- 2 weeks ago
Inside Elon Musk's $1 Billion Secret Travels
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00:00What does it take to run Tesla, SpaceX and XAI simultaneously across three continents?
00:05For Elon Musk, the answer flies at nearly the speed of sound, cruises above commercial traffic
00:10and costs millions annually just to operate. But here's what nobody tells you about these aircraft.
00:15The interior. Musk's entire fleet is valued at over $200 million, an astronomical sum that most
00:21of us can barely comprehend. His flagship aircraft, the Gulfstream G-650ER, was purchased in 2016 for
00:28approximately $70 million. And his newest addition, the Gulfstream G-700, cost around $78 million.
00:34But what makes these jets worth more than most people will earn in multiple lifetimes? Let's
00:39step inside and find out. Picture this. You're stepping through the cabin door of the Gulfstream
00:43G-650ER, registration number N628TS, a designation that cleverly nods to Tesla and SpaceX with those
00:52TS letters. The first thing that strikes you isn't ostentatious gold plating or crystal chandeliers.
00:57No, Musk's aesthetic is far more refined than that. What you encounter is a 46-foot-long cabin
01:03that's been meticulously divided into four distinct zones, each serving a specific purpose
01:07in the complex choreography of running multiple global enterprises. Let's start at the front,
01:12shall we? The forward zone is where business happens. Imagine four ergonomic recliners arranged
01:17in face-to-face pairs upholstered in the finest leather money can buy. These aren't just seats,
01:21they're command stations. Each one comes equipped with fold-out tables and power outlets,
01:26creating intimate meeting spaces where Musk can huddle with executives like Tesla's engineering
01:31minds or SpaceX's leadership team. The beauty of this configuration is its versatility. One moment
01:36it's a boardroom for discussing the next Tesla model, the next it's a strategic planning session
01:40for the upcoming Starship launch. But here's where it gets really interesting. Move toward the middle of
01:45the cabin and you enter what can only be described as a flying dining room slash conference center.
01:50Picture a table that can seat between six and ten people, complete with fine china settings that
01:56wouldn't look out of place in a Michelin-starred restaurant. But the real magic happens above and
02:00around this table. Ambient LED lighting bathes the space in carefully calibrated wavelengths designed
02:06to mimic natural daylight, a crucial feature when you're crossing time zones like most people cross
02:11streets. This isn't just about aesthetics, it's about combating jet lag, keeping minds sharp,
02:16and maintaining productivity even when your body thinks it should be asleep. The technology
02:21integrated into this space is where Musk's influence really shines through. We're talking
02:25about fold-out monitors for presentations, touchscreen controls for climate and lighting,
02:30and most impressively, Starlink Wi-Fi providing high-speed fiber-like connectivity at cruising altitude.
02:36When Musk praised this in-flight connectivity, he wasn't exaggerating. We're talking about internet
02:41speeds that rival what you'd get in a Silicon Valley office, but delivered while you're literally flying
02:45over the Pacific Ocean. This means he can monitor Tesla production lines in real time, review SpaceX
02:51telemetry data, or even run XAI model demonstrations, all while being completely detached from the ground.
02:57Now here's something that really sets these jets apart from your standard first-class airline experience,
03:02the noise level, or rather the lack thereof. Gulfstream has engineered these cabins to maintain
03:06noise levels around 47 decibels. That's roughly equivalent to the ambient sound in a quiet library.
03:12Think about that for a moment. You're traveling at nearly the speed of sound and yet you can have
03:16a normal conversation without raising your voice or wearing headsets. This isn't just a luxury feature,
03:22it's a productivity multiplier. When you're spending hundreds of hours per year in the air,
03:26as Musk does with over 400 flights annually, this kind of acoustic engineering becomes absolutely
03:32essential. Moving aft, we reach what might be the most personal space in the entire aircraft,
03:37the lounge and sleeping quarters. Here, a convertible sofa transforms into a queen-size bed,
03:42providing genuine rest during those marathon 15-hour flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai or Cape
03:47Town. But even this rest area doesn't skimp on entertainment and connectivity. We're talking
03:51about 4K screens and surround sound systems that would make a home theater enthusiast jealous.
