News Release
GULFSTREAM ENHANCED VISION SYSTEM EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
First Enhanced Vision System Installed on Air Force C-37A
Geneva, Switzerland, May 27, 2002 - Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has successfully installed and powered up the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System™. This revolutionary system, which was installed on an in-service Air Force C-37A aircraft May 15, operated flawlessly during avionics testing. "C-37A" is the Air Force designation for the ultra-long range Gulfstream V aircraft.
"The Gulfstream EVS has exceeded all our expectations," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test. "The fact that it passed every test the first time and performed exactly as designed is testament to Gulfstream's extraordinary engineers, designers, test-pilots and technicians who have spent more than seven years researching and developing this safety-enhancing system."
Certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in September 2001, the Gulfstream EVS is the first of its type to be available on a business jet aircraft. During conditions of reduced visibility and at night, it provides the pilot with an optical image that includes runway markings, taxiways, adjacent roads and surrounding landscape. The capability of EVS also helps crews avoid runway incursions and similar hazards.
"Gulfstream invested the time and resources years ago to produce a system that would enhance the safety of those who fly as passengers and crew in our business jets and military counterparts," said Bill Boisture, president. "The Gulfstream EVS is the product of our mission - to build the safest, most technologically advanced business jet aircraft. We're proud that the first use of Gulfstream EVS will be to enhance the safety of our country's top military and government leaders traveling worldwide."
The Gulfstream EVS will be standard on Gulfstream's newest aircraft, the Gulfstream V-SP, scheduled for first customer delivery in fourth quarter 2003. The EVS is part of the business jet's PlaneView™ flight deck - the safest and most technologically advanced avionics suite in the history of aviation. The Gulfstream EVS also will be available as a retrofit on in-service Gulfstream IV aircraft. FAA certification for the Gulfstream IV and Gulfstream IV-SP is expected by the end of this year.
Chosen as a 2002 Aerospace Industry Award winner by Flight International magazine, the Gulfstream EVS effectively addresses many of the concerns listed in the FAA's Safer Skies Initiative with regard to pilot situational awareness.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, markets and services 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 aviation needs of its customers, Gulfstream offers a full range of aircraft products and services, including the Gulfstream 100®, Gulfstream 200®, Gulfstream IV-SP®, the ultra-long range Gulfstream V® and Gulfstream V-SP®, Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 7,800 people at eight 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 52,000 people worldwide and had 2001 revenues of $12 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
