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GULFSTREAM IV / IV-SP
Gulfstream GIV / GIV-SP for sale: The Large-Cabin Jet That Changed Gulfstream
The 1985 Revolution That Lasted 40 Years
In 1985, Gulfstream flew an aircraft that would shape its business for decades.
The GIV first flew on September 19, 1985 and entered service in August 1987. It brought a new wing, Rolls-Royce Tay engines, a larger cabin and one of the most advanced cockpits then seen in business aviation. Gulfstream quotes 4,200 nm of range and a maximum speed of Mach 0.88.
That combination was the point.
Gulfstream wanted an aircraft that could carry people across the Atlantic while giving them a cabin large enough to work, meet and sleep without stepping into an airliner-sized machine.
Then came the GIV-SP.
Introduced in the early 1990s, the Special Performance version raised takeoff and landing weights and received an upgraded landing system. Gulfstream says 500 GIV and GIV-SP aircraft were produced between 1987 and 2003.
For a buyer today, that history is useful because the Culfstream GIV-SP for sale is where the original concept became a mature product.
The GIV first flew on September 19, 1985 and entered service in August 1987. It brought a new wing, Rolls-Royce Tay engines, a larger cabin and one of the most advanced cockpits then seen in business aviation. Gulfstream quotes 4,200 nm of range and a maximum speed of Mach 0.88.
That combination was the point.
Gulfstream wanted an aircraft that could carry people across the Atlantic while giving them a cabin large enough to work, meet and sleep without stepping into an airliner-sized machine.
Then came the GIV-SP.
Introduced in the early 1990s, the Special Performance version raised takeoff and landing weights and received an upgraded landing system. Gulfstream says 500 GIV and GIV-SP aircraft were produced between 1987 and 2003.
For a buyer today, that history is useful because the Culfstream GIV-SP for sale is where the original concept became a mature product.
Specifications That Built an Empire
- Range: Gulfstream publishes 4,200 nm for the GIV. GIV-SP references commonly show around 4,091 nm under NBAA IFR conditions with four passengers and available fuel.
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.88.
- Maximum cruise: 476 kt for the GIV-SP in Jetcraft's published data.
- Cabin volume: 1,658 cu ft in Jetcraft's current GIV-SP reference.
- Passengers: Typical published configurations range from 14 to 19 seats, depending on the interior.
- Engines: Two Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engines, rated at 13,850 lbf each.
- Maximum operating altitude: 45,000 ft.
The GIV-SP (1988) added higher weights and improved avionics. The G400 (2002) was the final evolution with PlaneView avionics and updated systems.
Three Things Worth Knowing
- The SP changed more than the name suggests:
That means two aircraft carrying a GIV family name can have different certification and performance histories.
Check the serial number and modification status.
- The Tay is part of the reason the GIV worked:
Rolls-Royce describes the Tay 611-8 as the sole powerplant for the GIV when it entered service and credits the engine with the combination of reliability, fuel efficiency and low noise that helped the GIV reach intercontinental range.
More than 10 million flight hours had already been accumulated by 2019.
For a used-aircraft buyer, that long service record is useful context.
- The airplane you see today may be very different from the airplane Gulfstream delivered:
The original aircraft belongs to another avionics generation. Later modifications can change the cockpit, navigation capability and communications equipment substantially.
So a listing that simply says "GIV-SP" is incomplete information.
Look at the actual avionics installation, modification history and maintenance records.
Gulfstream IV / GIV-SP Competitors
Challenger 604 for sale:
Range: Around 4,000 nm class / Passengers: Typically 10 to 12.
The Challenger 604 is one of the most logical comparisons. Its cabin is wider, while the GIV-SP gives the buyer a longer Gulfstream cabin and higher cruise speed.
The choice comes down quickly to priorities: wider cabin and a different operating profile, or the larger Gulfstream environment.
Falcon 900EX for sale:
Range: Around 4,500 nm class / Passengers: Typically around 12.
The Falcon 900EX brings three engines to a similar international mission. Its range can exceed the GIV-SP's published figure, depending on the configuration and operating assumptions.
The Gulfstream answers with its large cabin and two-engine layout.
Different aircraft. Similar buyer.
Falcon 900B for sale:
Range: Around 3,800 nm class / Passengers: Around 12.
The 900B is an older alternative and can enter the conversation when acquisition cost is a major consideration.
Its three-engine design and shorter range place it slightly differently from the GIV-SP, but both appeal to buyers looking for a large-cabin international jet without moving into the largest Gulfstream and Global aircraft.
Legacy 650 for sale:
Range: Around 3,900 nm class / Passengers: Typically around 13.
The Legacy 650 is particularly interesting because its cabin volume is very close to the GIV-SP's published figure. AvBuyer comparison data puts the Legacy 650 at about 1,656 cu ft, versus about 1,658 cu ft for the GIV-SP.
The Embraer is newer. The Gulfstream has the older large-cabin pedigree and a long operational record.
For a buyer comparing age against cabin size, this is one of the more useful comparisons.
Range: Around 4,000 nm class / Passengers: Typically 10 to 12.
