GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP
424B4, 1996-10-10
AIRCRAFT
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<PAGE>
                                             AS FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(B)(4)
REGISTRATION NUMBER 333-09897
 
                               37,000,000 SHARES
 
                                     [LOGO]
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                           (PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE)
                              -------------------
 
    Of  the 37,000,000  shares of  Common Stock  offered, 29,600,000  shares are
being offered hereby in the United States and 7,400,000 shares are being offered
in a concurrent international  offering outside the  United States. The  initial
public  offering price and the aggregate underwriting discount per share will be
identical for both offerings. See "Underwriting".
 
    Of the 37,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered, 4,559,100 shares are being
sold by  the  Company  and 32,440,900  shares  are  being sold  by  the  Selling
Stockholders.  See "Principal  and Selling  Stockholders". The  Company will not
receive any  of the  proceeds from  the sale  of the  shares being  sold by  the
Selling  Stockholders. The Company intends  to use a portion  of the proceeds it
receives from the sale of shares in the Offerings, together with other funds, to
repurchase all of the outstanding Series A 7% cumulative preferred stock of  the
Company from a partnership formed by Forstmann Little & Co. for a purchase price
of $450 million, plus approximately $7.9 million of unpaid dividends.
 
    Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock
of  the  Company.  For  factors considered  in  determining  the  initial public
offering price, see "Underwriting".
 
    SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON  PAGE 9 FOR CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS  RELEVANT
TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK.
 
    The  Common  Stock has  been  approved for  listing  on the  New  York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "GAC", subject to official notice of issuance.
                              -------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES  HAVE  NOT  BEEN  APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY  THE  SECURITIES
  AND   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR  HAS
    THE  SECURITIES  AND  EXCHANGE   COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE   SECURITIES
      COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
           ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                              -------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  INITIAL PUBLIC        UNDERWRITING          PROCEEDS TO       PROCEEDS TO SELLING
                                  OFFERING PRICE         DISCOUNT(1)           COMPANY(2)          STOCKHOLDERS
                                ------------------  ---------------------  ------------------  ---------------------
<S>                             <C>                 <C>                    <C>                 <C>
Per Share.....................        $24.00                $1.32                $22.68               $22.68
Total(3)......................     $888,000,000          $48,840,000          $103,400,388         $735,759,612
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
(1) The  Company and  the  Selling Stockholders  have  agreed to  indemnify  the
    Underwriters  against certain  liabilities, including  liabilities under the
    Securities Act of 1933.
 
(2) Before deducting estimated expenses of $2,500,000 payable by the Company.
 
(3) The Selling Stockholders have granted the U.S. Underwriters an option for 30
    days to purchase up to an additional 4,400,000 shares at the initial  public
    offering  price per share,  less the underwriting  discount, solely to cover
    over-allotments. Additionally,  the Selling  Stockholders have  granted  the
    International  Underwriters a similar  option with respect  to an additional
    1,100,000 shares as  part of  a concurrent International  Offering. If  such
    options  are exercised  in full,  the total  initial public  offering price,
    underwriting discount, proceeds to the  Company and proceeds to the  Selling
    Stockholders   will   be  $1,020,000,000,   $56,100,000,   $103,400,388  and
    $860,499,612, respectively. See "Underwriting".
                              -------------------
 
    The shares offered hereby are offered severally by the U.S. Underwriters, as
specified herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their
right to reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that  certificates
for  the shares will  be ready for delivery  in New York, New  York, on or about
October 16, 1996, against payment therefor in immediately available funds.
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                                                            MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                                                                 INCORPORATED
                     --------------------------------------
 
                The date of this Prospectus is October 9, 1996.
<PAGE>
GULFSTREAM AIRCRAFT ARE THE CHOICE OF 40  WORLD GOVERNMENTS AND NINE OUT OF  THE
TOP TEN FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES. SHOWN BELOW IS A GULFSTREAM IV-SP.
 
                          [PHOTO OF GULFSTREAM IV-SP]
 
    The Company intends to furnish to its stockholders annual reports containing
audited financial statements for each fiscal year of the Company.
                              -------------------
 
    IN  CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERINGS, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR  MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE  OF THE COMMON  STOCK
OFFERED  HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT  WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS  MAY BE  EFFECTED ON THE  NEW YORK  STOCK EXCHANGE  OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
<PAGE>
                         [INSIDE FRONT COVER FOLD OUT]
THE ALL NEW 6,500 NM GULFSTREAM V. FIRST CUSTOMER DELIVERIES SCHEDULED FOR LATER
                                   THIS YEAR.
 
