depending on the monument. The veneer has a satin finish, while redesigned drinkrails and table boxes feature squared-off profiles and metal trim.

In the conference area, the table’s traditional two narrow legs have been replaced with a single pedestal, improving stability and allowing the space to be converted into a lounge. A custom mattress spans the seats and table, with the adjustable pedestal aligning the surfaces.

The galley features luxury vinyl tile flooring, new taps and frosted sliding doors, while a custom veneer cover conceals the microwave when it is not in use. Darker-toned Corian countertops provide contrast with the walnut veneer.

Changes to the aft lavatory include a raised and expanded headliner, providing additional headroom for the owner, and reconfigured storage with fully extendable drawers. Integrated knee pads provide additional stability during turbulence. Unable to source a suitable sink for aviation use, the team also created a custom version, powder-coated to match the surrounding finishes.

A Collins Aerospace Venue cabin management system has been installed with undermounted touchscreens, alongside repositioned power outlets and new lighting throughout the aircraft.

Pfeiffer concludes: “This was one of those designs where everything came together: the story, the materials, the functionality. It is not just about how it looks. It is about how it feels and how it works for the owner.”