Icons of the Sky 2: The Jets that Changed the Industry

Icons of the Sky 2: The Jets that Changed Aviation

The history of private jets features technological advancements that changed aviation forever. In this article, we explore the jets that truly changed the game, including those that introduced all-new engine types, those that transformed the use of electronics, the first to cross the Atlantic, and the pioneer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Hawker Siddeley 125

The 1970s saw rapid development in the private jet industry as a plethora of technological advancements were introduced. One of the most notable was the emergence of planes with turbofan engines, which offered enhanced fuel efficiency along with quieter operations.

The Hawker Siddeley 125, a British-built jet, stood out as a model of innovation, featuring these newer turbofan engines and becoming a mainstay in the global market for years to come.

The 125's design featured a twin-engine setup on the rear fuselage, where a brace of Bristol Siddeley Viper turbojet engines sat ready to give the aircraft the speed and economy to travel more than 1000 miles in complete comfort.

With a slightly swept wing design that saw the wings mounted beneath the fuselage and was equipped with large slotted flaps and airbrakes, the 125 was suitable for small airfields. The route flexibility this offered, when combined with a fuselage designed for the comfort of its two pilots and six passengers and a 3-foot wide door that facilitates the loading of bulky equipment, ensured the 125 quickly became extremely popular with business and pleasure travellers alike.

Hawker Siddeley 125 Trivia:

With various names over the years due to changes in the manufacturer’s parent company, the 125 went on to become the business jet, which was in production for the longest period. This is a testament to its inherent qualities and the integrity of its design and maintenance protocols, which have given it a place in aviation history.

Dassault Falcon 50 Trijet

One objective underpinned Dassault’s mission to design the Falcon 50 Trijet in the mid 1970s: Crossing the Atlantic. Installing three Garrett TFE 731-3 turbofan engines into the tail section, with the third engine positioned on top of the fuselage and using an S-duct air intake to function correctly, was the first step to achieving this.

Then, with the subsequent modification of early prototypes to fit supercritical wings, ensured it was the first business jet to complete this feat.

Situated in the super-midsize category, the Falcon 50 can hold approximately eight to nine passengers, making it extremely popular with private jet charter services throughout the decades since its launch.

In 1995, the Falcon 50 underwent further modifications to become the Falcon EX so it could fly higher and faster, with an increased range. Production of this model continued until 2007, ending a nearly 30-year run for the 50.

Dassault Falcon 50 Trivia:

Dassault also realized the new need for a long-range jet to be used in maritime and surveillance roles within the government and military. This led to the development and conversion of the Falcon 50 into a new variant called the Gardian 50.

Gulfstream G5

In the mind of the much of the general public, the Gulfstream GV is probably the epitome of the term “luxury private jet”.

Introduced in 1995, the Gulfstream GV was a hugely important breakthrough for a company that was in fact struggling at the time of its development. Its first ultra-long range business jet, Gulfstream’s GV was powered by powerful Rolls-Royce BR700-710A1 engines and had a range was 6,500 nautical miles. Certified to fly at 51,000ft, the GV has the potential to avoid most air traffic and can cruise at over 550mph. This meant it made intercontinental travel common for both businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

For its passengers, the GV offers the ultimate ride. Its interior cabin is spacious, bright and inviting, giving those inside plenty of room to move around in complete comfort. Its length also gives it an advantage over competitors. Gulfstream has utilised the extra room to create three distinct cabin zones (depending on configuration) and a 266ft³ luggage hold at the back of the plane.

Adding to its popularity for both jet buyers and private jet charters is the highly configurable nature of its cabin. With numerous options available to ensure the passengers can have the set-up that is perfect for their own needs and preferences, the standard configuration provides seating for 13 passenger seats alongside the two crew seats.

Ensuring comfort and luxury are a wide range of amenities, including a full-sized galley, power outlets, fold-out tables, satellite TV, fold-out worktables and multimedia entertainment systems. Despite the aircraft’s powerful engines, the cabin is very quiet, which makes it ideal for those wanting to work or those hoping to sleep on long-haul overnight flights.