                            [PHOTO OF GULFSTREAM V]
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE  FOLLOWING  SUMMARY  INFORMATION IS  QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY  BY THE
DETAILED INFORMATION  AND CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  AND NOTES  THERETO
APPEARING   ELSEWHERE  IN  THIS  PROSPECTUS.  UNLESS  OTHERWISE  INDICATED,  ALL
INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS (I) GIVES EFFECT TO THE REPURCHASE OF ALL OF  THE
OUTSTANDING  PREFERRED STOCK AND THE EXCHANGE, REDESIGNATION AND 1.5-FOR-1 STOCK
SPLIT OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK,  WHICH WILL OCCUR IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO,  OR
SIMULTANEOUSLY  WITH,  THE CLOSING  OF  THE OFFERINGS  (COLLECTIVELY,  THE "1996
RECAPITALIZATION") DESCRIBED UNDER "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK", (II)  ASSUMES
THAT  THE OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTIONS GRANTED TO  THE UNDERWRITERS ARE NOT EXERCISED,
(III) ASSUMES THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF  COMMON STOCK IN THE OFFERINGS AT  $24.00
PER  SHARE AND (IV) ASSUMES THE ISSUANCE  OF 3,218,589 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BY
THE COMPANY  TO  CERTAIN  SELLING  STOCKHOLDERS  PURSUANT  TO  THE  EXERCISE  OF
OUTSTANDING  OPTIONS AND THE  SALE OF SUCH  SHARES IN THE  OFFERINGS. UNLESS THE
CONTEXT REQUIRES OTHERWISE,  REFERENCES TO  THE COMPANY OR  GULFSTREAM REFER  TO
GULFSTREAM  AEROSPACE  CORPORATION, ITS  PREDECESSORS  AND ITS  SUBSIDIARIES AND
REFERENCES TO "COMMON  STOCK" REFER  TO THE COMMON  STOCK, PAR  VALUE $0.01  PER
SHARE,  OF  GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE  CORPORATION AFTER  GIVING  EFFECT TO  THE 1996
RECAPITALIZATION. REFERENCES IN  THIS PROSPECTUS  TO (I) MILES  ARE TO  NAUTICAL
MILES;  ONE NAUTICAL MILE IS EQUAL TO  1.15 STATUTE MILES; AND (II) FISCAL YEARS
ARE TO THE FISCAL YEAR  OF THE COMPANY ENDED DECEMBER  31 OF THE YEAR  SPECIFIED
(e.g., "FISCAL 1995" REFERS TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995).
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    Gulfstream  Aerospace  Corporation  is  recognized  worldwide  as  a leading
designer, developer,  manufacturer  and  marketer of  the  most  technologically
advanced  intercontinental business jet  aircraft. Since 1966,  when the Company
created the  large cabin  business jet  category with  the introduction  of  the
Gulfstream  II,  the  Company has  dominated  this market  segment,  capturing a
cumulative market share of 60%. The  Company has manufactured and sold over  950
large business aircraft since the introduction of the Gulfstream product line in
1958.  Since 1990, the Company has been  owned by certain partnerships formed by
Forstmann Little & Co., a private investment firm ("Forstmann Little").
 
    The Company has  developed a broad  range of aircraft  products to meet  the
aviation   needs  of  its   targeted  customers  (which   include  national  and
multinational corporations,  governments  and governmental  agencies,  heads  of
state  and wealthy  individuals). See  "Business--Customers and  Marketing". The
Company's current  principal aircraft  products are  the Gulfstream  IV-SP,  the
Gulfstream   V,  Gulfstream   Shares-TM-  (fractional   ownership  interests  in
Gulfstream IV-SPs) and pre-owned Gulfstream aircraft. As an integral part of its
aircraft product  offerings, the  Company offers  aircraft completion  (exterior
painting  of the  aircraft and installation  of customer  selected interiors and
optional avionics)  and worldwide  aircraft maintenance  services and  technical
support  for  all  Gulfstream  aircraft. In  addition,  the  Company's financial
services subsidiary,  Gulfstream  Financial Services  Corporation,  through  its
private  label  relationship  with a  third-party  aircraft  financing provider,
offers customized products to finance the worldwide sale of Gulfstream aircraft.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
    Beginning in  1993,  the  Company  implemented  a  major  restructuring  and
refocusing  of its business  in order to  improve profitability, increase market
share and build  backlog. Theodore  J. Forstmann,  who assumed  the position  of
Chairman of the Company in November 1993, recruited a new senior management team
(including  over  20  senior  executives with  aviation  and  aerospace industry
experience) and established a five  member Management Committee, chaired by  Mr.
Forstmann  and comprised of  four other key  executives who share responsibility
for strategic decisions, management and  oversight of the Company's  operations.
In  addition,  Mr.  Forstmann  assembled  both  a  Board  of  Directors  and  an
International Advisory  Board comprised  of  prominent business  executives  and
senior  statesmen to counsel the  Company and assist in  its refocused sales and
operating initiatives.
 
    Under the  leadership of  Mr. Forstmann  and the  new management  team,  the
Company  (i)  recapitalized its  balance sheet,  thereby reducing  the Company's
annual interest expense by approximately $38 million, (ii) reduced the Company's
cost structure, yielding over  $50 million in  annual savings, while  increasing
the  Company's aircraft production rate, (iii) strengthened the Company's market
position  and  aircraft  order  growth,  resulting  in  a  contract  backlog  of
approximately  $3.0 billion  of revenues  and executed  contracts with financing
contingencies of approximately $295 million of potential revenues,  representing
total revenues and potential revenues of approximately $3.3 billion at September
30,  1996, (iv)  expanded and improved  the Company's product  offerings and (v)
increased the Company's completion order rate and expanded its worldwide service
and support business.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
    The most significant aspects of the restructuring were:
 
    RECAPITALIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION OF INTEREST EXPENSE
 
    In  late  1993,   a  partnership  formed   by  Forstmann  Little   exchanged
approximately  $469 million of the  Company's subordinated debentures (including
accrued interest) for  preferred stock,  thereby reducing  the Company's  annual
interest  expense by approximately $38 million. See "Certain Transactions -- The
Acquisition;  Subsequent  Events".  This  recapitalization  and  the   resulting
increase  in  cash flow  (together with  the  cost reductions  and manufacturing
efficiencies  discussed  below)  enabled  the  Company  to  dedicate  additional
resources to significantly enhance the design of the Gulfstream V, the Company's
new ultra-long range business jet.
 
