BAE Systems and L3Harris Technologies has delivered the first EC-37B Compass Call aircraft to the U.S. Air Force for developmental and operational testing.
The 4-hr. flight of the modified Gulfstream G550 business jet from Waco, Texas, begins the L3Harris’ flight test phase of the Compass Call mission system.
The Air Force plans to use the EC-37B as a pathfinder for a new approach to the airborne electronic attack mission, but the service is not sure it will work.
The U.S. State Department has approved the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Italy of two special-mission versions of the Gulfstream G550 business jet configured for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
A Gulfstream G550, powered by a sustainable alternative jet fuel covered the 3591 nautical miles in seven hours and 13 minutes, at an average speed of Mach 0.85.
The G550 model was rolled out in 2001 as the SP (Special Performance) version of the Gulfstream GV and received FAA certification in 2003. The aircraft has a maximum range of 6,750 nm and a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.885. It can seat up to 19 passengers and sleeps up to eight.
For as little as $14 million, you can buy an early serial number 2003 Gulfstream G550, a large-cabin business aircraft that is capable of flying eight passengers more than 6,700 nm. These jets sold new for more than $45 million.
There now are more than 460 Gulfstream G550 business jets in service and operators say it's a top performer, a versatile workhorse offering solid dispatch reliability and backed by unmatched product support.