News Release

FAA Certifies Award-Winning EVS for Second Gulfstream Business Jet
Enhanced Vision System Now Available on Gulfstream IV-SP Aircraft

SAVANNAH, Ga., Dec. 19, 2002 - The industry-exclusive Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System™ (EVS) has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use on the Gulfstream IV-SP (GIV-SP) business jet aircraft.

"This is the second time the FAA has certified the Gulfstream EVS for use in a Gulfstream business jet," said Bill Boisture, Gulfstream president. " Certified for use on the Gulfstream V in October 2001, the Gulfstream EVS remains the only system of its kind certified and in operation in the industry. It is another classic example of Gulfstream's determination to retain its position as the leader in the business jet aviation industry.

"We believe we are at least 18 months ahead of the competition in bringing this FAA-certified system to market," Boisture added.

The FAA issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Wednesday, Dec. 18, which allows the Gulfstream EVS to be retrofitted on GIV-SP aircraft by incorporating it within the GIV's Honeywell SPZ8400 avionics suite.

Since entering service, the Gulfstream EVS has been recognized by several organizations, including the Federation Aeronautique Internationale and Flight Safety Foundation, for its significant contributions to enhancing aviation safety. To date, 20 GV aircraft are equipped with the Gulfstream EVS, including U.S. Air Force C-37A aircraft, the military version of the GV.

"The positive response we received to the system from our GV customers was a clear indication that if we offered the system to GIV-SP customers the response would be extremely favorable," said Boisture. "One of our GV customers found the system so effective he has now ordered it for his in-service GIV and on-order Gulfstream 300 aircraft."

Installed on the first GIV-SP in August 2002, the Gulfstream EVS incorporates a specially designed Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera that projects an infrared real-world image on the pilot's Honeywell Head-Up Display (HUD). Developed in cooperation with Kollsman Inc., the system addresses many of the issues raised in the FAA's Safer Skies Initiative. The system enables the crew to see runway markings, taxiways, adjacent roads and surrounding landscape through fog and darkness, allowing the aircraft to land safely in low-visibility conditions. The EVS also helps crews to avoid runway incursions and hazards.

Gulfstream will complete its first EVS installation on a customer's GIV-SP during the first quarter of 2003. The system can be installed at Gulfstream facilities in Appleton, Wis.; Dallas, Texas; Long Beach, Calif.; and Savannah, Ga. FlightSafety International will offer Gulfstream EVS training for GIV pilots early next year. To date, FlightSafety has trained more than 100 GV pilots on the Gulfstream EVS.

The Gulfstream EVS is a standard feature on the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 and is available as an option on the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream 500; the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400; and the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300 aircraft.

 

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 1,300 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 G300®; the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400®; 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 7,800 people at eight 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, Va., employs approximately 54,000 people worldwide and anticipates 2002 revenues of $14 billion. The company has leading market positions in land and amphibious combat systems, mission-critical information systems and technologies, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.generaldynamics.com.