News Release
GULFSTREAM IV BUSINESS JET FLEET LOGS TWO MILLION FLIGHT HOURS
Best-Selling Large-Cabin, Long-Range Business Jet Continues to Offer Owners Comfort, Performance and Reliability
SAVANNAH, Ga., Sept. 2, 2003 --Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announces that the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream IV® (GIV) business jet fleet has surpassed 2,000,000 flight hours. The first GIV aircraft entered service in 1987. The last GIV, the 500th, rolled off the production line in December 2002, marking the production start of the new, large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400™ and the new, large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300™. The GIV is the best-selling business aircraft in its class.
"In reaching this milestone, the GIV sets itself apart from all other large-cabin, long-range business jets," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. "Sixteen years into the program, the GIV is still the best selling aircraft in its class. The GIV has earned that distinction by setting the industry standard in business jets with its forward-looking design, steadfast performance and unsurpassed reliability."
The GIV is holder of more than 70 world records, including eastbound and westbound around-the-world speed records. The GIV continues to meet the air transportation needs of individuals, corporations, fractional owners, charter companies and governments, including heads of state. It remains the most dependable aircraft in its class with a dispatch reliability rate of 99.74 percent.
Gulfstream introduced the "special performance" Gulfstream IV-SP® (GIV-SP) in 1992. The enhanced aircraft featured increased takeoff and landing weights, which allowed for heavier payloads and more flexible outfitting. It also featured an enhanced landing package that included structural improvements to the landing gear, upgraded antilock brakes and new wheels and tires. The GIV-SP also included an extended service warranty.
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 7,400 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, Va., employs approximately 64,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2003 revenues of $15.5 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.generaldynamics.com.
