GULFSTREAM RECEIVES CERTIFICATION TO INSTALL WIDE AREA AUGMENTATION SYSTEM ON G150 AIRCRAFT

System Improves Safety, Enhances Operational Accuracy and Increases Airport Access

SAVANNAH, Ga., June 24, 2010 - Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) functionality on Gulfstream G150 aircraft. The optional WAAS-capable receiver can be installed on new G150s during final-phase manufacturing or as a retrofit on all in-service G150 aircraft.

WAAS is a navigation system composed of satellites and ground stations that improves the accuracy of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Receivers throughout the United States evaluate the quality of the GPS signal, relaying it to master stations. Those stations transmit improvements to geostationary satellites, which then broadcast correction signals to WAAS-capable satellite receivers.

WAAS also provides localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV), allowing pilots to fly into approved airports using a pseudo-glideslope, just as they would with an instrument landing system (ILS) approach.

WAAS provides a number of benefits, including enhanced safety, increased flight-planning options and improved airport access. 

"This is an excellent opportunity for our G150 operators to enjoy the benefits precision approaches deliver," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "With more than 1,900 LPV approaches certified and in use today, operators can enjoy two of business aviation’s biggest benefits – convenience and flexibility. Not only that, but the accuracy and precision WAAS and LPV provide means pilots can reduce the number of missed approaches and diversions. This, in turn, improves safety and reduces costs."

WAAS functionality is provided to Gulfstream large-cabin aircraft as part of the optional Enhanced Navigation Package, an upgrade to the PlaneView™ flight deck.

 

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 some 1,800 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 wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200®; the new large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350®; the large-cabin, long-range G450®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550® and the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650®. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 9,000 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our website for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.

General Dynamics headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com.