GULFSTREAM IS offering the Gulfstream V long-range business jet to meet the US Air Force's Small VC-X requirement for two "intercontinental low-volume" aircraft to replace two Boeing C-137s (military 707s) used for VIP transport.
The requirement calls for an aircraft able to carry a minimum of 12 passengers and four crew 7,680km (4,150nm) at Mach 0.8, with the ability to operate from a 1,500m (5,000ft) runway. The aircraft must have US Federal Aviation Administration certification or type-inspection authorisation (TIA) at the time of proposal and the USAF wants to conduct operational demonstrations of the aircraft offered.
The Small VC-X programme is the first US military requirement for a GV-class aircraft, although the US services already operate several GIIIs and GIVs under the designation C-20.
The requirement appears to be written around the GV. The need for FAA certification or TIA (the final step towards certification) and availability for evaluation would seem to rule out Bombardier's Global Express long-range business jet.
While the passenger-accommodation specifications rule out the smaller GIV, the range requirement would appear to be outside the capability of Bombardier's Challenger 604, which has a larger cabin, but only 8,300km range. Dassault's Falcon 900EX business jet, with a range of 7,400km and a widebody, might meet the requirements. Other candidates could include an extended-range Boeing 737-700.
Source: Flight International