View source for Gulfstream III

{{Short description|Family of executive jets}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox aircraft
  |name = Gulfstream III
  |image =File:N221WR (2844198571).jpg
  |caption = Gulfstream III on approach
  |type = [[Business jet]]
  |manufacturer = [[Gulfstream Aerospace]]
  |designer =
  |first_flight = 2 December 1979<ref name="Janes 82 p383-4">Taylor 1982, pp. 383–384.</ref>
  |introduction = 1980
  |retired =
  |status =
  |primary_user = [[United States]]
  |more_users = [[Gabon]] <br />[[India]] <br />[[Italy]]
  |produced =1979–1986 <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
  |number_built = 206<ref>{{cite web |title=Gulfstream G450 |url=http://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=1329 |website=Forecast International |access-date=22 September 2024 |date=July 2018}}</ref>
  |developed_from = [[Grumman Gulfstream II]]
  |developed_into = [[Gulfstream IV|Gulfstream IV/G400/G450]]
}}

The '''Gulfstream III''', a [[business jet]] produced by [[Gulfstream Aerospace]], is an improved development of the [[Grumman Gulfstream II]].

The U.S. military uses versions of the Gulfstream III as the C-20A/B/C/D/E aircraft, though later C-20 F/G/H/J are [[Gulfstream IV]].

==Design and development==
The Gulfstream III was built at Savannah, Georgia, in the United States and was designed as an improved variant of the [[Grumman Gulfstream II]].  Design studies were performed by [[Grumman Aerospace Corporation]] in collaboration with [[Gulfstream American]] Corporation.  Design of the Gulfstream III started with an effort to synthesize a completely new wing employing NASA supercritical airfoil sections and winglets. Optimization studies considering weight, drag, fuel volume, cost, and performance indicated that a substantial portion of the new wing benefit could be secured with modifications to the existing wing. As a result, the new wing concept was canceled and work began on design modifications that would retain the Gulfstream II wing box structure and trailing edge surfaces.<ref>Boppe, Charles W., "Computational Aerodynamic Design: X-29, the Gulfstream Series and a Tactical Fighter", SAE paper 851789, 1985 Wright Brothers Award Paper, presented at the Aerospace Technology Conference & Exposition, Long Beach California, October 1985.</ref>

Compared to the [[Gulfstream II|G-1159 Gulfstream II]], the wing has {{convert|6|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} more span and {{convert|5|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} winglets added, the leading edge is longer and its contour is modified. The fuselage is {{convert|2|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} longer aft of the main door, the radome is extended and there is a new curved windshield. Maximum takeoff weight is increased to {{convert|68200|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} or {{convert|69700|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} and there are various changes to the autopilot, flight instruments, and engine instruments. The aircraft received its [[type certificate]] from the American [[Federal Aviation Administration]] on 22 September 1980.<ref name= typeCert>{{cite web |url= http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/2d504046f9657ec386257f610074fcfb/$FILE/A12EA_Rev46.pdf |title= Type Certificate date Sheet NO. A12EA, revision 46 |publisher= FAA |date= February 22, 2016 |access-date= June 22, 2016 |archive-date= November 15, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161115025943/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/2d504046f9657ec386257f610074fcfb/$FILE/A12EA_Rev46.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref> A total of 202 Gulfstream IIIs were built, with the last example built in 1986.<ref name="Janes up 94 p313"/>

In 2013, the FAA modified 14 CFR part 91 rules to prohibit the operation of jets weighing 75,000 pounds or less that are not stage 3 noise compliant after December 31, 2015.  The Gulfstream III is listed explicitly in Federal Register [http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/FR-2013-07-02/2013-15843/content-detail.html 78 FR 39576].  Any Gulfstream IIIs that have not been modified by installing Stage 3 noise compliant engines or have not had "hushkits" installed for non-compliant engines will not be permitted to fly in the contiguous 48 states after December 31, 2015.  ''14 CFR §91.883 Special flight authorizations for jet airplanes weighing 75,000 pounds or less'' – lists special flight authorizations that may be granted for operation after December 31, 2015.

By 2018, prices for a used 1982 Gulfstream III started at $695,000.<ref name=AINdec2018>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/full-issues/ain_1218.pdf |title= For many models, market hitting the apex |magazine= Aviation International News |author= Mark Huber |date= December 2018 |pages= 20–21, 24 |access-date= December 27, 2018 |archive-date= December 27, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181227181555/https://www.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/full-issues/ain_1218.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref>

==Variants==

===Civil variants===
[[File:HZ-NR2-GulfstreamIII-304.jpg|thumb|Gulfstream III in 1981]]
* '''Model G-1159A Gulfstream III''' - Two or three-crew executive, corporate transport aircraft, powered by two [[Rolls-Royce Spey]] [[turbofan]] engines.

