News Release
GULFSTREAM V-SP TEST AIRCRAFT MARKS MILESTONE
PlaneView™ Cockpit Installation Begins
Geneva, Switzerland, April 18, 2001 - The Gulfstream V-SP development schedule achieved a major milestone when the installation process of the PlaneView™ cockpit suite was initiated.
The PlaneView™ cockpit suite is a series of integrated features that include a Honeywell Visual Guidance System (VGS), Gulfstream's revolutionary Enhanced Vision System (EVS), Gulfstream's signature cursor control device and Honeywell's Primus Epic™ flight instrumentation suite.
"Structural modifications to the cockpit have been completed," said Mike Mena, Gulfstream V-SP Program Manager. "The fit check has been accomplished on the four 14-inch liquid crystal displays."
The PlaneView™ system, including the unique side-mounted cursor control is already operating in the Gulfstream avionics laboratory facilities. The cursor control device is a Gulfstream design based on human factors evaluations conducted by the company in both laboratory settings and on aircraft testing. The device is a thumb operated joy stick that includes an enter switch, display selection and push-to-talk function.
"Development of the cursor control device is going exceptionally well," said Mena. "Flight test units will be available by the end of the 2nd Quarter 2001 and will be installed on the aircraft in time for first flight during the 4th Quarter 2001."
The cursor control device will provide the GV-SP flight crew with the ability to easily merge satellite weather, geopolitical borders and terrain in real time. By using the cursor control device, pilots will also be able to make flight plan changes graphically.
"Combined with EVS and the other improvements we have made, the GV-SP will be the most well-equipped, safest aircraft in business aviation," said Pres Henne, Gulfstream's senior vice president of programs.
The Gulfstream V-SP will provide a range of 6,750 nautical miles, a 250-mile improvement over the current GV and 500 miles further than the Global Express. The range improvement provides extra margin, not only on ultra-long range flights, but also on shorter-range higher-speed routes. The GV-SP will be capable of flying 5,000 nautical mile trips at a rapid .87 Mach - and 6,000 nautical mile legs at .85 Mach.
Performance improvements are the result of greater efficiency of the Rolls-Royce BR-710 engines, airframe drag reduction and a reduction in the aircraft's empty weight.
"The GV-SP performance advantage guarantees non-stop flights between New York and Tokyo, fully-equipped with eight passengers, even with 100% headwinds," said Henne. "In addition to the significant increase in range, the GV-SP will deliver field performance improvements that provide greater airport access by reducing takeoff distances. The
GV-SP is also being designed for improved dispatch reliability."
NOTE TO EDITOR
Gulfstream, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets the world's most technologically advanced intercontinental business jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,200 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® and Gulfstream V-SP®, 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 8,300 people at eight locations. We invite you to visit our Web site at www.gulfstream.com for photos of Gulfstream aircraft and related information.
General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), headquartered in Falls Church, Va., has leading market positions in business aviation, information systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and land and amphibious combat systems. The corporation employs approximately 46,000 people worldwide and anticipates 2001 sales of approximately $11.5 billion. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.