03:56And given that Musk travels with his family, this space likely includes modular areas designed for
04:02children, making those long international flights more bearable for young passengers. But wait,
04:06we haven't even talked about the culinary capabilities of this flying mansion. The full
04:10galley comes equipped with a convection oven, microwave, refrigerator and wet bar. This isn't
04:15just a mini fridge and a coffee maker we're talking about. This is a legitimate kitchen capable of
04:20preparing. Restaurant-quality meals at altitude. And speaking of creature comforts, the aft lavatory
04:25features a stand-up shower. Because apparently, even at 51,000 feet, there's no reason you shouldn't
04:30be able to freshen up properly. Now let's talk about the elephant that's actually in the room this time,
04:35the air you're breathing. At cruising altitude, the outside air is thin, cold and inhospitable to
04:40human life. But inside Musk's jets, a plasma ionized air filtration system refreshes the cabin
04:46air every two to three minutes, creating what Gulfstream describes as a bacteria-free environment.
04:51This isn't just marketing speak. This is hospital-grade air purification happening in real time,
04:56reducing fatigue and keeping passengers healthier during long flights. The system maintains cabin
05:02pressure equivalent to being at just 4,850 feet above sea level, even when the aircraft is cruising
05:08at 51,000 feet. For context, most commercial airliners maintain cabin pressure equivalent to 8,000 feet,
05:14which is one reason why you often feel exhausted after a long flight. But here's where things get
05:19really next level. Enter the Gulfstream G700, Musk's newest acquisition that's essentially the G650ER's
05:26bigger-more-capable sibling. This beast stretches the cabin to 56 feet in length,
05:30a full 10 feet longer than its predecessor. What does that extra space translate to?
05:35Five distinct living areas that redefine what's possible in private aviation.
05:39At the rear of the G700, you'll find what can only be described as a flying master suite.
05:44We're talking about a king-sized bed with an ensuite bathroom complete with a shower and wardrobe.
05:49This isn't just a place to catch a few hours of sleep. It's a legitimate private bedroom at 51,000 feet.
05:54For someone who might need to fly from Austin to Singapore for a crucial meeting,
05:58arriving well-rested isn't a luxury. It's a business necessity. The G700 also features
06:0320 panoramic oval windows, the largest in business aviation, that flood the cabin with natural light.
06:09But these aren't just regular windows. They come with dimmable shades that can be
06:13synchronized with circadian rhythms, helping passengers adjust to new time zones before they
06:18even land. The lighting system throughout the cabin can mimic natural daylight cycles,
06:22further enhancing the body's ability to adapt to long-distance travel. The custom touches throughout
06:28both aircraft reflect what we know about Musk's preferences. Tesla-inspired tech integration,
06:33possibly including voice-activated. Systems and practical spaces that accommodate his family.
06:38This is luxury, certainly. But it's luxury in service of productivity, comfort, and yes,
06:42even family life at 40,000 feet. The luxurious exterior. The first thing you need to understand about
06:49the exterior of these jets is that every curve, every angle, every surface treatment serves a purpose.
