Aircraft
JStars Contenders Argue Merits of Business Jet Versus Airliner
A Gulfstream G550 can fly the JStars mission 'higher, faster, farther' and more affordably than an airliner, the manufacturer contends.
Gulfstream and Northrop Grumman propose a modified G550 business jet for the JStars program. (Image: Northrop Grumman)
Gulfstream and Northrop Grumman propose a modified G550 business jet for the JStars program. (Image: Northrop Grumman)

Gulfstream and Northrop Grumman are making their case for hosting the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JStars) on a business jet as the U.S. Air Force nears a decision on the JStars recapitalization program. The companies are proposing the Gulfstream G550 to replace the service’s Boeing E-8C JStars fleet; they face competition from Boeing, offering a system based on the 737-700 airliner, and a team led by Lockheed Martin proposing the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet as a host platform.