News Release
GULFSTREAM OFFERS HIGH-SPEED INTERNET CAPABILITY FOR LARGE-CABIN, MID-RANGE G200 BUSINESS JET
Recent Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificate Enables Immediate Installations on In-Service G200 Aircraft
SAVANNAH, Ga., Feb. 1, 2005 -Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), now offers high-speed Internet and email capability for its large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 business jet.
Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that approves installation of the High-Speed Data System (HSDS) in G200 business jets. In addition to being offered as a retro-fit for in-service G200 aircraft, the system is an equipment option for new G200 business jets.
"For more than 40 years, Gulfstream has provided business executives, heads of states and governments with well-appointed, comfortable cabin environments in which to work – essentially offices in the sky," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “With this new high-speed data capability, we’ve significantly improved the airborne office. Now, people who need to be connected, no matter where they are, have the peace of mind of knowing they are only a phone call or finger strokes away from those they need to keep in touch with.”
In addition to the G200, Gulfstream offers internet capability on other models in its fleet of business jets. In October 2004, the FAA issued the first STC enabling the manufacturer to install the Gulfstream Broad Band Multi-Link™ (BBML) system on a GIV aircraft. One month later, the GV received its multiple STC for BBML installations.
Like Gulfstream’s BBML system, the G200’s High-Speed Data System is a satellite-based system. Four Inmarsat geostationary satellites ensure fast and reliable communication anywhere in the world, with the exception of the extreme North and South Poles.
The High-Speed Data System comprises the Thrane & Thrane A/S Aero-HSD+ SATCOM suite, which includes the light-weight fuselage-mounted Chelton Inc. HGA-7000 antenna, and two high-speed Swift64 channels at a combined transmission speed of 128 kilobytes-per-second. With HSDS, multiple G200 passengers can email, surf the Internet and connect with ground-based office networks using Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) protocol. Additionally, passengers can retrieve and download large files and email using Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS).
NOTES TO EDITORS:
I. The G200 offers seating configurations that can accommodate up to 10 passengers. Its outstanding performance characteristics include 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.
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. Earlier this year, Gulfstream began offering Safe Flight Instrument Corporation’s Enhanced Autopower® Automatic Throttle System (ATS) as a retrofit on in-service G200s and as optional equipment on new G200s.
II. 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.
III. General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 70,200 people worldwide and had 2004 revenue of $19.2 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 is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.
