News Release
GULFSTREAM G500 RECEIVES FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TYPE CERTIFICATE
Gulfstream Continues On Schedule With Its New Aircraft
Editor's Note: For a digital photo of the G500, please email your request to julie.mccoy@gulfstream.com
SAVANNAH, Ga., Dec. 8, 2003 -- Gulfstream Aerospace has received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its large-cabin, ultra-long-range G500 business jet. Gulfstream received G500 certification four months after its sister ship, the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550, was certified and two months after the introduction of the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G450.
"Receiving the TC is a result of our employees' and suppliers' focus and dedication as well as the FAA's ardent and continual support of our aircraft development programs," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. "As a result of everyone's diligence in accomplishing each milestone set forth in the aggressive certification schedule, the G500 program remains on schedule with customer deliveries to begin early next year."
The G500 is one of eight aircraft that comprise Gulfstream's business jet fleet. Just over a year ago at the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention, Gulfstream renamed four of its aircraft and introduced three new business jets. At this year's NBAA event, Gulfstream introduced an eighth aircraft - the large-cabin, long-range G450 business jet.
Currently, six of the eight aircraft have received their type certifications - the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550 and G500; the large-cabin, long-range G400, the large-cabin, mid-range G300, the large-cabin, mid-range G200 and the mid-cabin, high-speed G100 business jets. The G450 and the wide-cabin, high-speed G150 are expected to receive certification in the third quarter of 2004 and in 2005, respectively.
"We've worked hard to provide the customer the right plane at the right price," Moss said. "When you consider that just five years ago we offered two aircraft models, we've come a long way in offering our customers a generous selection of aircraft with various price and performance points as well as passenger capacities."
Like the G550, the G500 features the same size cabin and maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet; the PlaneView™ cockpit, the most advanced flight deck available in commercial aviation; and 14 signature oval windows. Both aircraft can cruise at an altitude of 51,000 feet, well above commercial traffic; reach speeds up to .885 Mach; accommodate up to 19 passengers; and provide 100 percent fresh air in the cabin.
But the G550 and G500 were developed to meet different customer needs. With its unique performance and price point, the G500 was designed for an emerging market of customers who require the reliability of the G550, but neither the range nor the level of interior customization.
The G500 can fly up to 5,800 nautical miles nonstop, compared to the G550 that flies nearly 1,000 nautical miles farther. With a 5,150 foot takeoff distance - 760 feet less than is required by the G550 - the G500 is perfect for operating out of smaller airports that have shorter runways. Additionally, G500 customers can choose from a multiple of cabin layouts and option packages to tailor the aircraft for their specific mission needs. And like all Gulfstream aircraft, the G500 includes competitive warranty, training and maintenance programs.
"The G500 will serve government and military customers, charter operators and corporations well," Moss said. "The combination of the aircraft's built-in reliability and the standardization of the Premium Package interiors will result in reduced operating and maintenance costs without sacrificing passenger comfort."
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,400 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the mid-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G100™; the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300™; the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400™; the large-cabin, long-range G450™; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500™ and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550™. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 6,750 people at seven major 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, Virginia, employs approximately 66,900 people worldwide and estimates 2003 revenues of $16.1 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.generaldynamics.com.
