Gulfstream Offers Infrared Countermeasure System on Gulfstream IV Business Aircraft
Five Customer Gulfstream IVs Have Already Been Equipted With Sanders AN/ALQ-204 Missile-Jamming System
Gulfstream is the First Long-Range, Large-Cabin Business Aircraft Manufacturer to Offer Infrared Missile Protection
Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Cottesmore, U.K., July 22, 2000 -- Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is installing the Sanders AN/ALQ-204 Matadorä , Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) system on its business aircraft for government and corporate customers. The system is designed to protect aircraft from ground- and air-launched infrared-guided missiles.
"In certain parts of the world, government, VIP and corporate business aircraft can be vulnerable targets to terrorist organizations equipped with infrared-guided missiles," said Dobie Gilfillan, IRCM program manager for Gulfstream. "The AN/ALQ-204 system protects Gulfstream IVs from these threats and will soon be available for Gulfstream Vs ."
The Matador AN/ALQ-204 IRCM is a proven design that has been installed on a variety of aircraft from wide-body airliners to business jets. For Gulfstream applications, the IRCM system mounts in the tailcone of the aircraft. The FAA-certified installation has been accomplished on five customer aircraft to date, and several additional aircraft are being modified at Gulfstream’s service center in Savannah, Ga. A mockup of the IRCM system and installation will be on display next week at the Farnborough Air Show.
"The system can be easily installed during an aircraft’s regularly scheduled maintenance visit," said Gilfillan. "We’ve developed a very aerodynamic design that doesn’t detract from the performance or aesthetics of the aircraft."
The legendary Gulfstream V, Gulfstream IV and IV-SP are the number one choices among business aircraft for government and special mission requirements worldwide. There are currently 59 GV/GIV/IV-SP aircraft in operation by 19 governments and military units. Gulfstream aircraft performance and reliability allow them to serve in a variety of special mission roles, including electronic intelligence gathering, multi-purpose transport, aerial surveillance, medical evacuation and weather research.
The Gulfstream IV is the world’s best-selling large-cabin, long-range business aircraft. The GIV/GIV-SP fleet has accumulated nearly 1.3 million hours of flight time and boasts an impressive dispatch reliability rate of 99.5 percent. The GIV/IV-SP also holds 74 world and national flight records.
The Gulfstream V, the world’s first ultra-long range, large-cabin business jet, is capable of flying 6,500 nautical miles at speeds up to Mach .885 and cruising at altitudes up to 51,000 feet. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines, the Gulfstream V is the only ultra-long range aircraft that allows passengers to enjoy a maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet and a 100-percent fresh air ventilation system. The Gulfstream V has set a total of 65 official world and national records for distance and speed. The fleet of 88 GV aircraft in service worldwide has already achieved in excess of 52,000 flight hours.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets the world’s most technologically advanced intercontinental business jet aircraft. The company has produced approximately 1,160 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the aviation needs of its customers, Gulfstream offers a full range of aircraft products and services, including the Gulfstream IV-SP®, the ultra-long range Gulfstream V®, Gulfstream Shares®, Gulfstream Financial Services, Gulfstream Lease®, Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®, Gulfstream Charter Services®, Gulfstream Management Services® and Gulfstream ServiceCare®. The company employs more than 8,800 people at eight locations.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., has leading market positions in shipbuilding and marine systems, land and amphibious combat systems, information systems, and business aviation. The corporation employs approximately 43,000 people worldwide and has annualized sales of approximately $10 billion.
Sanders is an operating company of the Lockheed Martin Corporation and a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.
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Any "forward-looking statements" contained in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
General Dynamics Corporation (ticker: GD, exchange: NYSE)
News Release - Saturday, July 22, 2000
Press Contact: (703) 876-3190
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