A Gulfstream crew flying a G650 business jet has broken the record for the fastest trip around the world by a non-supersonic, C-1.l aircraft.
The G650 circled the globe in 41 hours and seven minutes, beginning in San Diego on 1 July and heading west with stops at Guam, Dubai and Cape Verde, averaging 494 kt.
Both the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) officially certified the record in September.
“This is a momentous occasion for Gulfstream and business aviation,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. “This was an awesome display of the G650’s speed and range, two performance capabilities that help make this aircraft the industry standard since entering service in 2012.”
“The aircraft performed flawlessly, which is what we expected,” said pilot-in-command Tom Horne. “It is a tremendous thrill to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this.”
The flight crew consisted of Horne, Bud Ball, John McGrath, Ross Oetjen and Eric Parker. Each was on the aircraft for the duration of the flight. The G650 also carried Kris Maynard as the official observer for the NAA.
The C-1.l class is for aircraft with take-off weights of 35,000 to 45,000 kilograms.