06:54This isn't automotive design, where aesthetics can sometimes trump function. In aviation,
06:59particularly at the speeds and altitudes we're discussing, form follows function with almost
07:04religious devotion. And yet, somehow, Gulfstream has managed to create aircraft that are as beautiful
07:09to look at as they are efficient to operate. Let's start with the Gulfstream G650ER, registration N628TS,
07:17the workhorse of Musk's fleet. When you first lay eyes on this aircraft on the tarmac, what strikes
07:22you is its proportions. This is a big airplane, 99.8 feet long with a wingspan of 99.7 feet and
07:28standing 25.7 feet tall. To put that in perspective, it's roughly the length of three school buses parked
07:34end-to-end. And yet, despite its size, the fuselage has this remarkably slender, streamlined profile that
07:39speaks to its purpose, cutting through air with minimal resistance. The paint scheme is likely a
07:43minimalist, high-gloss white or silver base. Gulfstream's standard for elite clients who
07:48understand that understated elegance speaks louder than flashy colors. This isn't some
07:52rapper's private jet with wild graphics and custom murals. Musk's aesthetic, both in his companies
07:58and his personal assets, has always leaned toward the clean and functional. Public photos show a clean,
08:03un-flashy look that avoids garish colors, which aligns perfectly with Tesla's minimalist design
08:08philosophy. But here's where it gets interesting from a branding perspective. The registration number
08:12itself, N628TS, cleverly nods to Tesla and SpaceX with those TS letters. It's subtle, it's clever,
08:20and it's exactly the kind of detail that reveals how even these massive aircraft are extensions of
08:24Musk's personal brand. The jet may feature small Tesla or SpaceX-inspired branding, such as a logo near
08:30the tail, though Musk characteristically favors discretion over ostentatious displays of wealth.
08:36Now let's talk about those wings. The swept-back high-aspect ratio wings with winglets aren't just
08:41for show. They're critical to the aircraft's performance. Those winglets at the tips, they reduce
08:45vortex drag, which in aviation-speak means they help the plane. Slip through the air more efficiently,
08:50reducing fuel burn and increasing range. This is how the G650ER achieves its impressive 7,500
08:58nautical mile range, allowing for non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo or from California to
09:03Sydney without needing to stop for refueling. The engine placement is particularly noteworthy.
09:08The two Rolls-Royce BR725 turbofans are mounted on the rear of the fuselage, each generating 16,900
09:16pounds of thrust. This rear-mounted configuration has several advantages. It keeps the wing surfaces
09:22clean for optimal airflow, reduces cabin noise by positioning the engines away from the passenger
09:27compartment and creates a sleeker overall profile. The nacelles, those streamlined housings around
09:32the engines, are carefully shaped to reduce both noise and drag, contributing to the aircraft's
09:37remarkable efficiency. And speaking of remarkable, let's talk about those windows. The G650ER features
09:4316 large oval panoramic windows, each measuring 28 inches wide. From the outside, they create this
09:50distinctive modern look that's immediately recognizable as a Gulfstream. But more importantly,
09:54they're engineered to withstand the extreme pressure differentials at high altitude while
09:59maximizing the natural light that floods the cabin interior. This is engineering and aesthetics
10:04working in perfect harmony. The retractable tricycle landing gear is another marvel of engineering.
10:08When deployed for landing, these robust assemblies with their reinforced tires can handle the
10:13repeated stress of touching down at airports around the world. But in flight, they retract seamlessly
10:18into the fuselage, creating a smooth belly that minimizes drag. It's these kinds of details,
10:23invisible to most observers but critical to performance, that justify the jet's premium price tag.
10:29Let's shift our attention to the crown jewel of the fleet, the Gulfstream G700. If the G650ER is
10:35impressive, the G700 is simply breathtaking. This aircraft represents the pinnacle of current business
10:41jet design, and its exterior reflects that status in every detail. The dimensions alone are staggering.
10:47109.8 feet long, a full 10 feet longer than the G650ER, with a 103-foot wingspan and standing 25.3 feet tall.
10:57That elongated fuselage isn't just about creating more interior space. It's about optimizing the fuel
11:03capacity and aerodynamic efficiency needed to achieve the G700's remarkable 7750 nautical mile range. The paint
11:12scheme likely mirrors Musk's minimalist style, glossy white or metallic grey with subtle accents,
11:18possibly including XAI or SpaceX logos. The tail number remains undisclosed for privacy reasons,
11:24but knowing Musk's penchant for meaningful details, it likely follows his pattern of incorporating
11:29references to his various ventures. The G700's wings are engineering masterpieces. Larger and more swept
11:35back than the G650ER-S with advanced winglets, they improve the lift-to-drag ratio, which is aviation
11:42speak for making the plane more efficient at converting engine thrust into forward motion while
11:46minimizing wasted energy. This optimization is what allows the G700 to fly further and faster while
11:52actually burning less fuel than its predecessor. The engine situation deserves special attention. The
11:57G700 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 turbofans, each producing 18,250 pounds of thrust.
