News Release
GULFSTREAM ENHANCED VISION SYSTEM INSTALLED ON FIRST GIV-SP
SAVANNAH, Ga., August 29, 2002 - Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has installed the first Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System™ (EVS) on a Gulfstream IV-SP test aircraft. The GIV-SP's first flight using the EVS system was successfully completed on Aug. 16 at the company's Savannah aircraft production and service facility. Gulfstream expects to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of the EVS for use on the GIV-SP by year's end, paving the way for scheduled installations early in 2003.
Developed in cooperation with Kollsman, Inc., 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). Addressing many of the items raised in the FAA Safer Skies Initiative, the Gulfstream EVS improves overall situational awareness by providing the pilot with an optical image that includes runway markings, taxiways, adjacent roads and surrounding landscape during conditions of reduced visibility and at night. The capability of EVS also helps crews avoid runway incursions and similar hazards.
"The Gulfstream EVS is truly a revolutionary safety feature. Once pilots use it they will discover what a dramatic difference enhanced vision can make," said Bill Boisture, Gulfstream president. "With the Gulfstream EVS, pilots flying in dark or low visibility conditions now have an aide that can provide them a clear, real-time and accurate picture of what lies ahead, miles in front of their darkened cockpit windshield."
Since beginning EVS installations in May this year, the safety-enhancing system has been installed in eight large-cabin, ultra-long range Gulfstream V (GV) aircraft, including the
C-37A, the military designation for the GV. The positive response to the EVS by numerous pilots and customers spurred the company to adapt the EVS to the GIV-SP. The Gulfstream EVS continues to gain attention of the business aviation industry as the demand by GIV-SP and GV customers for the safety-enhancing upgrade continues to increase.
Using system parts identical to the GV, the GIV-SP system modification has been adapted to operate within the Honeywell SPZ8400 avionics suite.
In February 2002, the Gulfstream EVS was chosen as a 2002 Aerospace Industry Award winner by Flight International magazine.
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 54,000 people worldwide and anticipates 2002 revenues of approximately $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.
