News Release
GULFSTREAM G500 RECEIVES VALIDATION FROM THE EUROPEAN AVIATION SAFETY AGENCY AND JOINT AVIATION AUTHORITIES
SAVANNAH, Ga., Jan. 11, 2005 - Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has received validation of its large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500 business jet from both the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). This validation enables the G500 to be certified and registered within all European nations that comprise the JAA, of which 25 are European Union member nations.
"Receiving this validation is a great way to start 2005," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. "It marks the fourth aircraft in our seven-aircraft fleet that has received EASA and JAA approval since March of last year. We've worked closely with EASA and JAA, and in doing so, we've gained a greater understanding of the items that are of most interest to them. As a result, each subsequent approval process has been smoother than the one before. We are committed to building and maintaining a long-term relationship with the European authorities."
Gulfstream received EASA Type Certifications for the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550 on March 9; the large-cabin, mid-range G200 on September 7; and most recently, the large-cabin, long-range G450 on November 19. Gulfstream anticipates receiving EASA/JAA validation of the large-cabin, mid-range G350 business jet during the first quarter of this year.
Because the G550, G500, G450 and G350 all feature the PlaneView™ flight deck, the most advanced flight deck available in commercial aviation, they share the same pilot type ratings with minimal differences in training.
The G500 was introduced in September 2002 at the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention and, 15 months later, was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The G500 and its sister ship, the G550, were developed to meet different customer needs. With its unique performance and price point, the G500 was designed for customers who require Gulfstream's world-renowned reliability, but don't require extensive interior customization.
Nearly identical, the G500 and the G550 cabins, both of which can accommodate up to 19 passengers, were designed for passenger comfort. They share the same cabin volume; a maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet; 100 percent fresh air; and 14 large oval windows that allow for a generous amount of natural light. The combined effect of these features leaves passengers feeling rested and relaxed even following long, transatlantic flights.
When it comes to getting from here to there fast, both aircraft can cruise at an altitude of 51,000 feet, well above commercial traffic, at speeds up to .885 Mach.
With a range of 5,800 nautical miles, the G500 can fly nonstop from Europe to North America and South America as well as to the Far East. It also has a significantly shorter take-off distance than the G550, making the G500 perfect for smaller airports that have shorter runways.
Additionally, G500 customers can choose from multiple 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 and is supported by Gulfstream's award-winning worldwide product support network.
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 71,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2004 revenue in excess 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.
