\NEW GULFSTREAM G150 TAKES FLIGHT
First Flight Pilots Report: G150's Flying Qualities Are Outstanding
SAVANNAH, Ga., May 3, 2005 - Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announces that its newest business-jet aircraft, the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150, has successfully completed its first flight. Gulfstream designed and built its first true mid-size business jet in collaboration with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Flown by IAI chief test pilot Ronen Shapira and G150 project test pilot Yoram Geva, the G150 took off from Ben Gurion International Airport today at 10:25 a.m. local time. During the flight, which lasted 4 hours, 13 minutes, the pilots tested the business jet's flight handling qualities and characteristics, performed initial checks of all aircraft systems and cycled the landing gear and flap/slat system. The airplane was flown to 20,000 feet and achieved a maximum speed of 250 knots. Chief Test Pilot Shapira commented that the flight went “very smoothly with no issues noted.” IAI's Flight Telemetry System enabled IAI and Gulfstream flight-test engineers on the ground to monitor on a real-time basis all of the G150 aircraft systems during the flight as well as record the data from the first flight test point.
“The G150 has exceeded our expectations. Based on the pilots' initial reports, the G150's flying qualities were outstanding and all systems were fully operational,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. “With flying characteristics similar to the highly maneuverable and successful Gulfstream G100, and with its significantly roomier cabin, we're confident the G150 will exceed our customers' expectations as well.”
In January of this year, the G150 rolled out of the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) manufacturing facility in Tel Aviv. It remains on schedule for type certification by the Israel Civil Aviation Authority in the first quarter of next year, followed shortly thereafter by validation from the Federal Aviation Administration, and entry into service in the third quarter of 2006. Following certification, the G150 will be flown to Gulfstream's Dallas facility for the final phase of its manufacturing.
Powered by two Honeywell TFE731-40AR engines, the G150 can reach speeds of up to Mach .85 and altitudes of 45,000 feet, well above commercial traffic and weather. At a long-range cruise speed of Mach .75, the G150 can fly four passengers nonstop up to 2,700 nautical miles, farther than any other aircraft in its class at this speed. That's the equivalent of New York to Los Angeles, London to Moscow, or Rio de Janeiro to Santiago.
The G150 is an entirely new cabin design for Gulfstream. The G150's cabin height is just five inches shorter than in the large-cabin G350, G450, G500 and G550 aircraft models. The resulting effect is a spacious G150 cabin, designed and outfitted by the same team of professionals who design and install high-quality interiors for Gulfstream's larger aircraft.
The G150 can accommodate six to eight passengers in a choice of several cabin configurations. Its wide-body fuselage provides stand-up headroom, ample aisle space and generous legroom and headroom when seated. Like all Gulfstream customers, G150 customers can choose from a wide selection of fine leathers, upholstery fabrics, wood finishes and floor coverings. And like all Gulfstream business jets, the G150 is backed by Gulfstream's award-winning product support.
To offer customers a better look at the G150, Gulfstream developed a true-to-size replica of the G150 cabin and cockpit that is currently being displayed in cities throughout the United States.
For photos and more information on the G150, go to www.gulfstreamg150.com.
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 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
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 70,100 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 can be found at www.generaldynamics.com
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