Gulfstream III

The classic long-range business jet that established Gulfstream’s global reputation.

N830SU Gulfstream III © Paul Daly

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Overview

Gulfstream United States ICAO: GLF3 1979–1986 Active $37 million (1986)

The Gulfstream III was introduced in 1979 as a long-range executive jet. Building on earlier Gulfstream models, it offered increased range and improved aerodynamics. The aircraft became a foundation for later Gulfstream designs.

Live Fleet Activity (GLF3)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Rolls-Royce Spey RB.163 Mk 511-8
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 11,400 lbf · 51 kN
Avionics
Honeywell Primus Epic CDS/R
Wing tips
Canted winglets
Seats
19
Crew
—
Cabin width
6 ft 3 in  ·  1.90 m
Cabin height
5 ft 11 in  ·  1.80 m
Cabin length
41 ft 4 in  ·  12.60 m
Exterior length
83 ft 0 in  ·  25.30 m
Tail height
24 ft 3 in  ·  7.40 m
Fuselage diameter
6 ft 7 in  ·  2.00 m
Wing span
77 ft 9 in  ·  23.70 m
Baggage volume
159 ft³  ·  4.5 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
69,500 lb  ·  31,600 kg
Max landing weight
58,500 lb  ·  26,500 kg
Max payload
4,500 lb  ·  2,050 kg
Fuel capacity
3,350 gal · 12,800 L · 10,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
478 kt  ·  550 mph  ·  885 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
135 kt  ·  155 mph  ·  250 km/h
Range
3,750 nm  ·  4,320 mi  ·  6,950 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
45,000 ft  ·  13,700 m
Rate of climb
4,210 ft/min  ·  21 m/s
Takeoff distance
5,100 ft  ·  1,550 m
Landing distance
4,400 ft  ·  1,350 m
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Gulfstream III 1

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Operational Context

Gulfstream III — long-range business jet

The Gulfstream III first flew in 1979 and entered service the same year. It featured a swept wing and T-tail configuration typical of business jets of the era. The aircraft was designed for transcontinental and transoceanic missions.

Powered by two Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines producing approximately 11,400 pounds of thrust (50.7 kN) each, the Gulfstream III cruises at around Mach 0.85, approximately 488 knots (904 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 68,000 pounds (30,840 kg). Seating typically accommodates 10 to 19 passengers depending on configuration.

The Gulfstream III achieved strong market success and established the company’s reputation for long-range capability. Many airframes were later upgraded with modern avionics. The aircraft remains an important milestone in business aviation development.