Aerospace
Inside Elon Musk’s new US$78 million Gulfstream G700 and features
Elon Musk’s private jet fleet: $78 million Gulfstream G700
Elon Musk is highly renowned for his creativity and investments in technological advancements. But he recently ordered a high-end Gulfstream G700 private jet, a brand-new model. Early 2023 is the delivery window. He recently paid $44 billion for Twitter, which is currently trending for his new private plane.
Up to 19 passengers can board this aircraft, which has the largest cabin in the history of the Gulfstream fleet and has a maximum flying altitude of 51000 feet. The most recent cost of this opulent plane is up to $78 million.
The G700 has a range of up to 7,500 nautical miles or enough distance to travel nonstop from Austin to Hong Kong, according to the Gulfstream website. It boasts two restrooms, two Rolls-Royce engines, large oval windows, and a Wi-Fi system of its own.
Gulfstream G700 and G800 earn EASA certification(Opens in a new browser tab)
Currently own four private jets, one of which is a Glufsteram G 650 that sparked discussion on social media after being tracked by a Twitter user. Elon Musk asked him to remove the tracking and also made a generous offer of cash. But for him, it didn’t work out. Therefore, it is likely that he is currently updating his fleet and programming codes for flight data records that are hidden from users of the public internet.
ALL-NEW GULFSTREAM G800 MAKES FIRST FLIGHT.(Opens in a new browser tab)
The G700 has a range of up to 7,500 nautical miles or enough distance to travel nonstop from Austin to Hong Kong, according to the Gulfstream website. It boasts two restrooms, two Rolls-Royce engines, large oval windows, and a Wi-Fi system of its own.
Currently own four private jets, one of which is a Gulfstream G 650 that sparked discussion on social media after being tracked by a Twitter user. Elon Musk asked him to remove the tracking and also made a generous offer of cash. But for him, it didn’t work out. Therefore, it is likely that he is currently updating his fleet and programming codes for flight data records that are hidden from users of the public internet.
This jet’s operation is both difficult and expensive. The important factors affecting the jet’s costs are its fuel consumption and engine overhaul.
In addition to its high initial cost, operating the G700 can be expensive. According to Liberty Jet, flying the jet for 400 hours can result in operating costs of about US$3.5 million. According to the aviation website, the most expensive components of running the plane are fuel and engine maintenance.
According to Bloomberg, the new design is the “extended” version of the G650 and attempts to compete in size with the Bombardier 7500. According to Gulfstream, it is eight meters (25 feet) tall and 33 meters (109 feet) long.
The little but mighty G700 can travel nonstop from Singapore in Asia to San Francisco in the US because to its range of 13,900 km (7,500 nautical miles). According to the aforementioned Gulfstream spec sheet, the G700’s cruise speed is Mach 0.925.
Let us know in the comments what you think of Elon Musk’s new Gulfstream G700.
Aerospace
Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?
The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.
The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.
On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.
When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.
One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility
Aerospace
China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft
The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.
The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.
It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.
To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.
Aerospace
Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped
In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.
This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).
The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.
Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.
Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.
The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.