Gulfstream Aerospace Gulfstream II
Though Grumman had a good aircraft in the turboprop Gulfstream I, it was clear by the mid-1960s that the future of executive transports was jet-powered. A host of new small business jets were coming into service from Cessna, Learjet, Lockheed, and North American, and Grumman needed to keep up. As a result, the company began development of its own "bizjet," the Gulfstream II.
The new aircraft bore almost no resemblance to its turboprop predecessor; only the forward fuselage was the same. Finding the right kind of jet engine was an obstacle, as turbojets were too noisy and smoky, but Grumman settled on the Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan for powerplant. A swept wing offered superb performance; the wing was based on Grumman's A-6 Intruder attack aircraft. Interiors were left to customer preference.
The Gulfstream II was immediately a hit with buyers, and 256 would be built. The basic design would also become the basis for the even more successful Gulfstream series, such as the Gulfstream III and IV and G.550. Ironically, one of the Gulfstream IIs weaknesses was engine noise, and those aircraft not equipped with hushkits have been withdrawn from service. A number are still in service.
The registration number of this Gulfstream II reveals its former owner--actor John Travolta. Built in 1970, N492JT was originally N711DP and flew with Mid-Western Airlines. It then was sold to the Teamsters and flew union officials (including Jimmy Hoffa, before his disappearance in 1975) around the country from 1972 to 1986. Travolta bought it after that, and flew N492JT until 2000; it was part of a fleet that included three Gulfstreams, a Bombardier Challenger, a Boeing 727, and his most famous acquisition, a 707.
Travolta donated N492JT to the Museum of Aviation at Robins AFB, Georgia in 2012; it is named "Jettson" in honor of his son Jett Travolta, who died unexpectedly in 2009. As it is the only non-military aircraft on display at the Museum of Aviation, it is not listed on the museum's website.
Gulfstream Aerospace Gulfstream II
Though Grumman had a good aircraft in the turboprop Gulfstream I, it was clear by the mid-1960s that the future of executive transports was jet-powered. A host of new small business jets were coming into service from Cessna, Learjet, Lockheed, and North American, and Grumman needed to keep up. As a result, the company began development of its own "bizjet," the Gulfstream II.
The new aircraft bore almost no resemblance to its turboprop predecessor; only the forward fuselage was the same. Finding the right kind of jet engine was an obstacle, as turbojets were too noisy and smoky, but Grumman settled on the Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan for powerplant. A swept wing offered superb performance; the wing was based on Grumman's A-6 Intruder attack aircraft. Interiors were left to customer preference.
The Gulfstream II was immediately a hit with buyers, and 256 would be built. The basic design would also become the basis for the even more successful Gulfstream series, such as the Gulfstream III and IV and G.550. Ironically, one of the Gulfstream IIs weaknesses was engine noise, and those aircraft not equipped with hushkits have been withdrawn from service. A number are still in service.
The registration number of this Gulfstream II reveals its former owner--actor John Travolta. Built in 1970, N492JT was originally N711DP and flew with Mid-Western Airlines. It then was sold to the Teamsters and flew union officials (including Jimmy Hoffa, before his disappearance in 1975) around the country from 1972 to 1986. Travolta bought it after that, and flew N492JT until 2000; it was part of a fleet that included three Gulfstreams, a Bombardier Challenger, a Boeing 727, and his most famous acquisition, a 707.
Travolta donated N492JT to the Museum of Aviation at Robins AFB, Georgia in 2012; it is named "Jettson" in honor of his son Jett Travolta, who died unexpectedly in 2009. As it is the only non-military aircraft on display at the Museum of Aviation, it is not listed on the museum's website.