News Release
GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT IS HONORED WITH HAP ARNOLD AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
Savannah, Georgia - October 18, 2001 - Preston A. Henne, senior vice president, programs, for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., has been selected as this year's recipient of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' (AIAA) Hap Arnold Award for excellence in aeronautical program management. The AIAA is the principal society of aerospace engineers and scientists.
This national award is presented each year to an individual for outstanding contributions in the management of a significant aeronautical or aeronautical-related program or project. Henne's recent management of the successful Gulfstream V (GV) program, the world's first ultra-long range business jet aircraft, garnered him this distinctive professional recognition.
"Pres' leadership guided the program by establishing integrated product teams and establishing exceptionally efficient working relationships with our worldwide partners and suppliers,"said Bill Shira, Gulfstream director of sales engineering and the person who nominated Henne for the award. "His leadership has helped Gulfstream establish strong international business ties with our partners and suppliers, essential to success in today's world economy."
Today, Henne is responsible for the company's engineering, flight operations and program management organizations. He oversees new aircraft development such as the Gulfstream V-SP (GV-SP) program. The GV-SP, which features Planeviewä, the most technologically advanced flight deck in commercial aviation, is currently undergoing testing with Federal Aviation Administration certification expected in the fourth quarter of next year.
Prior to joining Gulfstream in 1994, Henne was vice president-general manager of the MD-90 program at McDonnell Douglas' Long Beach aircraft production facility. Earlier in his 32-year aerospace career, he was chief design engineer for the MD-80 program and managed several advanced aerodynamics and acoustics programs for military and commercial applications. Henne also was responsible for the aerodynamic design of the wing of the C-17, the Air Force's newest cargo aircraft.
After earning a bachelor's degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the
University of Illinois in 1969, he went on to earn a master's degree in engineering from California State University, Long Beach. Henne was selected as the AIAA Engineer of the Year in 1996 and became an AIAA Fellow in 1997. He currently serves on the University of Illinois College of Engineering Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Tech Research Corp.
Henne and his wife, Connie, and their youngest daughter, who attends the University of South Carolina, reside in Hilton Head, S.C. The Hennes' son works as a firefighter in Bluffton, S.C. and their eldest daughter works in communications in San Diego.
With more than 31,000 members, AIAA is the world's largest professional society devoted to the progress of engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. The Hap Arnold award is named after "Hap" Arnold, commanding general of the Army Air Force during World War II and later general of the Air Force.
NOTE TO EDITOR
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), 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 100®, Gulfstream 200®, 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 8,750 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, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 49,000 people and anticipates 2001 sales of approximately $11.5 billion. The company has leading market positions in business aviation, information systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and land and amphibious combat systems. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.
