News Release
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION CLEARS GULFSTREAM
FOR AUTOMATIC THROTTLES ON G200 BUSINESS-JET AIRCRAFT
Supplemental Type Certificate Means Auto-Throttle
System Is Now Available as Option on New Large-Cabin,
Mid-Range G200 Aircraft
SAVANNAH, Ga., July 6, 2004 – Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (GD: NYSE), is now offering Safe Flight Instrument Corporation’s Enhanced Autopower® Automatic Throttle System (ATS) as optional equipment on new large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 business-jet aircraft. The business-jet manufacturer also is offering ATS as a retrofit for the 92 aircraft that constitute the G200 fleet.
Following the successful completion of the flight-test program, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Friday, July 2. As a result, new and in-service G200 owners now have the option to include an auto-throttle system on their aircraft.
“While the G200 is already a stable aircraft in weather and turbulence, the G200 operating with the Enhanced AutoPower® Automatic Throttle offers passengers an even more exceptional flight,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. “Additionally, because the system maintains an optimum airspeed during approach and landing, pilots are freed up from continuously adjusting the throttles, allowing them to concentrate on other tasks at hand.”
The Safe Flight ATS on the G200 provides continuous thrust management during the cruise, descent, approach and landing phases of flight. Safe Flight’s ATS components include a dedicated computer, two status display monitors and a modified throttle quadrant that includes the drive units and engage and disengage switches.
“Our current G200 owners have expressed a good deal of interest in an auto-throttle system for their aircraft,” added Henne. “It’s a pleasure to be able to provide them Safe Flight’s ATS, which will enhance their aircraft’s operability while increasing its overall value in the business-jet market.”
Auto-throttle retrofit installations will begin in July at Gulfstream’s Savannah and Dallas Product Support Centers as well as at all five General Dynamics Aviation Services maintenance facilities. In-service G200 owners can expect approximately two weeks of downtime to complete the installations.
As with every Gulfstream aircraft, the design of the G200 cockpit incorporates industry-leading technology. In addition to the Engine Indicating and Crew Alert System (EICAS), the flight deck features an Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), which provides critical electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems information at a glance. For efficiency and safety, the G200 also includes the TCAS (Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System) and EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System) with windshear warning.
The large-cabin, mid-range G200 offers seating configurations that can accommodate up to 10 passengers and outstanding performance with its excellent climb, high-cruising altitude, high-speed, long-range and short-landing capabilities. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW 306A engines, the G200 can reach speeds up to Mach .85, altitudes up to 45,000 feet and a range of 3,400 nautical miles. With low ambient noise levels, 100 percent fresh air and natural light from generous windows, the cabin provides a comfortable workspace for busy travelers.
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, mid-range Gulfstream G350™; 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 68,400 people worldwide and anticipates 2004 revenue of $19 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.