===Military variants===
* '''C-20A''' - [[United States Air Force]] variant configured for 14 passengers and five crew; phased out of USAF service in 2002, one example transferred to [[NASA]] for use at the [[Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center]] at [[Edwards Air Force Base]] as a test aircraft.<ref name="dod">''Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles'', DoD 4120.15L, 2004-05-12</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=87 |title=Factsheets : C-20 |access-date=2012-05-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120529192238/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=87 |archive-date=2012-05-29 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/gallery/photo/C-20A/HTML/EC02-0221-6.html |title=C-20A EC02-0221-6: Bob Meyer (right), acting deputy director of NASA Dryden, shakes hands with Les Bordelon, executive director of Edwards Air Force Base. The handshake represents Dryden's acceptance of an Air Force C-20A delivered from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. |date=December 3, 2002 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021203072057/http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/gallery/photo/C-20A/HTML/EC02-0221-6.html |archive-date=3 December 2002 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''C-20B''' - [[United States Air Force]] and [[United States Coast Guard]] variant with upgraded electronics, used for Special Air Missions (SAM); the single Coast Guard C-20B was used by the [[Commandant of the Coast Guard]] and other senior USCG officials as well as the [[United States Secretary of Homeland Security|Secretary of Homeland Security]].<ref name="dod"/>
* '''C-20C''' - [[United States Air Force]] C-20B with upgraded and "hardened" secure communications, often utilized as backup aircraft accompanying the [[Boeing VC-25|VC-25A]] aircraft when it is operating as [[Air Force One]]<ref name="dod"/>
* '''C-20D''' - [[United States Navy]] Operational Support Airlift (OSA) aircraft with modified communications equipment for use by the Navy, normally in support of high-ranking naval officials<ref name="dod"/>
* '''C-20E''' - Stretched fuselage/redesigned wing variant for use by the [[United States Army]] as an Operational Support Airlift (OSA) aircraft<ref name="dod"/><ref>The United States Military Aviation Directory, AIRTime Publishing, Norwalk, CT, c2000, {{ISBN|978-1-880588-29-1}}</ref>
* '''Gulfstream III SRA-1''' - Special reconnaissance and surveillance version for export.
* '''Gulfstream III SMA-3''' - Export model for Denmark, fitted with a [[Texas Instruments]] APS-127 search radar. Three maritime reconnaissance and patrol, fisheries protection, search and rescue, and VIP transport aircraft were built for the [[Royal Danish Air Force]] in 1983. No longer in service.

'''NOTE:''' [[United States Army]] '''C-20F''' and '''C-20J''', [[United States Navy]]/[[United States Marine Corps]] '''C-20G''', and [[United States Air Force]] '''C-20H''' aircraft are all [[Gulfstream IV]] variants

==Special mission variants==
A NASA Gulfstream C-20A (83-0502 cn 389) has been fitted with a centerline pylon to allow it to carry the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) pod.<ref>[http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/aircraft/G-III_UAVSAR/index.html G-III UAVSAR] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915024211/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/aircraft/G-III_UAVSAR/index.html |date=2011-09-15 }} Retrieved 31 July 2011.</ref>

A NASA Gulfstream III (N992NA cn 309) has also been fitted with a centerline pylon to allow it to carry the Airborne Microwave Observatory of Subcanopy and Subsurface (AirMOSS) pod, a modification of the UAVSAR pod.<ref>[http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/Features/uavsar_installed_for_airmoss_study.html#.UyI2YPldWSo UAVSAR Installed on JSC G-III for AirMOSS Study] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504183115/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/Features/uavsar_installed_for_airmoss_study.html#.UyI2YPldWSo |date=May 4, 2017 }} Retrieved 13 March 2014.</ref>

