News Release
GULFSTREAM G450 / G350 AIRCRAFT NOW HAVE ONBOARD ULTRA-HIGH-SPEED INTERNET CAPABILITY
Federal Aviation Administration Issues Fourth Supplemental Type Certificate, Increasing Availability of Broad Band Multi-Link™ System Installations
SAVANNAH, Ga., May 17, 2005 - Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has received a fourth 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, long-range G450 and the large-cabin, mid-range G350 business-jet aircraft. The first installation of the BBML system on a customer G450 business jet will be completed next month.
This recent STC comes one month after Gulfstream announced that it had received its third STC, enabling the ultra-high-speed system to be installed on the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550 and G500 business jets. ARINC, supplier of the SKYLinkSM by ARINC DirectSM broadband satellite service that is used in Gulfstream’s BBML system, received a service license from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in April, immediately opening the door for the company to begin unlimited BBML system installations on customers’ G550, G500 and GV aircraft. The multiple-aircraft STC for the GV was issued by the FAA in November 2004. Gulfstream’s first STC was issued for a GIV in October 2004, which allowed the company to conduct its initial in-service evaluation.
With the ultra-high-speed 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, at the same speed found in most corporate offices. “The fastest in-flight data system available today, the Broad Band Multi-Link system is an essential option for customers whose cabins are used as airborne offices,” 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 uses a dedicated satellite bandwidth. The system, which offers data speeds of up to 3.5 megabits per second, comprises 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. The large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 was introduced in October 2003 at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention and four months later, the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350 was introduced. With their unique performance and price points, the two aircraft were developed concurrently to meet different customer needs. The G350 was developed for customers who don’t require extensive interior customization or the long-range capability, but who expect the world-renowned reliability and quality inherent in every Gulfstream aircraft. Both the G450 and G350, as well as their ultra-long-range sister ships – the G550 and G500, feature the PlaneView™ flight deck, the most advanced flight deck available in commercial aviation. As a result, they share the same pilot type ratings with minimal differences in training. The award-winning Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System is optional equipment on the G350 and standard equipment on the G450.
Nearly identical, the G450 and the G350 cabins, both of which can accommodate up to 16 passengers, were designed for passenger comfort. They share the same cabin volume; a maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet when flying at 45,000 feet; 100 percent fresh air; and 12 large oval windows that allow for a generous stream of natural light to fill the cabin. 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 .88 and cruise as high as 45,000 feet; however, at 4,350 nautical miles, the G450 flies nearly 500 nautical miles farther. The G350, however, has a significantly shorter take-off distance than the G450, making it perfect for airports that have shorter runways.
And like all Gulfstream aircraft, the G450 and G350 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 1,500 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 70,100 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 can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.
