SAVANNAH, Ga., October 6, 2009 – Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) today rolled out the all-new, super mid-size Gulfstream G250 at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel. First announced in October 2008, the large-cabin, mid-range G250 remains on schedule for customer deliveries in 2011.

The audience celebrating the aircraft’s debut included customers, certifying authorities, supplier representatives and members of the Gulfstream G250 development team, many of whom worked in Tel Aviv with IAI to oversee the building of the all-new Gulfstream G250 aircraft.

“The Gulfstream and IAI teams have done an outstanding job designing this all-new aircraft and overseeing its production,” said Joe Lombardo, executive vice president, General Dynamics Aerospace group. “I want to thank everyone involved for their continued cooperation and collaboration. As you can see, they have created a true Gulfstream, and we’re delighted to welcome it into the family.”

Itzhak Nissan, president and chief executive officer, IAI, said, “The G250 presents another example of what is possible when two great companies collaborate, combining their state-of-the-art engineering with cutting-edge production skills. The teams have produced the best mid-size aircraft of its kind, and I want to join Joe in thanking everyone who worked on the G250. They have proven that such collaboration leads to great success and achievement.”

The G250 offers the largest cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. It is capable of traveling 3,400 nautical miles at 0.80 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.85 Mach. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, the G250 can climb to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet.

“Our customers played a significant role in the design of this aircraft,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “Because of their input, this aircraft features increased speed and range, excellent takeoff performance, an all-new Gulfstream wing, the signature Gulfstream T tail, best-in-class Honeywell engines and the PlaneView 250™ cockpit based on Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics. Together, these elements make the G250 a best-in-class aircraft and one its owners can appreciate and fly with pride.”

David Dagan, corporate vice president and general manager, Commercial Aircraft group, IAI, said, “The collaboration between the manufacturing and the design teams, using the Integrated-Product-Teams approach, made one and one equal more than two. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this success.”

In terms of passenger comfort, the G250 features the largest cabin in its class, with 17 percent to 35 percent more floor area than any other super mid-size business jet. The additional space provides for a larger lavatory, an improved galley and increased storage. The aircraft also features 19 panoramic windows, industry-leading sound levels, a vacuum toilet system and in-flight access to 120 cubic feet of usable volume in the baggage compartment.

Gulfstream announced the G250 on Oct. 5, 2008, at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Fla. The aircraft is on schedule for first flight later this year and is expected to be certified in 2011. Entry-into-service of the G250 is also planned for 2011.

Source: Gulfstream