The [[Phoenix Air]] Group operates two former [[Royal Danish Air Force]] SMA-3 aircraft (N173PA cn 313, N163PA cn 249) and a Gulfstream III (N186PA cn 317).<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120328094604/http://www.bizcorpjets.net/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=10&id=148&Itemid=84 Full Details of Active Gulfstream IIIs]}} Retrieved 31 July 2011.</ref>  One aircraft provides airborne maritime range surveillance for the [[Missile Defense Agency]] (MDA) and other Department of Defense range facilities using a high definition [[Texas Instruments]] APS-127 Surface Search Radar system.<ref>[http://www.phoenixair.com/milops_range.html 'Military Ops Range Clearing'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422161831/http://phoenixair.com/milops_range.html |date=2012-04-22 }} Retrieved 31 July 2011.</ref> All three are configured with a large cargo door. In 2008 Phoenix Air developed an Airborne Biomedical Containment System with the [[Centers for Disease Control|CDC]]. In 2014, the system was deployed during the [[Ebola virus epidemic in Liberia]] to fly 12 ebola missions to the United States.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=AOPA Pilot|date=January 2015|page=T-14|title=Mike Ott The Inside Story of a Ebola Evacuation Mission|author=Thomas A Horne}}</ref>

N30LX (cn 438) has been modified by the addition of a ventral canoe and sensor turret as the "Dragon Star" Airborne Multi-Intelligence Laboratory for use by [[Lockheed Martin]].<ref>;[http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=defence&article=enter-the-dragon Enter The Dragon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426010608/http://arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=defence&article=enter-the-dragon |date=April 26, 2011 }} Retrieved 31 July 2011.</ref> This has been leased by Italy since 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/isr/2015/07/11/italy-sigint-aircraft-renew-north-africa/29937199/ |title=Italy Renews Lease on SIGINT Aircraft |last1=Kington |first1=Tom |date=11 July 2015 |website=www.defensenews.com |publisher=TEGNA |access-date=13 July 2015}}</ref>

[[Calspan]] operates N710CF (cn 448), which has been modified as an airborne test bed.  Modifications include a centerline pylon<ref>[https://calspan.com/flight-testing Flight testing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224165300/http://www.calspan.com/services/flight-testing/|date=February 24, 2017}} N710CF with Centerline Pylon Capable of Carrying External Stores] Retrieved 22 August 2014.</ref> and a dorsal satcom radome<ref>[https://calspan.com/flight-testing/airborne-testing sensors airborne services-test-beds/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222120323/http://www.calspan.com/services/flight-testing/sensors-airborne-services-test-beds/|date=2015-12-22}} N710CF with Common Systems Radome on upper fuselage for SATCOM antenna testing] Retrieved 22 August 2014.</ref>

Two Gulfstream IIIs, K2961 (cn 494) and K2962 (cn 495), equipped with long-range oblique photography cameras mounted in the fuselage, were delivered to the [[Indian Air Force]].<ref>[http://www.airliners.net/photo/1217403/L/ Picture of the Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A Gulfstream III aircraft] Retrieved 31 July 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.airliners.net/photo/1736432/L/ Picture of the Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A Gulfstream III aircraft] Retrieved 31 July 2011.</ref>

==Operators==

===Military and government operators===
[[File:US Navy 090219-N-9552I-030 Naval Aircrewmen 1st Class Troy Rudisill and David Williams conduct pre-flight checks in the cockpit of a Gulfstream C-20A-G III.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of a C-20A]]
[[File:Gulfstream G-III, Denmark - Air Force JP111857.jpg|thumb|Danish Air Force Gulfstream III]]
<!-- We need to identify which one of these operate the G-III -->

