Gulfstream American GA7
Piston • twin engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear
Range Visualization
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Default: 30 lbs
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Mission Profile
Endorsements & ratings:
- Complex
- Multi-Engine
160
KTAS
Cruise Speed
4
Occupants
1170
nm
Max Range
504
lbs
Wet Payload
About the Gulfstream American GA7
The Gulfstream American GA-7 Cougar is a four-seat, twin-engine light aircraft built using Grumman’s signature bonded metal (honeycomb) construction, resulting in a rivet-free, aerodynamic airframe. It was designed to compete with the Piper Seminole and Beechcraft Duchess but features a distinct single-spar wing and highly efficient Lycoming O-320 engines.
Key Features for GA Buyers
- Efficiency & Range: With a large fuel capacity (114 gallons usable) and efficient 160hp engines, the Cougar offers exceptional range (over 1,000 nm) for a light twin, making it a capable cross-country tourer.
- Cabin Comfort: The bonded fuselage allows for a slightly wider cabin than some competitors, and the large windows provide excellent visibility.
- Handling: Known for docile single-engine handling characteristics, often cited as safer for owner-operators than legacy light twins.
Trade-offs
- Parts Availability: With only ~115 units produced during its short production run (1978-1979), specific airframe parts can be harder to source than for Pipers or Cessnas.
- Complex Systems: While efficient, the retractable gear and hydraulic systems add maintenance complexity compared to fixed-gear singles.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions & Weights
- Length
- 29.83 ft
- Parking area (ft2)
- 1631.09 ft2
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 3,800 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 3,800 lbs
- Useful Load
- 1,212 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 118 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 160 KTAS
- Never-Exceed (Vne)
- 188 KIAS
- Max Structural Cruise (Vno)
- 160 KIAS
- Approach Speed
- 85 KIAS
- Stall, Clean (Vs1)
- 71 KIAS
- Range
- 1170 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 17,400 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 200 - 1150 fpm
- Takeoff over 50 ft obstacle
- 1,850 ft
- Landing ground roll
- 1,330 ft
Similar to the Gulfstream American GA7
Aero Commander 500
Cruise
178 kts (higher than this aircraft)
Range
955 nm (lower than this aircraft)
Seats
7
Piston
twin engine
High Wing
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Aero Commander 500A
Cruise
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Range
1564 nm (higher than this aircraft)
Seats
7
Piston
twin engine
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Aero Commander 560
Cruise
182 kts (higher than this aircraft)
Range
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Seats
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Piston
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See how the Gulfstream American GA7 stacks up against similar aircraft
External Media
Other Links
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Gulfstream American GA-7 Cougar - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
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Grumman GA–7 Cougar: A Rare Cat - AOPA www.aopa.org
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GA-7 Cougar - Grumman Owners and Pilots Association www.grummanpilots.org
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COUGAR GA-7 Specifications, Performance, and Range - GlobalAir www.globalair.com
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