News Release

GULFSTREAM G450 FLIGHT TESTING DETERMINES IMPROVED RANGE PERFORMANCE
Long-Range Business Jet Flies 250 Nautical Miles Farther at Higher Speed

SAVANNAH, Ga., Oct. 11, 2004 – Following more than 1,850 hours of flight-testing its G450 business jet, Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has determined the large-cabin, long-range aircraft performs better at a cruise speed of Mach 0.85 than had been originally anticipated. 

When the G450 was being developed, Gulfstream expected the new aircraft to fly 3,250 nautical miles nonstop at Mach 0.85 – 250 nautical miles farther than its predecessor, the GIV/GIV-SP. Following extensive flight testing that focused on performance at high-cruise speeds, the G450 actually flies 3,500 nautical miles nonstop at Mach 0.85 -- 500 nautical miles farther than the GIV/GIV-SP.  At Mach 0.80, the fuel-efficient G450 can fly 4,350 nautical miles nonstop.

“At the faster cruise speed of Mach 0.85, passengers flying from New York to London can shave 30 minutes from their trip,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. “When minutes count, the G450 has what it takes to get you to your intended destination.”

Aerodynamic, structural, and weight modifications have resulted in an aircraft that burns significantly less fuel than its predecessor at the same speed. Specifically, the G450's

re-contoured canopy; its sleeker-designed engine nacelles; improved engine pylons; and its new composite, fixed-nozzle thrust reverser have significantly reduced the aircraft's overall drag. 

Announced in 2002, the G450 was certified Aug.12, 2004, by the Federal Aviation Administration and will enter service in the second quarter of next year. Since the first flight in April 2003, Gulfstream's four G450 test aircraft together have flown 753 test flights.

The G450 was developed by the same internal team that developed the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550 and the G500 business-jet aircraft. Earlier this year, the National Aeronautic Association honored the G550 team with the 2003 Collier Trophy, aviation's most prestigious award, citing its “leading-edge achievement in designing, testing and building an innovative aircraft while incorporating measurable safety enhancements and far-reaching advances in aerospace technology.”

The G450, G550, G500 and the large-cabin, mid-range G350, all feature the PlaneView™ flight deck and the same onboard systems. Additionally, the G450 and G550 feature the FAA-certified Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS) as standard equipment. The technical and design similarities between all four aircraft translate to cost-savings in terms of pilot type ratings, crew training and maintenance for operators of multiple-aircraft fleets.

In addition to long-range capability, the G450, powered by 13,850 pounds of thrust from each of its two Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8C engines, can climb to an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet in just 23 minutes and take off from a 5,450-foot runway with a full load of fuel and eight passengers onboard.

With three distinct living areas, the G450 provides seating for up to 14 passengers and comes fully appointed. G450 passengers, especially those on long intercontinental flights, will appreciate the relaxing cabin atmosphere with three temperature zones, ample light streaming through 12 heated signature oval windows, a maximum cabin pressure altitude of 6000 feet, and 100 percent fresh air.

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 70,000 people worldwide and anticipates 2004 revenue of $19 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.