The Gulfstream 500 and Gulfstream G600 are two of the latest aircraft from the Georgia based manufacturer.
Both aircraft can cruise close to the speed of sound. Both aircraft will transport up to 19 passengers in ultimate luxury.
However, what is the difference between these two aircraft? Which one should you choose?
Performance
The Gulfstream G500 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW814GA engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 15,144 lbs of thrust. As a result, the total thrust output of the G500 is 30,288 lbs.
On the other hand, the Gulfstream G600 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines. Each engine is capable of outputting up to 15,680 lbs of thrust. Therefore, the combined thrust output comes to 31,360 lbs.
Both aircraft are capable of cruising at 51,000 feet and at a speed of 516 knots.
The 516 knot cruise speed of both aircraft translates to Mach 0.90. For reference, Mach 1 is the speed of sound. As a result, the cruise speed of the Gulfstream G500 and G600 cement their place as some of the fastest business jets ever.
Both aircraft also have very similar hourly fuel burns, with the G500 slightly beating the G600. The Gulfstream G500 has an average fuel burn of 430 Gallons per Hour (GPH). On the other hand, the Gulfstream G600 has an average fuel burn of 458 Gallons per Hour (GPH).
Range
As is seen when comparing the Gulfstream G600 with the G650, Gulfstream have tactically positioned the G500 and G600 with their range abilities.
Their difference in range is enough to highlight the differences between these aircraft.
The Gulfstream G500 has a maximum range of 5,300 nautical miles. In comparison, the Gulfstream G600 has a maximum range of 6,600 nautical miles.
Use this range tool to visualize this distance on a map.
Taking these numbers at face value, the G500 is able to fly non-stop from New York to Cairo, Egypt.
Whereas the Gulfstream G600 is able to fly non-stop from New York to Dubai.
Of course, please note that in order to achieve these range figures, some compromises need to be made. For example, these range figures are not when cruising at maximum speed. Additionally, the payload would have to be at an absolute minimum. And, crucially, the weather would need to be perfect.
Factor in a strong headwind and the range of all aircraft will decrease significantly. However, even if these aircraft don’t achieve the stated range figures, the G600 will always be able to fly further than the G500 with all things being equal.
Ground Performance
As is nearly always the case, the larger aircraft has a greater minimum take off distance than the smaller aircraft. However, the difference in numbers is relatively minor.
The Gulfstream G500 has a minimum take off distance of 5,300 feet compared with the G600 requiring at least 5,700 feet to take off.
This difference is very similar to the difference between the G600 and G650.
However, when it comes to minimum landing distance, both aircraft are equal. Both the G500 and G600 have a minimum landing distance of 3,100 feet. An impressive figure given the size of these aircraft.
Furthermore, the difference between the minimum take off distance of these aircraft is so slight that it is unlikely there is an airport that the G500 can fly to but the G600 can’t.
Therefore, runway length limitations should not be of concern when deciding between these two aircraft.
Interior Dimensions
As to be expected, the Gulfstream G600 has a slightly larger cabin than the G500, but only in one measurement. The G600 is slightly longer than the G500.
Other than length, the width and height of both aircraft are identical.
The interior of the G500 measures 14.5 meters long compared with a cabin length of 15.62 meters for the G600.
Both aircraft measure 2.31 meters wide and 1.88 meters tall.
And, like most modern Gulfstream aircraft, both aircraft can carry up to 19 passengers. However, it is unlikely that either of these aircraft will ever fly with 100% of the seats filled.
Furthermore, it is unlikely that any customer will customize these aircraft to accommodate the full 19 passengers.
Additionally, both the Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600 are able carry up to 175 cubic feet of baggage.
Interior
Given that these aircraft are both made by the same manufacturer, the interiors are extremely similar. Of course, this is a good thing. Gulfstream makes some of the best private jet interiors in the world.
Additionally, both the G500 and G600 share the same platform, and, as a result, the interiors of these aircraft is even more similar than usual.
For example, both aircraft have a maximum cabin altitude of 4,850 feet when cruising at 51,000 feet. While this isn’t the lowest cabin altitude in the industry (see Gulfstream G650 and G650ER), it’s lower than most other aircraft.
The benefit of a lower cabin altitude is a more pleasant cabin environment and reduced effects of jet lag.
G500 Interior
100% fresh air, a maximum cabin altitude of 4,850 feet and a cabin noise level of 50 decibels provides a peaceful environment. This environment is lit by fourteen signature Gulfstream oval windows. Combined, these windows provide an abundance of natural light and sweeping views of the world below. Adding these factors together ensure that you arrive at your destination refreshed and with minimal jet lag.
Gulfstream’s Cabin Management System allows passengers to control lighting, temperature, and media right from their seats. The seats are able to be converted to lie-flat beds. Therefore, the G500 is a great space to work, dine and relax.
Gulfstream G500 Interior
Gulfstream G600 Interior
G600 Interior
The G600 interior is designed for passengers to relax, work and dine in. The G600 has been designed by Gulfstream to “be the quietest [cabin] in business aviation”. This is hardly surprising as the whole Gulfstream family of aircraft has exceptionally quiet cabins. Additionally, the G600 features Gulfstream’s classic 100% fresh air system. Combine this with the low cabin altitude will ensure that you arrive at your destination refreshed.
Furthermore, Gulfstream has been able to fit in fourteen signature Gulfstream oval windows. These windows are “the largest in business aviation” and drown the interior in natural light. The size and placement of the windows also offer all passengers a fantastic view of the world below.
Onboard passengers will be sitting on award-winning seats. These seats blend style, functionality, and comfort all into one. Gulfstream has been able to utilize customer feedback and optimize the proportions of the seat for an ideal fit. Through using precise, computerized machining, Gulfstream has been able to eliminate pressure points for maximum comfort.
The G600 can be configured with up to four living areas. Within the four living areas there is space for up to 19 passengers and space for up to 10 passengers to sleep.
The G600 is so luxuriously appointed that it has even been awarded the International Yacht & Aviation Design Award.
Charter Price
The charter price of these aircraft is relatively similar. Of course, there are many factors that can influence the price of a private jet charter. Therefore, these prices are estimates only.
The estimated hourly charter price of the Gulfstream G500 is $9,000. In comparison, the estimated hourly charter price of the Gulfstream G600 is $10,000.
Purchase Price
This trend continues when looking at the purchase price of these two aircraft.
The Gulfstream G500 has a new list price of $45 million. Whereas the Gulfstream G600 has a new list price of $54.5 million.
Deliveries of the G500 started in 2018, with deliveries of the G600 beginning just one year later.
Therefore, given that these aircraft are so young, accurate pre-owned values cannot be obtained. Therefore, assessing the depreciation of these aircraft is no currently possible.
Summary
Much like when comparing the Gulfstream G600 with the G650, it’s almost impossible to say which aircraft is better.
Of course, Gulfstream have done this intentionally. The aircraft have been designed in order to fit every need.
If the G500 is unable to execute your mission, then the G600 is right there, ready to fly. If the G600 can’t achieve the mission then there is the G650, and so on.
Therefore, both aircraft are extremely similar. The only real difference comes with the G600 having a bigger range and larger cabin. Apart from this the differences are extremely small.
Ultimately it comes down to the mission at hand. If the G500 can complete your mission then that’s the best choice. If not, then the Gulfstream G600 is the aircraft to choose.