    COST REDUCTIONS AND INCREASED PRODUCTION RATE
 
    The  Company initiated a  restructuring that significantly  reduced its cost
structure and  product  manufacturing  cycle times.  The  restructuring  program
included a voluntary reduction in the Company's work force of approximately 15%,
the  outsourcing of certain manufacturing activities, the renegotiation of major
supplier contracts  and  the  termination  of  certain  leases,  which,  in  the
aggregate,  have yielded over  $50 million in  annual savings. Additionally, the
Company has reduced final  assembly time of  an aircraft by  more than 50%  from
over  67 days to approximately 30 days  and has reduced aircraft completion time
from approximately 35  weeks to  approximately 21 weeks.  As a  result of  these
cycle  time reductions, the use of  common tooling and selected outsourcing, the
Company expects to increase its production rate from an average of 2.4  aircraft
per month in 1996 to an average of 3.5 to 4.0 aircraft per month in 1997.
 
    NEW MARKETING INITIATIVES AND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED BACKLOG
 
    The Company developed and implemented a new, proactive marketing strategy to
substantially broaden the markets for its products. In addition to the Company's
historical  practice of  targeting its existing  customer base,  the Company (a)
initiated an aggressive marketing campaign focused on companies and  individuals
that  have not previously owned  Gulfstream aircraft, (b) significantly expanded
international sales activities, (c) introduced its Gulfstream Shares-TM- program
and (d) offered its customers access to customized financing to support the sale
of new and pre-owned  Gulfstream aircraft. The Company  has also redirected  its
sales  and  marketing effort  to  focus on  high  level decision  makers through
increased  involvement  of  the  Company's  Board  of  Directors,  International
Advisory Board and senior management in the selling process and restructured its
sales  commission program  to more  effectively support  the Company's strategic
goals.
 
    As a result of these new marketing initiatives, the Company has  experienced
strong  growth  in  aircraft  orders  and  backlog  and  believes  that  it  has
substantially strengthened  its  market position.  At  September 30,  1996,  the
Company  had a contract  backlog of approximately $3.0  billion of revenues plus
executed contracts with financing contingencies of approximately $295 million of
potential revenues, representing a total of  69 contracts for Gulfstream Vs  and
30  contracts for Gulfstream IV-SPs.  Contracts with financing contingencies are
converted to backlog upon receipt of financing by the purchaser, which generally
occurs within 120  days. In  addition, at September  30, 1996,  the Company  had
letters  of intent with deposits for a total  of 1 Gulfstream V and 4 Gulfstream
IV-SPs,  representing  approximately  $140   million  of  additional   potential
revenues.  In total, approximately 50% of  the Gulfstream V contracts in backlog
have scheduled deliveries beyond 1997.
 
    EXPANDED PRODUCT OFFERINGS
 
    The Company  expanded its  product offerings  to provide  multiple  aircraft
products  in  contrast  to its  historical  strategy  of offering  only  one new
aircraft model at a time. In addition, the Company began marketing its  products
as  an integrated whole, offering  completion and worldwide maintenance services
and technical support for all Gulfstream aircraft. The Company's current product
offerings include the following:
 
    GULFSTREAM V.  The Company significantly enhanced the design and performance
characteristics of the Gulfstream V, which was in the early stage of development
in 1993,  and accelerated  the pace  of  its development.  The Gulfstream  V  is
targeted  at  the  market  for ultra-long  range  business  jet  aircraft (6,500
nautical miles) which is a new market segment for the business jet industry. The
Gulfstream V is in the advanced stages  of flight testing and is on schedule  to
obtain  certification by the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") in the last
quarter of 1996, at least
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
12 months prior to the targeted certification date of any other ultra-long range
business jet  aircraft.  The Company  believes  the Gulfstream  V  provides  the
longest range, fastest cruising speed and most technologically advanced avionics
of any ultra-long range business jet aircraft in operation.
 
    GULFSTREAM  IV-SP.   In 1993, the  Company introduced  the Gulfstream IV-SP,
which  offers  significantly  improved  performance  and  upgraded  avionics  as
compared  to its predecessor,  the Gulfstream IV. The  Company believes that the
Gulfstream IV-SP offers  the best combination  of large cabin  size, long  range
(4,220  nautical  miles),  fast  cruising  speed  and  technologically  advanced
avionics of any large business jet aircraft currently available.
 
