News Release

GULFSTREAM ADVANCED FLIGHT CONTROLS RESEARCH EXPLORES FLY-BY-WIRE TECHNOLOGY
Gulfstream Modifying GV Test Plane, Installing Electronic Flight Control System

SAVANNAH , Ga. , July 17, 2006 – Gulfstream Aerospace is exploring the potential applicability of "fly-by-wire" technology with its Advanced Flight Controls (AFC) proof-of-concept research program.

Gulfstream’s current offering of six business-jet aircraft – G150, G200, G350, G450, G500 and G550 – all feature conventional mechanical linkages to hydro-mechanical-powered actuators that control movement of the spoilers, ailerons and flaps on the wings and the rudder and elevators on the tail. Fly-by-wire technology uses electronically controlled actuators to move the same flight control surfaces.

"Now that fly-by-wire is a mature technology and understood by customers, we believe this is the right time to examine its specific benefits in terms of our aircraft design with particular emphasis on safety, reliability, weight, performance and other design enhancements," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream.

Gulfstream initiated the AFC research program in 2004 to examine the feasibility of the lighter and smaller electronically driven flight controls, focusing on the aircraft spoiler and elevator systems. By September 2005, Gulfstream completed a critical design review. By year-end 2005, Gulfstream integrated new AFC hardware and software components with existing aircraft systems in an integration test facility to conduct verification testing. By May of this year, Gulfstream had installed the hardware and software components on an actual static aircraft and succeeded in controlling the plane’s outboard, mid-board and inboard spoilers electronically. Gulfstream currently is modifying a GV test aircraft, replacing the traditional cable-controlled, hydro-mechanical spoiler components with electro-mechanical actuators. Flight testing of the modified GV will begin in August. Elevator testing will be carried out later in the year.

Gulfstream is partnering with three suppliers in its AFC research program. Thales is supplying the flight control computer, which interfaces with the cockpit and aircraft sensors and the fly-by-wire actuators. Smiths is supplying Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs) and other electronic components for the mid- and inboard spoilers. Parker is supplying a Rotary EMA for the outboard spoiler and an Electrical Backup Hydraulic Actuator (EBHA) for the elevator, along with accompanying electronic components.

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 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 7,900 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 72,700 people worldwide and had 2005 revenue of $21.2 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 can be found online at www.generaldynamics.com.