Gulfstream II

The Gulfstream II, developed by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation in the early 1960s, marked a pivotal step in the evolution of business jet travel. First flown on May 13, 1966, the aircraft was a refined version of the earlier Gulfstream I, incorporating a swept‑wing design and more powerful Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 turbo‑jets that delivered up to 4,500 pounds of thrust. These powerplants, combined with a pressurized cabin and a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.78, allowed the Gulfstream II to fly nonstop across the continental United States and reach a typical range of 4,000 nautical miles with a typical 10‑passenger layout. Its robust airframe, low‑drag wing, and advanced avionics for the era set new standards for reliability and comfort in corporate aviation. Over 300 units were built before production ceased in 1972, and many remain in service today as executive transports, air‑ambulance platforms, and military trainers. The Gulfstream II’s success demonstrated the viability of high‑performance, long‑range business jets, paving the way for later Gulfstream models that dominate the market and cementing Grumman’s reputation as an innovator in aerospace design.