12:05That's about 8% more power than the G650ER's engines. These next-generation engines are housed in
12:12streamlined nacelles, optimized for 5% better fuel efficiency. In an industry where even a 1%
12:18improvement in efficiency translates to millions of dollars saved over the aircraft's lifetime,
12:22that 5% improvement is monumental. But perhaps the most striking exterior feature of the G700 is its
12:29windows. We're talking about 20 panoramic oval windows, the largest in business aviation. From
12:34the outside, they create this beautiful rhythm along the fuselage, like a string of perfect ellipses.
12:40Each one is engineered to exacting standards capable of withstanding the extreme pressure
12:44differentials at 51,000 feet, while providing crystal clear views and flooding the cabin with natural
12:50light. The nose of the G700 is sharper than the G650ERES, slicing through the air with even greater
12:57efficiency. The T-tail design, where the horizontal stabilizer sits atop the vertical stabilizer,
13:03isn't just aesthetically pleasing, it places the horizontal surfaces in cleaner airflow, reducing
13:08turbulence and enhancing stability during those marathon 14-hour flights across multiple time zones.
13:13Here's a detail that perfectly illustrates the integration of Musk's various ventures.
13:18The G700 may feature Starlink-compatible antennas visible as small domes on the fuselage. These
13:23aren't aftermarket additions slapped on. They're carefully integrated into the aircraft's exterior
13:28designed to minimize drag, while providing that high-speed internet connectivity that's become
13:33essential for Musk's operations. It's a beautiful example of how SpaceX's Starlink technology directly
13:39benefits his other ventures. The privacy features, including PIA privacy ICAO address transponders,
13:46are likely even more sophisticated on the G700, reflecting lessons learned from the At Elon Jet
13:51tracking saga. While aviation safety regulations prevent complete anonymity, these systems make
13:57real-time tracking considerably more difficult, adding a layer of security for someone whose schedule and
14:02movements are valuable information to competitors, journalists and the simply curious. Let's not forget
14:07about the rest of the fleet. The two Gulfstream G550S, registrations N272BG and N502SX, have a slightly
14:17smaller profile, 96.4 feet long with a 93.5-foot wingspan. These older aircraft, acquired used for
14:24about $14 million each, feature simpler exteriors with standard Gulfstream white or silver paint and minimal
14:30branding. They sport 14 to 16 oval windows and Rolls-Royce BR-710 engines, providing reliable
14:37service for shorter domestic routes. Then there's the Dassault Falcon 900B, the odd bird in the collection.
14:43This tri-jet, acquired pre-2010, has a distinctive three-engine configuration with Honeywell TFE-731S and
14:51a more compact 66-foot fuselage. While less modern in its exterior design, with a classic white base and 10
14:57to 12 smaller windows, it remains in the fleet as a backup for regional flights, likely sporting basic
15:03SpaceX-linked markings. The maintenance of these exteriors is an operation unto itself. The jets are
15:09maintained at Gulfstream's Long Beach facility, where repainting occurs every five to seven years at a
15:14cost of approximately $200,000 per jet. This isn't just about aesthetics. The paint protects the aluminum
15:20and composite materials from corrosion and environmental damage, while maintaining the precise surface
15:25smoothness required for optimal aerodynamics. There's even an environmental consideration built
15:30into these exteriors. Both the G650ER and G700 are compatible with sustainable aviation fuel, SAF,
15:38which can reduce emissions by up to 20%. Additionally, Musk's Starlink system helps optimize flight paths,
15:44cutting fuel burn by approximately 5% on long routes, turning what might seem like purely aesthetic
15:50or luxury features into tools for environmental efficiency. The power plants and capacity.