    GULFSTREAM SHARES-TM-.  In 1995,  the Company introduced a Gulfstream  IV-SP
fractional  share ownership program (Gulfstream  Shares-TM-) in conjunction with
Executive  Jet  International,  Inc.'s  ("EJI")  NetJets-Registered   Trademark-
Program.   Gulfstream  Shares-TM-  provides  customers   with  the  benefits  of
Gulfstream aircraft ownership at a  substantially lower cost than full  aircraft
ownership  and significantly increases the Company's potential customer base. To
date, the  Company  has  contracted  to  deliver  16  Gulfstream  IV-SPs  and  2
Gulfstream  Vs to  EJI in  connection with  this program,  8 of  which have been
delivered and 10 of which will be delivered through 1999. EJI also has an option
to purchase 5 additional Gulfstream IV-SPs in 1998.
 
    PRE-OWNED GULFSTREAM AIRCRAFT.   The  Company assembled  a new,  experienced
management  team for  its pre-owned aircraft  sales operations  and introduced a
number  of  initiatives  that  have  enhanced  the  marketability  of  pre-owned
Gulfstream   aircraft.  See   "Business--Principal  Products--Premium  Pre-Owned
Gulfstream Aircraft and Other Pre-Owned Aircraft". In addition, the Company  has
been  successful in using pre-owned Gulfstream aircraft as a significant tool to
expand the Company's potential market and to compete against other manufacturers
of lower priced, new aircraft products. As a result of the Company's competitive
success in marketing pre-owned aircraft,  the Company has reduced its  inventory
of  pre-owned aircraft  available for  sale to  approximately $23.6  million and
$35.0 million  as of  June 30,  1995 and  1996, respectively,  as compared  with
approximately $125.8 million at October 31, 1993.
 
    IMPROVED COMPLETION, SERVICE AND SUPPORT
 
    The   Company's  new   marketing  strategy   has  resulted   in  substantial
improvements  in  the  Company's   completion  business.  Gulfstream   currently
completes  approximately 95% of all new Gulfstream aircraft sold to customers as
compared to 70%  in 1990. Further,  the Company has  significantly expanded  its
worldwide  maintenance services  and technical support  for Gulfstream aircraft,
including opening a new 200,000 square  foot service center in 1996 to  increase
its  ability  to provide  high quality  service  to Gulfstream  customers. These
service and  support  activities  provide  the  Company  with  ongoing  customer
contact,  which  the  Company  believes enhances  its  opportunity  to  sell new
aircraft to existing service and support customers.
 
    SUCCESSFUL CO-PRODUCTION OF GULFSTREAM V AND GULFSTREAM IV-SP AIRCRAFT
 
    The Company is currently manufacturing both the Gulfstream V and  Gulfstream
IV-SP. Upon FAA certification of the Gulfstream V, which is expected to occur in
the  last  quarter  of 1996,  the  Company  will begin  delivering  Gulfstream V
aircraft to customers.  Given the Company's  increased manufacturing volume  and
large  backlog of  orders, the  Company expects to  deliver aircraft  in 1997 at
rates substantially in excess of those experienced in the recent past.  Assuming
FAA  certification in the last  quarter of 1996, the  Company expects to deliver
approximately 46 new  aircraft in  1997, including  19 Gulfstream  IV-SP and  27
Gulfstream  V aircraft, representing a 59%  increase over the Company's expected
deliveries in 1996.
 
    Certain partnerships  formed  by  Forstmann Little  (the  "Forstmann  Little
Partnerships")  own substantially all  of the shares  of the Company's currently
outstanding common stock (87.1% of the  common stock on a fully diluted  basis).
Shares  of Common Stock to be sold pursuant to the Offerings will be sold by the
Company and by the  Forstmann Little Partnerships, as  well as by certain  other
holders  of the Company's common stock and certain option holders (collectively,
the Forstmann Little Partnerships and such  holders of common stock and  options
are  the "Selling Stockholders").  After the consummation  of the Offerings, the
Forstmann Little Partnerships will beneficially  own approximately 49.4% of  the
Common Stock (45.4% on a fully diluted basis) or 42.5% (39.4% on a fully diluted
basis),  assuming that the Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in
full. See  "Certain  Transactions --  The  Acquisition; Subsequent  Events"  and
"Principal and Selling Stockholders".
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                               THE OFFERINGS (1)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>
Common Stock offered by the
 Company: (2)
  United States Offering........  3,647,280 shares
  International Offering........  911,820 shares
    Total.......................  4,559,100 shares
 
Common Stock offered by the
 Selling Stockholders: (2)
  United States Offering........  25,952,720 shares
  International Offering........  6,488,180 shares
    Total.......................  32,440,900 shares
 
Common Stock to be outstanding
 after the Offerings............  73,181,016 shares (2)(3)
 
Use of proceeds by the Company..  Together  with proceeds  of $400  million from  new bank borrowings,
                                  proceeds of expected stock option  exercises in connection with  the
                                  Offerings,  and funds  generated from operations,  to repurchase the
                                  outstanding Series A  7% cumulative preferred  stock of the  Company
                                  (the  "7% Cumulative  Preferred Stock")  at its  stated value  for a
                                  purchase price of $450 million,  plus approximately $7.9 million  of
                                  unpaid  dividends, to repay  outstanding indebtedness under existing
                                  credit facilities (which was $119.8 million at June 30, 1996) and to
                                  pay the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the  Offerings
                                  and  the refinancing of the Company's indebtedness. The Company will
                                  not receive  any of  the proceeds  from the  sale of  shares by  the
                                  Selling Stockholders. See "Use of Proceeds".
 
