Graham Warwick/SAVANNAH
Gulfstream Is to power its next generation of GIV long-range business jets with an improved version of the current aircraft's Rolls-Royce Tay turbofan. Although every Gulfstream has been powered by R-R engines, the UK company was selected after an "intense competition", says Gulfstream president Bill Boisture.
Gulfstream says it has yet to establish a schedule for introducing the next GIV version, but the programme could be launched at the US National Business Aviation Association convention in October. Details of the upgrade are sparse, but it will include improved avionics, propulsion, systems, reliability and availability.
Engines evaluated by Gulfstream for the new GIV included the General Electric CF34 and the R-R BR700, which powers the longer-range GV.
The enhanced Tay will introduce full-authority digital engine control (FADEC), an upgrade which is "overdue", admits R-R civil engines chief John Cheffins. "FADEC will allow us to do more with respect to altitude handling, and to optimise other things."
Pres Henne, Gulfstream's senior vice-president, programmes, says the company is looking for "modest" engine performance improvements. Further details of the Tay upgrade are being kept under wraps. "We have two alternative specifications on the table," Cheffins says.
Henne says a decision on the avionics supplier for the upgraded GIV has yet to be taken. He confirms the company is looking at the Primus Epic system from incumbent supplier Honeywell as well as Rockwell Collins' Pro Line 21. Both systems include large-format liquid crystal displays.
Selection of R-R to power the next-generation GIV was announced at a ceremony on 25 April at Gulfstream's Savannah, Georgia, plant to celebrate the roll-out of its 400th GIV-SP and 100th GV. Boisture says the company has 117 orders and options for the GIV-SP and GV, valued at $3.8 billion.
Gulfstream introduced the upgraded GIV-SP in 1993, having produced 214 GIVs between 1985 and 1992. The GV was introduced in 1995 - 154 have been sold, of which 79 have entered service.
Source: Flight International