15:55We've toured the luxurious interiors and admired the sleek exteriors, but now it's time to talk about
16:00what really makes these flying palaces possible, the engines. Because without the raw power and
16:05sophisticated engineering of these turbofan power plants, all that luxury would be grounded quite
16:11literally. And when we talk about capacity, both in terms of passengers and cargo, we're really
16:15talking about how Musk has optimized these aircraft to serve his unique needs spanning multiple continents
16:21and industries. Let's start with the heart of the Gulfstream G650ER. It's two Rolls-Royce BR725A112
16:29turbofan engines. Now, when I tell you that each of these engines produces 16,900 pounds of thrust,
16:36that number might not immediately resonate. But consider this, that's a combined 33,800 pounds of thrust
16:42pushing this aircraft through an atmosphere that gets thinner and thinner as you climb. It's this
16:46immense power that enables the jet to rapidly climb to 51,000 feet, well above the weather systems and
16:52commercial traffic that plague lower altitudes. Think about what this means in practical terms.
16:57Most commercial airliners cruise at around 35,000 to 40,000 feet, where they're still dealing with
17:02significant air traffic, potential turbulence and weather systems. But Musk's G650ER operates in a
17:09rarefied realm where the air is so thin that the sky takes on a deeper, almost purple hue, and you can
17:14see the curvature of the Earth. At this altitude, the jet achieves its optimal efficiency, cruising at
17:20speeds between Mach 0.85 and 0.90. That's between 652 and 690 miles per hour for those of us thinking
17:28in more conventional terms. But here's where it gets truly impressive. The maximum speed of Mach 0.925,
17:34comma, which translates to approximately 710 miles per hour. We're talking about speeds that put this
17:40business jet among the fastest civilian aircraft in the world. To put that in perspective, if you
17:45were driving a car at that speed, hypothetically of course, you'd cross the entire United States
17:50from coast to coast in less than four hours. In the G650ER, Musk can fly from Los Angeles to London,
17:56a distance of roughly 5,500 nautical miles in about nine hours, compared to the 10 to 11 hours it would
18:02take on a commercial flight. Now let's talk about the fuel consumption, because this is where the
18:07engineering really shines. These Rolls-Royce BR 725 engines burn approximately 450 gallons of fuel
18:14per hour. That might sound like a lot, and it is, but when you consider what's being accomplished,
18:19it's actually remarkably efficient. A transcontinental flight from LA to London consumes about 4,500 gallons,
18:26which at $3 per gallon translates to roughly $14,000 in fuel costs alone. The total operating costs run
18:32about $3,662 per flight hour, which includes fuel, maintenance, crew salaries, insurance,
18:39and all the other expenses that come with operating such sophisticated machinery. When you multiply that
18:44by Musk's estimated 400 flight hours per year, you're looking at annual operating costs exceeding
18:49$1.5 million just for the G650ER alone. But here's the thing, for someone running Tesla, SpaceX,
18:57XAI and XCorp simultaneously, with facilities scattered across multiple continents. That's not
19:02an indulgence, it's a business necessity. The alternative would be spending exponentially
19:07more time in commercial terminals and dealing with connection delays that could cost far more in
19:11terms of missed opportunities and lost productivity. The maintenance schedule for these engines is
19:16rigorous and expensive. Inspections occur every 2,000 hours, which for Musk's usage patterns means roughly
19:22every 2 years, and major overhauls cost between $1 and $2 million per engine and are required every
19:288 to 10 years. These aren't optional expenses, they're mandated by both Rolls-Royce and aviation
19:33authorities to ensure safety and reliability. But what about the fuel capacity? The G650ER can carry
19:3944,200 pounds of fuel, which is approximately 6,600 gallons. This massive fuel capacity is what enables
19:47those non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai or from London to Sydney. Think about that for a
19:52moment. The ability to take off from California and land in China without ever touching down for
19:57refueling. That's not just convenient, it's strategically critical for someone who needs to oversee Tesla's
20:02Gigafactory in Shanghai or attend meetings across the Pacific. Now, let's talk passenger capacity,
20:07because this is where the configuration choices reveal a lot about how Musk uses these aircraft.