NYSE symbol.....................  GAC
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
(1) The offering of 29,600,000 shares of Common Stock initially being offered in
    the United States (the "U.S. Offering") and the offering of 7,400,000 shares
    of  Common  Stock initially  being offered  outside  the United  States (the
    "International Offering") are collectively  referred to as the  "Offerings".
    The  underwriters for  the U.S. Offering  (the "U.S.  Underwriters") and the
    underwriters   for   the   International   Offering   (the    "International
    Underwriters") are collectively referred to as the "Underwriters".
 
(2) Assumes that the Underwriters' over-allotment options are not exercised. See
    "Underwriting".
 
(3) Includes  3,218,589 shares of Common Stock  to be issued simultaneously with
    or immediately prior to the consummation  of the Offerings upon exercise  of
    outstanding  stock options, which shares will be sold in the Offerings. Does
    not include  6,436,734  shares  issuable upon  the  exercise  of  additional
    outstanding stock options. See "Management -- Stock Options".
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    Prospective  purchasers of  the Common  Stock should  carefully consider the
factors set forth  under "Risk  Factors" as well  as the  other information  set
forth in this Prospectus.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The summary historical financial information presented below, except the pro
forma  financial information, is derived from the Company's Financial Statements
as of the date and for  the periods indicated. The summary historical  financial
statements  for the  years ended December  31, 1993,  1994 and 1995  and the six
months ended June 30, 1995 and  1996 and pro forma financial information  should
be  read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and
the   related   notes   thereto   included   elsewhere   in   this   Prospectus,
"Capitalization",  "Selected  Financial  Data", "Pro  Forma  Condensed Financial
Information", "Management's Discussion and  Analysis of Financial Condition  and
Results  of Operations", "Business --  Business Strategy -- Recapitalization and
Significant Reduction of Interest Expense"  and "Description of Capital  Stock".
In  the six months  ended June 30,  1996, 3 fewer  green aircraft were delivered
than were in the same period in 1995  as a result of the delivery in early  1995
of  3 units  which were  produced in  late 1994.  In addition,  beginning in the
fourth quarter  of 1995,  the  Company dedicated  a  portion of  its  production
capacity  to the manufacture of  Gulfstream Vs which the  Company will not begin
delivering to customers until after FAA certification, which is expected in  the
fourth quarter of 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                           30,
                                                  -------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                                    1991       1992       1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues....................................  $ 887,234  $ 900,419  $ 887,113  $  901,638  $1,041,514  $  474,884  $  458,672
Gross profit....................................    138,681    175,865    149,752     191,084     205,967      96,862     103,831
Restructuring charge............................                          203,911(1)
Interest expense................................     72,679     61,235     48,940      20,686      18,704       9,945       7,166
Income (loss) from operations...................     21,254      9,528   (226,773)     43,883      42,090      16,358      14,932
Net income (loss)...............................    (49,728)   (49,572)  (275,227)     23,564      28,894       7,839      15,359
Pro forma net income (loss) per share (2).......                                               $      .18  $     (.02) $      .08
Pro forma common shares outstanding (2).........                                                   78,414      78,414      78,414
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Working capital.................................  $ 248,974  $ 268,881  $ 302,369  $  301,913  $  356,976  $  322,261  $  232,508
Total assets....................................    991,841    945,433    799,470     745,761     981,253     823,861   1,159,371
Total debt (3)..................................    719,500    670,258    206,145(4)    178,145    146,331    172,863     119,798
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) (3)........    (27,191)   (26,700)   164,395     188,950     217,540     196,789     123,103
 
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and amortization...................  $  49,687  $  52,374  $  47,866  $   24,151  $   23,094  $   11,530  $   12,242
Research and development expense................      9,555     36,295     47,990      57,438      63,098      34,076      34,746
Stock option compensation expense...............                                                                            5,200
 
OPERATING DATA:
Units delivered during period:
  Gulfstream IV/IV-SP...........................         28         25         26          22          26          14          11
Units ordered during period:
  Gulfstream IV/IV-SP...........................         31         26         26          25          30          17          15
  Gulfstream V..................................          0          8         17          16          12           5          12
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total orders..................................         31         34         43          41          42          22          27
Units in backlog at end of period:
  Gulfstream IV/IV-SP(5)........................          5          3          3           3           7           6          11
  Gulfstream V(6)...............................          0          8         24          40          50          45          62
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total backlog (in units)(7)...................          5         11         27          43          57          51          73
Estimated backlog (in thousands) (7)(8).........  $ 124,225  $ 362,466  $ 897,747  $1,473,772  $1,938,315  $1,731,532  $2,496,061
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 
(1)  The  Company recorded  a charge  for  a restructuring  plan based  upon the
    Company's reassessment of its business plan  and its products from which  it
    has  realized improved operating efficiencies,  reduced costs, and increased
    overall profitability. See  Note 2 to  the Company's Consolidated  Financial
    Statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
(2)  Pro forma net income  (loss) per share amounts  are calculated based on the
    pro forma net income, after giving  effect to the 1996 Recapitalization  and
    the  Offerings, divided by  the pro forma weighted  average number of common
    and common equivalent shares outstanding assuming the 1996  Recapitalization
    shares and the shares sold in the Offerings were outstanding for all periods
    reported.  For  information regarding  the pro  forma  data, see  "Pro Forma
    Condensed Financial Information" on pages 18 and 19 and "Capitalization"  on
    page 16. Due to the change in the Company's capital structure to be effected
    with  the 1996 Recapitalization, historical share and per share data for all
    periods is not relevant and therefore is not presented.
 
