Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center opened its doors to the 61st National Business Aviation Association meeting and convention from October 6 to 8. While financial markets and banks may be in disarray, the world’s business aviation economy seem to be unaffected. PHIL NASSKAU reports on the key highlights of this year’s NBAA.

As if the industry needed proof of that it was facing a period of unremitting growth, Gulfstream announced its latest aircraft, an upgraded G200 dubbed the G250. Not to be left behind, Hawker Beechcraft unwrapped the Hawker 400XP successor, the Hawker 450XP, as well as an improved version of the venerable King Air 350, the King Air 350i.

Gulfstream: G250
Based on the $22 million (Rs 105 crore) G200, according to Gulfstream, the $24 million (Rs 115 crore) G250 will deliver the largest cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in the super mid-size segment. The first flight of the G250 is expected in the latter half of 2009, says Gulfstream. While certification and entry into service are slated for 2011.

The new super mid-size jet will feature twin Honeywell HTF7250G turbofan engines producing 7,445 lb of thrust each, and features a new transonic wing design optimised for high speed cruise and take off performance; Gulfstream claims it will be capable of taking off in 5,000 ft or less with margins. The engine is based on the HTF7000 engine that powers the Bombardier Challenger 300, also a super mid-size offering. Gulfstream says it will let the market determine whether the new twinjet will replace the G200.

Specifications revel a climb time to 41,000 ft of less than 20 minutes while maximum cruising altitude is 45,000 ft. At 45,000 ft, the cabin altitude—at 7,000 ft—is 1,000 ft lower than that of the G200, while at 41,000 ft, it will be 6,000 ft. Add in a top cruise speed of M.85 and the manufacturer says the aircraft will be capable of flying non-stop with four passengers from New York to Paris or London to Dubai at M.82 against 85 per cent annual winds with NBAA reserves.