20:12Technically, the G650ER can accommodate up to 19 passengers in standard configurations,
20:18but Musk's setup likely prioritizes 8 to 12 passengers for enhanced comfort. This isn't
20:23about limiting who can fly, it's about optimizing the space for the mix of work and rest that these
20:28long-haul flights demand. The typical passenger complement includes executives from Tesla or SpaceX,
20:34family members and occasionally technical specialists. Then there's the crew, two pilots,
20:39one to two flight attendants and occasionally a maintenance technician for longer flights.
20:43The aircraft includes a dedicated crew rest area with bunks, ensuring that pilots and crew remain
20:48alert and well-rested. Particularly crucial on those marathon 15-hour flights across the Pacific.
20:54But it's not just about people. Cargo capacity matters too. The baggage compartment offers 195 cubic
21:00feet of space, accessible during flight and can hold approximately 2,000 pounds. That's enough
21:05for 20 to 30 suitcases or specialized equipment for Tesla or SpaceX demonstrations. Additionally,
21:11cabin closets and galley storage provide space for additional gear, likely used for everything from
21:16family needs like strollers to XAI hardware components. Now let's shift gears, literally,
21:22and talk about the Gulfstream G700, because if the G650ER is impressive, the G700 represents the
21:29absolute cutting edge of business aviation propulsion and capacity. The G700 is powered by two Rolls-Royce
21:35Pearl 700 turbofans, and these are truly next-generation engines. Each one produces 18,250 pounds of thrust,
21:43which is 8% more power than the G650ER's engines. That combined 36,500 pounds of total thrust enables
21:52faster climbs to altitude and supports higher payload capacity. Critical when you're carrying a full
21:56complement of passengers, their luggage and potentially specialized equipment for business
22:00demonstrations. But here's what's truly remarkable. Despite that additional power, the Pearl 700
22:06engines are approximately 5% more fuel efficient than the BR725 engines in the G650ER. We're talking
22:13about burning around 430 gallons per hour, compared to the G650ER's 450 gallons per hour. That might not
22:20sound like much, but over thousands of flight hours, it translates to significant fuel savings and
22:25reduced emissions. The performance numbers are equally impressive. The G700 cruises at Mach 0.8520.90,
22:33with a maximum speed of Mach 0.935, that's approximately 717 miles per hour, making it the
22:40fastest aircraft in Musk's fleet. A 6.000 nautical mile flight, such as from Austin to Singapore, consumes
22:48about 5,000 gallons of fuel. The advanced engineering of these Pearl 700 engines comes from improved
22:53compressor and turbine designs that reduce emissions. They're also compatible with sustainable aviation
22:59fuel, SAF, which can help reduce the carbon footprint. And when you combine this with Starlink-optimized
23:04flight paths that can further cut fuel consumption, you're looking at an aircraft that, while still a
23:09significant emitter, is operating at the cutting edge of efficiency for its class. The fuel capacity of the
23:15G700 is even more impressive, 49,400 pounds, or approximately 7,400 gallons. This massive fuel
23:23reserve supports non-stop routes like Austin to Tokyo or Shanghai to Cape Town, eliminating the need for
23:30refueling stops that would add hours to already lengthy journeys. In terms of passenger capacity,
23:35the G700 can technically accommodate up to 19 passengers, but Musk's configuration likely seats 10 to
23:4214 for optimal comfort. Remember, these are spread across five distinct zones. The grand suite with
23:47its king bed, forward lounge with four club seats, conference area seating 8 to 10, secondary lounge with
23:53a divan and dedicated crew rest quarters. The crew complement is also more substantial. Two pilots,
23:59two to three flight attendants, and potentially a technical specialist for XAI or SpaceX equipment.