(3) Total debt and stockholders' equity (deficit) does not include the impact of
    the 1996 Recapitalization of the Company to be effected immediately prior to
    or  simultaneously   with   the   consummation   of   the   Offerings.   See
    "Capitalization".
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
(4)  During November  1993, the Company  converted $469  million of subordinated
    debentures (including accrued interest) to 7% Cumulative Preferred Stock  in
    connection  with  the  1993  recapitalization.  See  "Business  --  Business
    Strategy -- Recapitalization and Significant Reduction of Interest  Expense"
    and "Certain Transactions -- The Acquisition; Subsequent Events".
 
(5)  Net of 3 cancellations in each of  1992 and 1994, which generally relate to
    orders placed in prior years.
 
(6) Net  of cancellations  of 1  and 2  in 1993  and 1995,  respectively,  which
    generally  relate to orders placed in prior years. As of June 30, 1996, only
    3 Gulfstream V contracts had been cancelled,  2 of which were the result  of
    declines  in the business performance  of the customer and  one of which was
    the result of adverse economic conditions in a foreign country.
 
(7) At September 30, 1996, the  Company had a contract backlog of  approximately
    $3.0   billion   of  revenues   plus   executed  contracts   with  financing
    contingencies  of  approximately   $295  million   of  potential   revenues,
    representing  a total  of 69 contracts  for Gulfstream Vs  (2 with financing
    contingencies) and  30 contracts  for Gulfstream  IV-SPs (8  with  financing
    contingencies).  In addition, at September 30, 1996, the Company had letters
    of intent with  deposits for  a total  of 1  Gulfstream V  and 4  Gulfstream
    IV-SPs,  representing  approximately  $140 million  of  additional potential
    revenues.
 
(8) Backlog includes only those orders for which the Company has entered into  a
    purchase  contract with a customer and has received a significant (generally
    non-refundable) deposit  from  the customer.  Not  included in  backlog  are
    executed  contracts subject to financing  contingencies, options and letters
    of intent for which definitive agreements have not yet been executed, which,
    at June  30,  1996, represented  approximately  $350 million  of  additional
    potential revenues.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    IN  ADDITION  TO THE  OTHER INFORMATION  IN  THIS PROSPECTUS,  THE FOLLOWING
FACTORS SHOULD  BE  CONSIDERED  CAREFULLY  IN EVALUATING  THE  COMPANY  AND  ITS
BUSINESS BEFORE PURCHASING THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.
 
GULFSTREAM V CERTIFICATION AND PRODUCTION
    The  Gulfstream  V  is a  new  aircraft product  that  is still  in  the FAA
certification process. Neither the  Gulfstream V nor its  BMW Rolls Royce  BR710
engines  have yet been delivered to customers. The Gulfstream V has successfully
passed the FAA tests administered to date as part of its certification  process.
The  BR710 engine has been  certified by the Joint  Aviation Authorities and the
FAA. While the Company believes that  the Gulfstream V is currently on  schedule
to  obtain FAA certification  in the last  quarter of 1996,  no assurance can be
given that certification will occur as scheduled or that changes in FAA policies
or procedures will not delay certification.
 
    An extended delay  in the  FAA certification  process may  have a  near-term
adverse  effect on the  Company's results of operations.  In addition, while the
Company generally  receives  non-refundable  deposits in  connection  with  each
order,  an  order may  be  cancelled (and  the  deposit returned)  under certain
conditions if the delivery of the Gulfstream  V is delayed more than six  months
after  a  customer's  scheduled delivery  date.  An  extended delay  in  the FAA
certification process could cause an increase in the number of cancellations  of
orders  for Gulfstream Vs, which  could have an adverse  effect on the Company's
results of operations.
 
    In contrast to its historical practice of discontinuing existing models, the
Company will continue to manufacture and sell Gulfstream IV-SPs at the same time
that it manufactures and sells  Gulfstream Vs. Concurrently with its  production
of  Gulfstream  IV-SPs, the  Company had  produced  6 Gulfstream  Vs, and  had 3
additional Gulfstream Vs in the final  stage of production, as of September  30,
1996. The Company expects to increase its production rate from an average of 2.4
aircraft  per month in  1996 to an average  of 3.5 to 4.0  aircraft per month in
1997. No  assurance can  be given  as to  the extent  to which  the Company  can
successfully increase its rate of production.
 
