AIN has learned that Gulfstream Aerospace is working on new designs that may leverage elements of the new G650. One source speculated that a shorter G650 fuselage with new engines could provide a modern replacement for the G450/G550. Another source said that engine manufacturers Pratt & Whitney and GE are proposing new engines for Gulfstream’s next jet program. In its April business aviation monthly report, JPMorgan forecast renewed development activity among business jet manufacturers, with possible announcements at next month’s EBACE. “Programs to watch include a new clean-sheet Gulfstream G450 replacement, a Global Express 2 from Bombardier and perhaps a resurrected Cessna Columbus,” the investment firm said. A GE spokeswoman said the company can’t discuss any negotiations with airframe manufacturers. However, she did confirm that “GE Aviation is working on a family of engines in the 10,000- to 20,000-pound-thrust range for large-cabin aircraft. We’re currently calling the engine TechX. It includes the eCore that is under development for the Leap-X engine as well as additional new technologies.” As for Gulfstream, a spokesman told AIN, “We of course are constantly evaluating new technologies and how they might apply to new aircraft designs. But we are not ready at this point to discuss possible new models.”