Gulfstream’s G700 goes airborne with Safran Nacelles’ newest nacelle for large-cabin business jets

February 14, 2020

The maiden flight of Gulfstream Aerospace’s G700 performed today in Savannah marks a significant milestone that further reinforces Safran Nacelles’ position as a supplier of choice for engine nacelles on very large, large and super medium-sized business jets.

In its Tier 1 manufacturer role, Safran Nacelles builds and delivers the complete nacelle for Rolls-Royce’ Pearl 700 turbofan engines on the G700. Developing this nacelle has involved a multi-year program with a true team effort, supported by Safran Nacelle’s operations at Saclay, Le Havre, Florange and Toulouse in France, Burnley in England.

“The Pearl 700 is a highly-integrated and extremely efficient propulsion system that will directly contribute to the G700 large-cabin business jet's performance,” said Jean-Michel Prou, the Pearl 700 Program Director. “By optimizing the engine’s integration with its nacelle, Rolls-Royce was able to incorporate a larger-diameter fan in the nacelle’s ultra-slim aero lines.”

Key features of the Pearl 700 engine nacelles

Primary elements of the nacelle are its air inlet with a deep liner for acoustic attenuation and fan blade stabilization; composite fan cowl doors that extend to thrust reverser, providing excellent aerodynamic shape as well as resistance to heat and fire; Safran Nacelles' proven two-door "Target-type" thrust reverser, which incorporates additional aerodynamic refinements; and the apron component, serving as the mechanical and electrical interface between the engine/nacelle and the aircraft.

Cédric Goubet, Safran Nacelles’ Chief Executive Officer stated: “Congratulations to all teams at Safran Nacelles and the other companies from the Group involved in this program, along with Rolls-Royce and Gulfstream, for this very important milestone.”