THE BUSINESS JET AIRCRAFT MARKET
    The Company's principal business is the design, development, manufacture and
marketing  of large and  ultra-long range business jet  aircraft. Because of the
high unit  selling  price of  its  aircraft  products and  the  availability  of
commercial  airlines and  charters as  alternative means  of business  travel, a
downturn in  general economic  conditions could  result in  a reduction  in  the
orders  received by the Company for its  new and pre-owned aircraft. The Company
would not be able to  rely on sales of other  products to offset a reduction  in
sales  of  its aircraft.  If a  potential purchaser  is experiencing  a business
downturn or is  otherwise seeking to  limit its capital  expenditures, the  high
unit  selling price of a new Gulfstream  aircraft could result in such potential
purchaser deferring  its purchase  or changing  its operating  requirements  and
electing  to purchase  a competitor's lower  priced aircraft.  Since the Company
relies on the sales of a relatively small number of high unit selling price  new
aircraft  (42  new contracts  signed,  and 26  aircraft  delivered, in  1995) to
provide approximately 55% to 65% of its revenues, small decreases in the  number
of  aircraft delivered in any  year could have a  material adverse effect on the
results of operations for that year.
 
    The Company believes that its reputation and the exemplary safety record  of
its  aircraft  are important  selling points  for  new and  pre-owned Gulfstream
aircraft. The  Company  designs its  aircraft  with back-up  systems  for  major
functions  and appropriate safety margins for structural components. However, if
one or a number of catastrophic events were to occur with the Gulfstream  fleet,
Gulfstream's  reputation  and sales  of Gulfstream  aircraft could  be adversely
affected.
 
    In many cases, the Company has  agreed to accept, at the customer's  option,
the  customer's pre-owned aircraft as a trade-in in connection with the purchase
of a Gulfstream V.  In connection with orders for 28 Gulfstream V aircraft,  the
Company  has  offered  customers  trade-in  options (which  may  or  may  not be
exercised)  pursuant  to  which  the  Company  will  accept  trade-in   aircraft
(primarily Gulfstream IVs and
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
Gulfstream  IV-SPs) at a guaranteed  minimum trade-in price. See  Note 14 to the
Company's  Consolidated  Financial   Statements  included   elsewhere  in   this
Prospectus.  Based on  the current  market for  pre-owned aircraft,  the Company
expects to continue to be able to  resell such pre-owned aircraft, and does  not
expect  to suffer a loss with respect to the possible trade-in of such aircraft.
However, an increased level of pre-owned  aircraft or changes in the market  for
pre-owned  aircraft may increase the Company's inventory costs and may result in
the Company receiving lower prices for its pre-owned aircraft.
 
    The market for large cabin business jet aircraft is highly competitive.  The
Gulfstream  IV-SP  competes  in the  large  cabin business  jet  aircraft market
segment, principally with Dassault Aviation S.A. (which recently announced  that
it  will merge  with Aerospatiale  SA) and  Bombardier Inc.  ("Bombardier"). The
Gulfstream V  competes in  the  ultra-long range  business jet  aircraft  market
segment, primarily with the Global Express, which is being marketed by Canadair,
a subsidiary of Bombardier, and which is scheduled for certification at least 12
months  after the anticipated initial delivery of the Gulfstream V. In addition,
in July  1996,  The  Boeing  Company ("Boeing"),  in  partnership  with  General
Electric Co., publicly announced that it intends to begin to market a version of
the  Boeing 737 into the ultra-long  range business jet aircraft market segment.
Boeing has indicated that it expects  that this aircraft could be available  for
delivery  in late  1998 or  1999. The Company's  competitors may  have access to
greater resources (including, in certain cases, governmental subsidies) than are
available to  the  Company. The  Company  believes, however,  that  it  competes
favorably  with its competitors on the  basis of the performance characteristics
of its aircraft, the  quality, range and timeliness  of the service it  provides
and  its innovative  marketing techniques,  and that  it has  the leading market
share in both the large cabin and ultra-long range business jet aircraft  market
segments.
 
    The  Company's ability to  remain pre-eminent in the  large business jet and
ultra-long range  business jet  aircraft  markets over  the long  term  requires
continued  technological  and performance  enhancements to  Gulfstream aircraft.
Although the Company believes that the Gulfstream IV-SP and the Gulfstream V are
currently the most  advanced aircraft in  the marketplace, no  assurance can  be
given  that  the Company's  competitors  will not  be  able to  produce aircraft
capable of  performance comparable  or superior  to Gulfstream  aircraft in  the
future.
 
PURCHASED MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Approximately  70% of the production costs  of both the Gulfstream IV-SP and
the Gulfstream  V  consist  of  materials and  equipment  purchased  from  other
manufacturers.  While  the  Company's  production  activities  have  never  been
materially affected by its inability to obtain components, and while the Company
maintains business interruption insurance  in the event  that such a  disruption
should  occur,  the failure  of the  Company's suppliers  to meet  the Company's
performance  specifications,  quality  standards,  pricing  terms  or   delivery
schedules  could  have a  material adverse  impact on  the profitability  of the
Company's new aircraft sales or the ability of the Company to timely deliver new
aircraft to customers. The Company works  closely with its suppliers to  procure
materials  on a timely basis that  meet Gulfstream's high quality standards. See
"Business -- Materials and Components".
 
