News Release
CLASSIC BUSINESS-JET MANUFACTURER GULFSTREAM IS FIRST TO OFFER IN-FLIGHT ULTRA HIGH-SPEED INTERNET CONNECTIONS
FAA Supplemental Type Certificate Brings Internet Service to In-Flight Passengers Onboard Large-Cabin Gulfstream
SAVANNAH, Ga., Oct. 11, 2004 – Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is the first classic business-jet manufacturer to offer ultra-high-speed Internet connection capability during flight.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the first installation of Gulfstream’s Broad Band Multi-Link™ (BBML) system on a GIV business-jet aircraft.
Through SKYLinkSM by ARINC Direct broadband service, access to the Internet is more than 10 times faster than the most widely used in-flight, “high-speed” data service. Costs for this service are significantly lower than typical service fees on commercial airlines.
“With data speeds of up to 3.5 megabites per second, the transition from the ground-based office to the airborne office will be seamless,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. “Customers who require instant access to information to conduct business can now stay in constant touch with the world 45,000 feet below them.”
This dedicated satellite-based system also can tie directly into an existing office Voice-Over Internet Protocol telephone network. Executives simply dial the same four- or five-digit extension they’d use in the office to reach a coworker.
FAA approval to install the Broad Band Multi-Link system on G550, G500 and GV aircraft is expected in the fourth quarter of this year. For the G450 and G350, it is expected by the first quarter of next year. Gulfstream also anticipates the system will be available for installation on all aircraft in the second quarter of next year, pending unlimited operational approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
The Broad Band Multi-Link system is comprised of a dish antenna mounted under the tail radome of the aircraft, an antenna control unit, a transceiver router and Gulfstream’s exclusive advanced cabin server. In addition to large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft, the BBML system will be available for installation on other business jet manufacturers’ aircraft at Gulfstream’s Appleton, Wis., and Dallas facilities.
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 G350™; 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 70,000 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.