News Release
GULFSTREAM G550 ESTABLISHES NEW SPEED RECORD BETWEEN HONOLULU AND SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
The Ultra-long-range Business Jet 'Stretches Its Legs' On Its Flight Down Under
SAVANNAH, Ga., March 29, 2005 -The ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 business jet flew from Honolulu to Sydney in less than 9 ½ hours, establishing a new speed record over a recognized course. Gulfstream has submitted an application to the National Aeronautic Association to confirm the new city-pair record. The G550 is manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
The G550 left Honolulu at 10:47 a.m. local time on March 11, flying 4,548 nautical miles at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.85 and landing 9 hours and 25 minutes later in Sydney. Because the plane passed over the International Dateline, it actually landed the following day, March 12, at 5:12 p.m. local time in Sydney.
"This was a great route to stretch its legs," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. "The G550 was designed for just this type of travel - flying nonstop from one hemisphere to the other. The plane's high performance, coupled with its outstanding cabin comfort, results in a relaxed and productive travel experience for passengers."
Gulfstream senior international captain Hank Gibson served as pilot in command while Tony Briotta, captain, and Dave Winans, senior production test pilot, served as second in command. Also onboard was flight attendant Lisa Helms. The crew flew the G550 to Australia where it was on static display - along with the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 - at the Australian International Airshow 2005, held March 15- 20 in Avalon, Australia.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
I. The G550 can accommodate up to 18 passengers, fly at a maximum speed of .885 Mach and cruise at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. With a 100 percent fresh air system, maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet and 14 signature oval windows that allow for ample natural lighting, the G550 cabin maximizes passenger comfort while decreasing the effects of travel fatigue and jet lag.
Designed by pilots for pilots, the G550 features the most technologically advanced cockpit in commercial aviation. Unique in its blending of state-of-the-art technology and simplicity in its presentation of information, PlaneView has supplanted the "dials and steam gauges" technology that has dominated the business jet cockpit for the past 20 years. By incorporating the most advanced computer software, hardware and display technologies available and marrying them with the latest in infrared camera technology, the G550 PlaneView cockpit reduces pilot workload while increasing safety. With PlaneView, all flight information - navigation, aircraft systems, communication and pilot situational awareness - is just a cursor click away. The G550 also features as standard equipment the revolutionary Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System, recognized in 2004 by the Federal Aviation Administration with one of two Excellence in Aviation Research awards.
The G550 development team is the 2004 recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy, the nation's highest level of recognition for advancements in aviation.
II. 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 G350™; the large-cabin, long-range G450™; 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.
III. General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 70,200
people worldwide and had 2004 revenue of $19.2 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.
