News Release

GULFSTREAM ON COURSE TO OFFER AUTOMATIC THROTTLE AS RETROFIT FOR G200 BUSINESS JETS NEXT YEAR
Gulfstream and Safe Flight Sign Letter of Intent for Partnership

SAVANNAH, Ga., Oct. 8, 2003 --Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has signed a Letter of Intent with Safe Flight Instrument Corporation to install Safe Flight’s Enhanced AutoPower® automatic throttle system (ATS) in the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 business jet.

Safe Flight’s airspeed management system will be available to G200 owners for purchase following Gulfstream’s receipt of a Supplemental Type Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is expected by the end of the second quarter of 2004. Gulfstream will begin the G200 auto-throttle flight test program, which will require 10 to 25 flight hours, early next year.

Already, many G200 owners and operators have requested an auto-throttle system as a retrofit, according to Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream.

"By incorporating the AutoPower system, G200 owners will realize improved fuel efficiency, reduced pilot work load and increased value of their aircraft," Moss said. "Between our own engineers and technicians, FAA representatives and Safe Flight personnel, the integration of the auto-throttle system and the G200 will result in a seamless upgrade and significant cockpit improvement."

The Safe Flight ATS on the G200 will provide continuous thrust management during the cruise, descent, approach and landing phases of flight. Fully integrated with existing avionics displays and controls, the auto-throttle system features precise, smooth and synchronized speed control regardless of maneuver. Safe Flight’s ATS components include a dedicated computer, two status display monitors and a modified throttle quadrant that includes the drive units and engage and disengage switches. All this capability comes at the addition of only 12 pounds.

"The auto-throttle system reduces the need for pilots to continuously adjust the throttles during flight to maintain optimum flight conditions," said Randy Gaston, vice president, flight operations, Gulfstream. "Also, during critical phases of flight, particularly during approach and landing, the auto-throttle maintains the optimum airspeed, allowing pilots to concentrate on other necessary tasks."

The large-cabin, mid-range G200 accommodates up to 10 passengers and offers outstanding performance with its excellent climb, high-cruising altitude, high-speed, long-range and short-landing capabilities. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW 306A engines, the G200 can reach speeds up to Mach .85, altitudes up to 45,000 feet and a range of 3,400 nautical miles. With low ambient noise levels, 100 percent fresh air and natural light from generous windows, the cabin provides a comfortable workspace for busy travelers.

As with every Gulfstream aircraft, the design of the G200 cockpit incorporates industry-leading technology. The flight deck features the Engine Indicating and Crew Alert System (EICAS), an Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), which provides critical information on electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems at a glance. For efficiency and safety, the G200 also includes the TCAS (Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System) and EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System) with windshear warning.



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 1,400 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 6,750 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, Virginia., employs approximately 64,600 people worldwide and estimates 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.