24:04The dedicated crew quarters include bunks and a private lavatory, ensuring the team remains fresh
24:10even on the longest flights. The cargo capacity is where the G700 really shines. The baggage
24:15compartment offers 226 cubic feet, 6.4 cubic meters, which is larger than the G650ERS with a
24:24capacity of approximately 2,500 pounds. This extra space is suitable for Musk's family gear or prototype
24:30hardware such as Tesla battery samples. Additionally, expanded cabin wardrobes and galley space provide
24:36room for additional cargo, possibly including secure compartments for sensitive XAI data drives.
24:41Now, let's not forget about the supporting cast in Musk's fleet. The two Gulfstream G550S,
24:47with registrations N272BG and N502SX, serve as the workhorses for shorter domestic routes.
24:54These older jets are powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710C411 turbofans, each producing 15,385 pounds of
25:03thrust for a combined 30,770 pounds of total thrust. These engines enable maximum speeds of
25:10Mach 0.885, approximately 680 miles per hour and cruising speeds of Mach 0.80 to 0.85.
25:20They burn about 400 gallons per hour, so a 3000 nautical mile flight from LA to Austin uses roughly
25:272,000 gallons. While less efficient than the newer Gulfstreams, they're reliable for shorter domestic hops.
25:32The G550S can carry up to 18 passengers, though Musk's configuration likely seats 8 to 12,
25:38with smaller cabins measuring 43.9 feet long that prioritize efficiency over luxury.
25:44The crew consists of two pilots and one to two flight attendants, with a crew rest area included
25:49for longer flights. The baggage compartment offers 170 cubic feet, with a capacity of about 1,800 pounds,
25:56and fuel capacity stands at 35,200 pounds, approximately 5,300 gallons, supporting U.S.
26:04coast-to-coast flights. Finally, there's the Dassault Falcon 900B, the unique tri-jet in the fleet.
26:10This older aircraft features three Honeywell TFE 731.5 BR turbofans, each producing 4,750 pounds of thrust,
26:18for a combined 14,250 pounds of total thrust. The Falcon can reach maximum speeds of Mach 0.84,
26:26about 645 miles per hour, while cruising at Mach 0.75 to 0.80. It burns approximately 350 gallons per
26:35hour, so a two 500 nautical mile flight from LA to Chicago uses about 1,500 gallons. While less efficient
26:42than the Gulf Streams, it remains stable for shorter regional routes. The Falcon accommodates up to 14
26:48passengers, likely configured for 6 to 10 in Musk's setup, with basic seating and a small lounge in its
26:54compact 33.2-foot-long cabin. The crew includes two pilots and one flight attendant with no dedicated
27:00crew rest area. The baggage compartment provides 127 cubic feet, with a capacity of about 1,200 pounds,
27:07and fuel capacity is 20,900 pounds, roughly 3,100 gallons, supporting a 4,540 nautical mile range.
27:15Let me bring this all together with the operational context. The G650ER and G700 handle Musk's global
27:22trips. Think Shanghai for Tesla's Gigafactory, London for X-Corp meetings, or Cape Canaveral for
27:27SpaceX launches. These jets carry executives, family members, or ex-AI equipment. Meanwhile, the G550S
27:35cover US routes like Fremont to Austin, and the Falcon 900B serves as a backup for regional hops.
27:40The customizations likely include secure cargo holds for sensitive prototypes,
27:45such as Neuralink devices, and Starlink-compatible avionics for real-time data transmission.
27:50Passenger capacity is deliberately reduced below maximum to prioritize comfort and functionality,
27:55emphasizing work and rest over maximum seating. As for the environmental impact, it's impossible to
28:01ignore. The fleet generates approximately 2,000 tons of CO2 annually based on 2018 data, which has drawn
28:07criticism, especially given Tesla's environmental mission. However, Musk offsets this through Tesla
28:13carbon credits, and the G650ER and G700 engines support sustainable aviation fuel ,
28:20while Starlink optimizes routes to save fuel.
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