Gulfstream marks 50th with a tribute to the GI

This year is a special one for Gulfstream, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the company’s first airplane, the twin-turboprop Gulfstr

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

September 30, 2008

This year is a special one for Gulfstream, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the company’s first airplane, the twin-turboprop Gulfstream I. On Aug. 14, 1958, the Grumman-built aircraft took to the skies for its maiden flight as the first turbine-powered airplane designed expressly for business travel. Until that time, the choices for executive transport consisted mainly of converted military aircraft, surplus airliners and smaller piston twins and singles.

Its name chosen for the warm-water current that flows past Florida–a favored vacation destination for Grumman executives–the Gulfstream I offered comfortable accommodations for 12 passengers and a speed of 350 mph at 25,000 feet, with a range of 2,200 miles. The low-wing design also saw the first use of large oval windows on a fuselage, which remain a trademark of all large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft produced since then.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.