Military and government operators of the Gulfstream III and C-20 include:
; {{DZA}}
; {{CMR}}
* [[Cameroon Air Force]] (phased out)
; {{DEN}}
* [[Royal Danish Air Force]]<ref name="Schrøder">Schrøder, Hans (1991). "Royal Danish Airforce". Ed. Kay S. Nielsen. Tøjhusmuseet, 1991, p. 1–64. {{ISBN|87-89022-24-6}}.</ref>
; {{GAB}}
; {{GHA}}
* [[Ghana Air Force]]
; {{IND}}
* [[Indian Air Force]]
; {{IRL}}
* [[Irish Air Corps]] - leased aircraft
; {{ITA}}
* [[Italian Air Force]]  operated two Gulfstream III from 1985 until 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/italy/af/ital-af2-all-time.htm|title=Italian Air Force Aircraft Types|work=aeroflight.co.uk|access-date=17 December 2015}}</ref>
; {{CIV}}
* [[Armed Forces of the Republic of Ivory Coast|Ivory Coast Air Force]]<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Weinert|Hinz|Lepko|2011|page=225}}</ref>
; {{MEX}}
* [[Mexican Air Force]] - (former operator)
; {{MAR}}
* [[Royal Moroccan Air Force]]
[[File:NASA 83-0502 with UAVSAR at Edwards AFB (ED07-0027-68).jpg|thumb|[[NASA]]'s Gulfstream landing at [[Edwards Air Force Base]]]]
; {{OMA}}
; {{KSA}}
; {{TOG}}
; {{UGA}}
* [[Ugandan Air Force]]
; {{USA}}
* [[United States Air Force]]
* [[United States Navy]]
* [[United States Army]]
* [[United States Coast Guard]]
* [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]]
; {{VEN}}
* [[Venezuelan Air Force]]
; {{ZIM}}
* [[Air Force of Zimbabwe]] - No. 3 Squadron (former operator)<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Weinert|Hinz|Lepko|2011|pages=210,235–236}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
* August 3, 1996 - Flew into mountain during final approach to [[Vagar Airport]] on Faroe Islands. The Gulfstream III (F-330) from RDAF - Royal Danish Air Force was destroyed killing all nine people on board, including the Danish Chief of Defence [[Jørgen Garde]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tidsskrift.dk/visning.jsp?markup=&print=no&id=72541|title=Mindeord Admiral Hans Jørgen Garde, K 1, Fr.IX MM, HTS, p.p. (22. januar 1939 - 3. august 1996)|date=July 19, 2011|website=tidsskrift.dk|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110719132534/http://tidsskrift.dk/visning.jsp?markup=&print=no&id=72541|archive-date= 19 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19960803-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A Gulfstream III F-330 Faroe Islands-Vagar Airport (FAE)|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net}}</ref>
* March 29, 2001 - While trying to land at [[Aspen-Pitkin County Airport]], an Avjet Gulfstream III [[2001 Avjet Gulfstream III crash|crashed]] into a hill, killing all 18 people on board.<ref name=ntsb>{{cite web|title=Gulfstream III, N303GA - Aircraft Accident Brief|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAB0203.pdf|website=National Transportation Safety Board|access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="asn">{{ASN accident|id=20010329-0}}</ref>
* July 4, 2017 - On the outskirts of [[Margarita Island]], a Gulfstream III YV2896<ref>{{cite web |last=Rea |first=Rosalie Méndez |date=5 July 2017 |title=Hallados dos cadáveres y restos del avión siniestrado en Nueva Esparta |url=https://www.el-carabobeno.com/hallados-dos-cadaveres-y-restos-del-avion-siniestrado-en-nueva-esparta/ |access-date=6 July 2017 |website=El Carabobeño}}</ref> of the Venezuelan Vice-President crashed into the sea with nine people on board. Two bodies were later recovered, with the remaining seven occupants believed to have been killed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=ASN Aircraft accident Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A Gulfstream III YV2896 Macanao |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/319854 |website=aviation-safety.net}}</ref>

==Specifications (Gulfstream III)==
[[File:Gulfstream III 3-view line drawing.gif|right|350px]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95<ref name="Janes up 94 p313">Michell 1994, p. 313.</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2 pilots
|capacity=19 passengers (standard seating)
|length ft=83
|length in=1
|length note=
|span ft=77
|span in=10
|span note=
|height ft=24
|height in=4.5
|height note=
|wing area sqft=934.6
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=6:1
|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 0012 Mod.]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 64A008.5]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight lb=38000
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=69700
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Rolls-Royce Spey RB.163 Mk 511-8]]
|eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engines
|eng1 lbf=11400
|eng1 note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=501
|max speed note=(max cruise)
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kts=442
|cruise speed note=(long range cruise)
|stall speed kts=105
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kts=
|minimum control speed note=
|range nmi=3650
|range note=(eight passengers, IFR reserves)
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=45000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ftmin=3800
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=<!--<br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}-->

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Aircontent
|related=
* [[Grumman Gulfstream II]]
* [[Gulfstream G400/G450|Gulfstream IV/G400/G450]]
|similar aircraft=
|sequence=
|lists=
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]

<!-- |see also= -->

}}

== References ==
===Notes===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Weinert |first2=Peter |last3=Hinz |first3=Fabian |last4=Lepko |first4=Mark |title=African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe |date=2011 |publisher=Harpia Publishing |location=Houston |isbn=978-0-9825539-8-5}}
* Michell, Simon. ''Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95''. Coulsdon, UK:Jane's Information Group, 1994. {{ISBN|0-7106-1208-7}}.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] (editor). ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83''. London:Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. {{ISBN|0-7106-0748-2}}.

==External links==
* {{commons category-inline|Gulfstream III}}

{{US transport aircraft}}
{{Gulfstream}}

[[Category:Gulfstream aircraft]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:1980s United States business aircraft]]
[[Category:T-tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1979]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]