News Release
GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE NOW OFFERING ULTRA-HIGH-SPEED INTERNET CONNECTIONS ON G550 / G500 AIRCRAFT
Federal Aviation Administration Issues Third Supplemental Type Certificate, Increasing Availability of Broad Band Multi-Link™ System Installations
SAVANNAH, Ga., April 7, 2005 - Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has received a third Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), enabling the installation of its new ultra-high-speed Broad Band Multi-Link™ (BBML) data system in the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550 and G500 business-jet aircraft.
Coupled with the recent service license issued by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to ARINC, supplier of the SKYLinkSM by ARINC DirectSM broadband satellite service that is used in Gulfstream's BBML system, the FAA certification opens the door for Gulfstream to begin unlimited installation of BBML systems on customer aircraft.
Last October, Gulfstream received its first BBML-related STC for a GIV, enabling the business-jet manufacturer to conduct an in-service evaluation. A month later, Gulfstream received a multiple-aircraft STC for the GV, which enabled any GV aircraft to have BBML installed. During the second quarter of this year, Gulfstream expects to receive another multiple STC for the G350/G450 models.
With the ultra-high-speed Broad Band Multi-Link™ (BBML) data system, in-flight passengers can surf the Internet, send and receive email, monitor the stock market or perform any other Web-based task.
"The Gulfstream Broad Band Multi-Link™ (BBML) system is the fastest in-flight data system available today," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. "Ten times faster than the most widely used in-flight high-speed data service, the BBML is as fast as most of today's ground-based data services used by U.S. corporations."
BBML is a dedicated satellite-based system that offers data speeds of up to 3.5 megabits per second. The system comprises 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.
NOTE TO EDITORS
I. Both the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 and G500 business jets were introduced in September 2002 at the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention. With their unique performance and price points, the two aircraft were developed concurrently to meet different customer needs. The G500 was developed for customers who don't require extensive interior customization, but who expect the world-renowned reliability and quality inherent in every Gulfstream aircraft. Both the G550 and G500, as well as their sister ships - the G450 and G350 -- feature the PlaneView™ flight deck, the most advanced flight deck available in commercial aviation. As a result, all four aircraft share the same pilot type ratings with minimal differences in training. The award-winning Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System is optional equipment on the G500 and standard equipment on the G550.
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. As for performance, both aircraft can reach speeds up to Mach .885 and cruise as high as 51,000 feet; however, at 6,750 nautical miles, the G550 flies nearly 1,000 nautical miles farther. The G500, however, has a significantly shorter take-off distance than the G550, making it perfect for small airports that have shorter runways.
And like all Gulfstream aircraft, the G550 and G500 include competitive warranty, training and maintenance programs and are supported by Gulfstream's award-winning worldwide product support network.
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.
