Gulfstream V Stretches Its Long Legs in U.S. Government Service

The U.S. Air Force took delivery just a few days ago of its first outfitted Gulfstream V ultra-long range business jet, one of three under firm contract.

The C-37A, based at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., will provide worldwide transportation for cabinet officials, members of Congress, senior government officials and dignitaries. It will also fly the President, if needed.

The first Gulfstream aircraft entered military service in 1967 when the U.S. Navy and Marines acquired eight Gulfstream I aircraft. Forty Gulfstream aircraft are currently in government service in a variety of special mission roles. Outside the U.S., some 38 governments have owned or currently operate Gulfstream aircraft.

Modified with extra equipment to meet the unique communications needs of U.S. government leaders, the C-37A will be capable of flying 5,300 nmi at speeds of up to Mach .885 and altitudes up to 51,000 ft. This compares with a 6,500 nmi range for a G-V typically outfitted for corporate use. The C-37A allows the 89th Airlift Wing, to which it is assigned, to fly for the first time non-stop in a business-type aircraft from Washington D.C. to cities such as Moscow, Kuwait City and Buenos Aires.

The G-V was purchased as part of the VC-X program to replace the aging fleet of Boeing 707 aircraft. That program won a prestigious Hammer Award for its streamlined approach to the acquisition process.