EATC’s portfolio is enriched by the newly acquired Gulfstream G650ER from the Royal Netherlands Air Force! This new generation VIP & passenger aircraft replaces the 35-year old Gulfstream IV and is also stationed at Eindhoven Air Base.
By summer 2023, the G650ER will be ready for missions under EATC’s operational authority. During the month of March 2023, Dutch flying personnel already get trained on the new asset. One of them is Lieutenant-Colonel John van den Born, a skilled EATC expert and an experienced pilot of the Gulfstream IV.
John is enthusiastic about the newly acquired asset. “The Gulfstream G650 will give more flexibility to our EATC member nations. With a high cruise speed of Mach .90 and a reduced cabin altitude, it will definitely guarantee comfortable short range and transatlantic missions. The engines are more fuel efficient compared to the Gulfstream IV and are able to run on Bio and Synthetic Aviation Fuel!”
John concludes that “as a newly trained flight deck crewmember, I will acquire new aviation techniques and useful knowledge to support EATC’s Employment Branch in Functional Division. Welcome on board!”
More information on the Gulfstream (G650ER)
The Gulfstream G650 is an ultra-long range large cabin business jet that operates as a VIP and passenger aircraft. In the VIP-configuration and on long distances, the Royal Netherlands Air Force will operate the aircraft for a maximum of 14 passengers. The G650 is normally operated with two pilots and one cabin attendant. It has a 7.500 NM maximum range and a 0,925 maximum Mach.
Photo courtesy of LtCol van den Born and Joris van Boven