News Release
Gulfstream Integrating Northstar Flight Deck Organizer Into Gulfstream Aircraft Fleet
Farnborough, U.K., July 24, 2000 -- Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announces the integration of a cockpit approach and navigation device in Gulfstream aircraft that significantly enhances safety and pilot effectiveness.
The Northstar Technologies CT-1000 Flight Deck Organizer System, optimized for the Gulfstream cockpit, will combine a complete approach plate database with a bright moving map display. The device is a valuable approach and navigation aid, and it replaces bulky approach plate binders with two CD ROMs, according to Tom Horne, senior test pilot and lead developmental test pilot for the program at Gulfstream.
"Gulfstream will be the first business aircraft manufacturer to integrate and certify the Northstar system into the flight deck," Horne said. "Our customers will appreciate the advance in pre-flight planning and in-flight organization that this system provides."
The CT-1000 is a small computer with a 6.4-inch (diagonal) display that attaches to the control yoke for flight and can be used for desktop work on the ground. For use outside of the cockpit, the unit can use pre-flight planning software; access the Internet for email and aviation weather reports; and utilize aircraft-specific weight and balance information. In flight, the unit displays approach plates; can be programmed to display custom checklists; and will soon incorporate a moving map display. The system uses the Jeppesen JeppView, CD ROM-based, electronic chart service that eliminates most Jeppesen approach chart paper revisions. Once linked to the Global Positioning System, the software also will add to the pilot's situational awareness by displaying the aircraft's location on the electronic approach plates, airport diagrams and a moving map.
"In our flight evaluations, we found the system to be a great aid to pilots," said Ron Newton, a Gulfstream test pilot. "The color screen is bright and easy to read and images can be enlarged quickly to highlight a specific point on the chart."
Gulfstream completed a thorough flight evaluation of the CT-1000 in June on a Gulfstream IV-SP. Granting of the GIV/Northstar Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is expected in August followed by the GV/Northstar STC later in the year.
"Unlike other 'electronic flight bags,' only the Northstar unit is fully cockpit compliant and will be certified for use in flight," said Horne. "We use an on-board laser printer to produce hard copies of appropriate approach plates as a backup. It's an excellent, well-developed system. Pilots will love it."
The first customer delivery is planned for the fourth quarter of 2000. The complete package, including two CT-1000s, installation and all associated hardware, is expected to cost less than $50,000.
Northstar Technologies, a division of BAE SYSTEMS CANADA INC., has been designing and manufacturing navigation sensors and systems for aviation, marine and agricultural markets since 1970. With 1,600 employees and $300 million in annual sales, BAE SYSTEMS CANADA INC. is a leader in avionics, communications, and specialized electronic components.
NOTE TO EDITOR
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets the world's most technologically advanced intercontinental business jet aircraft. The company has produced approximately 1,160 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the aviation needs of its customers, Gulfstream offers a full range of aircraft products and services, including the Gulfstream IV-SP®, the ultra-long range Gulfstream V®, Gulfstream Shares®, Gulfstream Financial Services, Gulfstream Lease®, Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®, Gulfstream Charter Services®, Gulfstream Management Services® and Gulfstream ServiceCare®. The company employs more than 8,800 people at eight locations. Our website at www.gulfstream.com contains photos of Gulfstream aircraft and related information.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., has leading market positions in shipbuilding and marine systems, land and amphibious combat systems, information systems, and business aviation. The corporation employs approximately 43,000 people worldwide and has annualized sales of approximately $10 billion. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.
