News Release
GULFSTREAM INFRARED COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL INTEREST
Missile-Jamming System Appeals to International Heads of State
ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 11, 2002 – Two years ago, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced the availability of the BAE Systems AN/ALQ-204 Matador Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) system on its business aircraft for government and corporate customers. The system is designed to protect aircraft from ground- and air-launched infrared-guided missiles.
In the intervening period, the FAA-certified Matador has been installed on seven Gulfstream business aircraft, with provisioning completed for the eighth aircraft.
“In certain parts of the world, government, VIP and corporate business aircraft can be vulnerable targets to terrorist organizations equipped with infrared-guided missiles,” said Dobie Gilfillan, IRCM program manager for Gulfstream. “The AN/ALQ-204 system protects the aircraft and passengers from these threats.”
The Matador AN/ALQ-204 IRCM is a proven design that has been installed on a variety of aircraft from wide-body airliners to business jets. For Gulfstream applications, the IRCM system mounts in the tailcone of the aircraft.
“The system can be easily installed during an aircraft’s regularly scheduled maintenance visit,” said Gilfillan. “We’ve developed a very aerodynamic design that doesn’t detract from the performance or aesthetics of the aircraft.”
Twenty-three countries, including the United States, currently use Gulfstream aircraft to transport heads of state. Gulfstream aircraft performance and reliability also allow them to serve in a variety of special mission roles, including electronic intelligence gathering, multi-purpose transport, aerial surveillance, medical evacuation and weather research.
Gulfstream’s large-cabin, long-range business aircraft hold 75 world and national flight records for distance and speed, while the large-cabin, ultra-long-range business aircraft have set a total of 80 official world and national records for distance and speed.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, designs, develops, manufactures, markets and services the world’s most technologically advanced business jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,300 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 Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 7,800 people at eight locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 54,000 people worldwide and anticipates 2002 revenues of $14 billion. The company has leading market positions in land and amphibious combat systems, mission-critical information systems and technologies, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.generaldynamics.com.