So iconic did the Gulfstream become that its success led to the development of the Gulfstream G550, G650 and, most recently, the G700, iconic jets in themselves which have made Gulfstream the name synonymous with ultra-luxury, wide-body business jets.

Gulfstream GV Trivia:

When it was new in 1997, a Gulfstream GV had a price tag of $42.2m. Adjusted for inflation, that is more than $80.1m in 2024.

Launched in 2001 and entering service in 2007, the Dassault Falcon 7X introduced another of private aviation’s monumental technological developments when it became the first business jet to incorporate digital fly-by-wire controls into its design.

Fly-by-wire is the term given to a plane’s flight control systems which use computers to process the flight control inputs made by the pilot (or autopilot). These systems replace conventional manual controls which have a mechanical linkage between the pilot controls in the cockpit and, for example, the plane’s engines or wing flaps. Fly-by-wire systems mean that pilot inputs do not directly move the control surfaces. Instead, inputs are read by a computer that in turn determines how to move the control surfaces to best achieve what the pilot wants in accordance with which of the available Flight Control Laws is active.

First recognised and implemented in military aircraft design, the advantages of fly-by-wire systems are reduced weight, improved reliability, increased damage tolerance, and more effective control of highly manoeuvrable aircraft.  

The fly-by-wire technology used by the Dassault Falcon 7X has helped it to become an extremely popular private jet in the ultra-long-range jet class. With the ability to fly non-stop for more than 10,870 km, meaning it is possible to travel routes such as Frankfurt to Los Angeles, London to Hong Kong, New York to Dubai or Miami to Santiago, the 7X offers incredible potential for business and pleasure travellers alike.

The Dassault Falcon 7X features an unmistakeable and innovative wing design meaning it has one of the most distinctive silhouettes in all of aviation. Powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A engines which allow it to operate from more demanding airfields in hot and high terrains, the 7X is one of the most efficient aircraft in its class.

These engines also give the 7X the ability to take off and land on shorter runways ensures it offers outstanding flexibility for private jet charters to more remote locations or inner-city airports. 

Dassault Falcon 7X Trivia:

The Dassault Falcon’s features special engine mounts and cabin isolators which result in a cabin that is extremely quiet, with a noise level below 50 dBA.

Gulfstream G600

In November 2023, the Gulfstream G600 completed the first trans-Atlantic flight powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The aircraft departed the company's headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, USA, and landed 6 hours and 56 minutes later at Farnborough Airport in England. 

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines, both using 100% SAF, this incredible achievement showcased the potential for aviation's future use of renewable fuels in the quest to be as sustainable as possible.

The SAF used on the flight was produced by World Energy and delivered by World Fuel Services. It comprised 100% hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (neat HEFA), with far lower carbon and sulphur content and absolutely no added aromatics.

The SFA created resulted in approximately 75-80% lower lifecycle CO2 emissions than fossil-based jet fuel, helping reduce aviation's climate impact. The fuel was notable for a complete absence of aromatic content because, historically, this has been considered essential for engine performance and safety, and its absence also reduces the impact on local air quality.

The data collected from this endurance flight helped Gulfstream gauge aircraft compatibility with future low-aromatic renewable fuels, particularly under cold temperatures for extended flight durations. 

This groundbreaking journey spotlights the strides in eco-friendly air travel and positions business aviation as a frontrunner in adopting sustainable solutions, even outpacing commercial airlines in this endeavour.

Gulfstream G600 Trivia:

The G600 has set more than 20-speed records, such as a flight from Savannah on the USA’s east coast to Geneva in Switzerland in just 7 hours and 21 minutes.

Conclusion

The history of private jets is packed full of fascinating stories and incredible innovations. Some of the jets designed throughout the decades have become icons in their own right and have provided convenience, privacy, safety and luxury to passengers like no other mode of transport.

Here at SHY Aviation, we have access to the finest aircraft on the market. Our team of global private aviation specialists is available around the clock to provide you with a private jet charter, group charter, or helicopter transfer solution tailored to your individual requirements.

The SHY Lifestyle team of luxury travel experts provides concierge services to ensure your trip is seamless from start to finish, whether you need the finest accommodation, car transfers, or access to exclusive events, products, or services.