The Gulfstream GIV is a large-cabin, long-range business jet that marked a major advancement in Gulfstream Aerospace’s product line. Developed as a stretched and re-engined derivative of the Gulfstream III, the GIV was launched in 1983 and made its first flight on September 19, 1985. It received FAA certification on April 22, 1987, and entered service later that year. Production continued until 1992, with 196 units built before the model evolved into the GIV-SP and later the G400.
The GIV introduced several engineering improvements over its predecessor, including a 54-inch fuselage stretch, redesigned wings for reduced drag and increased fuel capacity, and upgraded Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 611-8 engines. These engines deliver 13,850 lbf of thrust each and offer a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency over the previous Spey engines. The GIV was also the first business jet to feature a full glass cockpit, equipped with a Honeywell SPZ-8000 avionics suite and six color CRT displays.
The aircraft offers a maximum range of 4,200 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 476 knots, with a top speed of 500 knots. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 73,200 lbs, a takeoff distance of 5,450 feet, and a landing distance of 2,650 feet. The service ceiling is 45,000 feet. The cabin measures 45 ft 1 in in length, 7 ft 3 in in width, and 6 ft 1 in in height, with a total volume of 1,658 cubic feet.
The GIV typically seats 14 business passengers in a three-zone layout, with configurations including club seating, divans, and conference areas. Amenities include a full-service galley, enclosed lavatory, and generous baggage capacity of 169 cubic feet. The aircraft’s spacious stand-up cabin and intercontinental range made it a favorite among corporate operators and government agencies, including NOAA and NASA.
Operators value the Gulfstream GIV for its reliability, performance, and enduring legacy. Its design innovations laid the groundwork for future Gulfstream models, including the G450 and G500, solidifying its place as a cornerstone in the evolution of long-range business aviation.
