News Release
GULFSTREAM AWARDED $49.8 MILLION CONTRACT BY NATIONAL CENTER FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
Gulfstream V Selected as Advanced Climate and Weather Research Aircraft.
Savannah, Ga., January 7, 2002 - Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), has been awarded a $49.8 million contract to supply one Gulfstream V business jet aircraft to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The modified aircraft will be used in a wide range of environmental research missions supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Mission requirements will take full advantage of the Gulfstream V's exceptionally high altitude, endurance, range, payload and low operating costs.
Named HIAPER, for High-Performance, Instrumented, Airborne Platform for Environmental Research, the aircraft will be manufactured at Gulfstream's facility in Savannah, Ga. and is scheduled to enter into service in 2005.
"The Gulfstream V HIAPER enables us to investigate essential questions concerning the earth's changing climate that have previously been beyond our grasp," said Timothy Killeen, Director, NCAR. "These involve clouds, greenhouse gas concentrations, aerosol plumes, temperature, and other environmental factors."
"The Gulfstream V's ability to fly to altitudes above 50,000 feet, combined with its exceptional range and versatility, make it a perfect fit for these demanding missions," said Bill Boisture, Gulfstream president and chief operating officer. "We are very pleased that NCAR and the NSF have selected the Gulfstream V to spearhead its future atmospheric research capability. This is the third announcement in the past few months of the selection of the Gulfstream V aircraft to perform advanced military and civilian agency special missions for world governments. This new order clearly reflects the growing interest the Gulfstream V is generating as a special missions platform."
More than 30 countries operate Gulfstream aircraft in a variety of roles, including 23 that use them to transport their heads of state.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, (NYSE: GD) designs, develops, manufactures, markets and services the world's most technologically advanced intercontinental 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®, Gulfstream Lease®, Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®, Gulfstream Charter Services®, Gulfstream Management Services® and Gulfstream ServiceCare®. The company employs some 8,300 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 and anticipates 2001 sales of approximately $12 billion. The company has leading market positions in business aviation, information systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and land and amphibious combat systems. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.
