Power vs. Range

[JordanD]

I'm kind of curious about some of the larger bizjets that are really overpowered. I know the range on the Gulfstreams like the G-IV and G-550 are pretty impressive for an aircraft of that size, but I've heard that they're also really really really overpowered also. Would Gulfstream gain any noticeable range increase by using smaller, more efficient engines on their jets , sacrificing a little bit of climb and maybe speed for greater range? I've heard (don't know if this is true) that they're so overpowered that occasionally they have to taxi with the thrust reversers slightly deployed.

[Electric-Jet]

I dont know much about all the other stuff, but I do know that when I see them at the local airport they do often taxi with their reversers deployed. Some times only with one deployed. Heres a photo of mine I got of it.

[photoid=5889562]

[MCM]

Having a bit more extra "grunt" means they can operate into some quite small airstrips for their weight, making them versatile and useful as a business jet. As a business jet owner, you'd want to be able to land at all the relatively small, yet convenient, airstrips around.

Add to that the fact they are twin engine aeroplanes that have to be able to perform on one engine, (think for example the 767... also appears very overpowered due to having to be able to meet climb gradients on one engine).

As a pilot, I have no problems with an overpowered aircraft

[screaming_emu]

As a pilot, I have no problems with an overpowered aircraft

No, you got it wrong. As a pilot you think EVERY airplane is underpowered

[Christobal65]

No, you got it wrong. As a pilot you think EVERY airplane is underpowered

Even an SR-71

[Bok269]

No, you got it wrong. As a pilot you think EVERY airplane is underpowered

I guess that's what happen when you spend too much time in trainers.

[screaming_emu]

Even an SR-71

of course! There is no flaw in this logic!

[Jerrycobra Boeing]

i think 777s are overpowered, lol but some a300s seens to have some smallllllllllll engines

[LRJet Guy]

Emu's correct. There are no overpowered aircraft. Even the SR.

When you hang big ass motors on an airplane, it will help you get off the ground sooner, and up to higher altitudes quicker where you can enjoy more favorable winds and lower fuel burn.

Hanging smaller engines on a Gulfstream would have a negative impact to that effect, as well as decrease engine life since you're running it harder and hotter.

If you're using the GV as an example, you have an airplane that is designed to haul 89,000 lbs off a short runway to an initial cruise altitude of FL410, then cruise climb as burns off fuel on a 7000 mi flight.

You're not going to do that with less thrust.

[Bok269]

And remember, as far as taxiing goes, planes aren't optimized for taxiing, as it accounts fro a minute amount of its operations.