News Release
GULFSTREAM RECOGNIZES TWO FIRST-FLIGHT ANNIVERSARIES IN 2005
Two First Flights - 20 and 10 Years Ago - Paved the Way for Gulfstream's Present-day Large-Cabin Business Jet Fleet
SAVANNAH, Ga., Nov. 8, 2005 -- Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), recognizes two milestone anniversaries of first flights in 2005. Twenty years ago, on Sept. 29, 1985, the first long-range Gulfstream IV (GIV) took flight, just 18 days after it rolled out at the business-jet manufacturer's headquarters in Savannah, Ga. Ten years later on Nov. 28, 1995, the first ultra-long-range Gulfstream V (GV) made its maiden flight from the same location.
"Both the GIV and GV first flights were significant milestones and turning points for Gulfstream," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. "The GIV solidified our place as the leader in the long-range, large-cabin business-jet market. The introduction of the GV identified a new customer base, the ultra-long-range market, which has since experienced significant growth as the global economy expanded."
The first production GIV entered service June 8, 1987. Sixteen years later, Gulfstream rolled out the 536th and final GIV-series business jet. The GIV's forward-looking design, performance, reliability and comfort made it the best-selling business-jet aircraft in its class. The GIV was retired to make way for today's mid-range G350 and long-range G450 large-cabin business jets.
The GV, which entered service on June 30, 1997, was the first ultra-long-range business jet to market and set the industry standard for its class of aircraft. Gulfstream produced 193 GV aircraft, before transitioning the production line in 2003 to make way for today's G500 and G550 business jets.
"The GIV and GV served as the foundation to designing and building our current business-jet offering," Moss added. "We designed the G550, G500, G450 and G350 with most of the same systems, including the PlaneView™ flight deck. This commonality translates to cost-savings for fleet operators with multiple Gulfstream jets in terms of pilot type rating, technician training and spares."
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 1,500 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 7,200 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 71,900 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.