The Challenger 604 is one of the most logical comparisons. Its cabin is wider, while the GIV-SP gives the buyer a longer Gulfstream cabin and higher cruise speed.
The choice comes down quickly to priorities: wider cabin and a different operating profile, or the larger Gulfstream environment.
Falcon 900EX for sale:
Range: Around 4,500 nm class / Passengers: Typically around 12.
The Falcon 900EX brings three engines to a similar international mission. Its range can exceed the GIV-SP's published figure, depending on the configuration and operating assumptions.
The Gulfstream answers with its large cabin and two-engine layout.
Different aircraft. Similar buyer.
Falcon 900B for sale:
Range: Around 3,800 nm class / Passengers: Around 12.
The 900B is an older alternative and can enter the conversation when acquisition cost is a major consideration.
Its three-engine design and shorter range place it slightly differently from the GIV-SP, but both appeal to buyers looking for a large-cabin international jet without moving into the largest Gulfstream and Global aircraft.
Legacy 650 for sale:
Range: Around 3,900 nm class / Passengers: Typically around 13.
The Legacy 650 is particularly interesting because its cabin volume is very close to the GIV-SP's published figure. AvBuyer comparison data puts the Legacy 650 at about 1,656 cu ft, versus about 1,658 cu ft for the GIV-SP.
The Embraer is newer. The Gulfstream has the older large-cabin pedigree and a long operational record.
For a buyer comparing age against cabin size, this is one of the more useful comparisons.
Where This Aircraft Makes Sense
The GIV-SP fits a fairly clear mission.
You need a large cabin. You regularly carry several passengers. Your international trips are generally in the 2,500 to 3,500 nm range. You want speed, but you do not need the 6,000 nm-plus capability of a Gulfstream GV or Global Express.
Consider eight passengers on a 3,000 nm sector. That is the sort of mission where the GIV-SP's combination of cabin size and range becomes useful. Winds, payload, routing and reserves still determine whether a particular trip is nonstop.
There is another reason to look at it.
The GIV-SP gives you a genuine large-cabin aircraft without requiring the range capability of a much newer ultra-long-range jet.
The honest friction is fuel burn. Older large-cabin aircraft simply consume more fuel than newer designs. If the aircraft will fly only a few hundred hours a year, that may be manageable. If it will fly heavily, the operating difference becomes much harder to ignore.
You need a large cabin. You regularly carry several passengers. Your international trips are generally in the 2,500 to 3,500 nm range. You want speed, but you do not need the 6,000 nm-plus capability of a Gulfstream GV or Global Express.
Consider eight passengers on a 3,000 nm sector. That is the sort of mission where the GIV-SP's combination of cabin size and range becomes useful. Winds, payload, routing and reserves still determine whether a particular trip is nonstop.
There is another reason to look at it.
The GIV-SP gives you a genuine large-cabin aircraft without requiring the range capability of a much newer ultra-long-range jet.
The honest friction is fuel burn. Older large-cabin aircraft simply consume more fuel than newer designs. If the aircraft will fly only a few hundred hours a year, that may be manageable. If it will fly heavily, the operating difference becomes much harder to ignore.
The Verdict
The GIV / GIV-SP is interesting because it still has a clear job.
It gives the buyer a large cabin, high cruise speed and roughly 4,000 nm-class international capability in an aircraft family with a long operating history. Gulfstream built 500 GIV and GIV-SP aircraft between 1987 and 2003.
The aircraft's weakness is just as clear. It is old, and fuel burn, avionics and maintenance status can separate a very good example from a poor investment.
For eight to 12 passengers flying roughly 2,500 to 3,500 nm missions, a well-maintained GIV-SP with strong engine status and sensible avionics deserves a serious look.
Start with the individual aircraft, not the model brochure.
Looking for a Gulfstream GIV / GIV-SP for Sale?
Give us the mission first:
It gives the buyer a large cabin, high cruise speed and roughly 4,000 nm-class international capability in an aircraft family with a long operating history. Gulfstream built 500 GIV and GIV-SP aircraft between 1987 and 2003.
The aircraft's weakness is just as clear. It is old, and fuel burn, avionics and maintenance status can separate a very good example from a poor investment.
For eight to 12 passengers flying roughly 2,500 to 3,500 nm missions, a well-maintained GIV-SP with strong engine status and sensible avionics deserves a serious look.
Start with the individual aircraft, not the model brochure.
Looking for a Gulfstream GIV / GIV-SP for Sale?
Give us the mission first:
- How many passengers?
- Which routes?
- How much range do you need?
- What year or configuration do you prefer?
- What are your requirements for engines, maintenance and avionics?
- Where will the aircraft be registered and operated?
GULFSTREAM IV / IV-SP OVERVIEW
GULFSTREAM IV / IV-SP ROUTE PERFOMANCE
GULFSTREAM IV / IV-SP VS COMPETITORS
Note: Seats (max) indicates maximum seating capacity; actual seating may vary by aircraft configuration. Range is indicative and may vary depending on configuration, payload, weather, operating conditions and other factors. Price ranges reflect current market asking prices and are provided for reference only. Actual prices may vary depending on the specific aircraft, condition, configuration, maintenance status and market conditions.