Gulfstream Aerospace · Out of Production
Gulfstream I
Gulfstream’s original purpose-built business turboprop, preceding its jet-powered family.
Explore Gulfstream Aerospace
Aircraft profile
Development and lineage
- Manufacturer
- Gulfstream Aerospace
- Family
- Gulfstream I
- Aircraft category
- Business Turboprop
- Propulsion
- Turboprop
- Lifecycle
- Out of Production
- First flight
- 1958-08-14
- Entry into service
- 1959
Aircraft data
Key specifications
- Original type designation
- Grumman G-159 Gulfstream I
- Engines
- Two Rolls-Royce Dart 529-8 turboprops
- Reference engine power
- 2,210 hp each
- Aircraft length
- 63 ft 9 in
- Wingspan
- 78 ft 4 in
- Aircraft height
- 22 ft 9 in
- Reference accommodation
- Two pilots and 15 passengers; interior layouts vary
- Published maximum speed
- 357 mph
- Published range
- 2,500 statute miles in the reference configuration
- First flight
- 14 August 1958
- Service entry
- 1959
- Production total
- 200 aircraft
Grumman G-159 Gulfstream I reference configuration. Seating and equipment vary across executive and later specialist conversions.
Overview
The Grumman G-159 Gulfstream I was designed for executive transport, pairing a pressurised cabin with two Rolls-Royce Dart turboprops. It offered business travellers a dedicated aircraft with space for a working cabin, rather than relying on an airliner conversion.
The type also found later roles in regional transport and specialist flying. Its dimensions and seating therefore describe a family of configurations, with individual interiors and equipment reflecting the operator’s mission.
Program history
Grumman explored a purpose-built corporate aircraft after the Second World War and selected turboprop power as a balance between speed and operating cost. The Gulfstream I first flew on 14 August 1958 and entered service in 1959.
The programme established the Gulfstream business-aircraft line, with 200 examples built. The later Gulfstream II carried the concept into jet propulsion for customers seeking higher cruise speed and longer-distance business travel.