POSSIBLE FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL RESULTS
 
    The Company records revenue from the  sale of a new "green" aircraft  (i.e.,
before  exterior painting  and installation  of customer  selected interiors and
optional avionics) when that aircraft is delivered to the customer. As a result,
a delay  or an  acceleration in  the delivery  of new  aircraft may  affect  the
Company's   revenues   for  a   particular  quarter   or   year  and   may  make
quarter-to-quarter or  year-to-year  comparisons  difficult.  In  addition,  the
Company's  production schedule may be affected by many factors, including timing
of deliveries  by suppliers.  Accordingly, the  prevailing market  price of  the
Common  Stock could be subject to fluctuations  in response to variations in the
Company's production and delivery schedules. See " -- Gulfstream V Certification
and Production",  "  -- Purchased  Materials  and Equipment"  and  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of  Operations --
Quarterly Results".
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
PENDING TAX AUDIT
 
    The Company  is involved  in a  tax audit  by the  Internal Revenue  Service
covering  the years ended December 31, 1990 and 1991. The revenue agent's report
includes several  proposed adjustments  involving the  deductibility of  certain
compensation  expense and items relating to the capitalization of the Company as
well as the allocation of the purchase price in connection with the  Acquisition
(as  defined below), including the treatment of advance payments with respect to
and the cost of aircraft that were in backlog at the time of the Acquisition and
the amortization of amounts allocated to intangible assets. The Company believes
that the ultimate resolution  of these issues will  not have a material  adverse
effect  on  its financial  statements because  the financial  statements already
reflect what the  Company currently  believes is  the expected  loss of  benefit
arising  from  the  resolution of  these  issues. However,  because  the revenue
agent's report is proposing adjustments in amounts materially in excess of  what
the  Company has reflected in  its financial statements and  because it may take
several years  to resolve  the  disputed matters,  the  ultimate extent  of  the
Company's  expected loss of benefit and  liability with respect to these matters
cannot be  predicted with  certainty and  no  assurance can  be given  that  the
Company's  financial position  or results  of operations  will not  be adversely
affected.
 
LEVERAGE AND DEBT SERVICE; RESTRICTIONS ON PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS
 
    Pursuant to  a commitment  letter,  dated August  9, 1996  (the  "Commitment
Letter"),  The Chase Manhattan Bank ("Chase") and Chase Securities, Inc., as the
arranger ("CSI"), have committed to provide a $650 million credit facility  (the
"Bank  Facility") to  Gulfstream Delaware  Corporation, the  principal operating
subsidiary of the Company ("Gulfstream Delaware"), under a new credit  agreement
(the  "Credit Agreement") to be entered  into simultaneously with the closing of
the Offerings. The facility  under the Credit Agreement  will consist of a  $400
million term loan (the "Term Loan Facility") and a $250 million revolving credit
facility  (the  "Revolving  Credit Facility").  Gulfstream  Delaware  expects to
borrow and use approximately  $400 million under the  Credit Agreement to  fund,
along  with the proceeds of the sale of shares of Common Stock by the Company in
the  Offerings  and  funds  generated  by  operations,  (i)  the  repayment   of
outstanding  indebtedness under the Company's  existing credit facilities (which
was $119.8 million  at June 30,  1996), (ii)  the payment of  fees and  expenses
incurred  in connection with the Offerings  and the refinancing of the Company's
indebtedness and (iii) the  repurchase of all of  the outstanding shares of  the
Company's  7% Cumulative  Preferred Stock for  a purchase price  of $450 million
(plus approximately $7.9 million of unpaid dividends). As a result, the  Company
will  be more leveraged after the Offerings.  On a pro forma basis, after giving
effect to  the Offerings,  the borrowings  under the  Credit Agreement  and  the
application of the net proceeds thereof as described under "Use of Proceeds", at
June   30,  1996,  the  Company's   long-term  indebtedness  (including  current
maturities of $13.3 million) would have been $400 million. See  "Capitalization"
and "Description of Credit Agreement".
 
    The   degree  to  which  the  Company  is  leveraged  could  have  important
consequences to  holders  of Common  Stock,  including the  following:  (i)  the
Company's  ability  to obtain  additional financing  in  the future  for working
capital,  capital  expenditures,  product  development,  acquisitions,   general
corporate  purposes or  other purposes  may be impaired;  (ii) a  portion of the
Company's and its subsidiaries' cash flow  from operations must be dedicated  to
the  payment of  the principal  of and interest  on its  indebtedness; (iii) the
Credit Agreement  will  contain  certain  restrictive  financial  and  operating
covenants, including, among others, requirements that Gulfstream satisfy certain
financial  ratios; (iv) a significant portion of Gulfstream's borrowings will be
at floating rates of interest, causing Gulfstream to be vulnerable to  increases
in  interest  rates; (v)  the  Company's degree  of  leverage may  make  it more
vulnerable in a downturn in general economic conditions; and (vi) the  Company's
financial  position may limit its flexibility in responding to changing business
and economic conditions.
 
    The Company is a holding company with no operations or assets other than the
stock of its subsidiaries. As a  result, the Company's ability to pay  dividends
on  its Common Stock  is dependent upon  the ability of  its subsidiaries to pay
cash dividends or make other  distributions. The Credit Agreement will  restrict
the ability of the Company's subsidiaries to pay cash dividends or to make other
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
distributions  and, accordingly,  will limit the  ability of the  Company to pay
cash dividends to its  stockholders. The borrowings  under the Credit  Agreement
will  be guaranteed by the  Company and certain of  its subsidiaries and will be
secured by a pledge of the stock  of certain of the Company's subsidiaries.  See
"Dividend Policy" and "Description of Credit Agreement".
 
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS; LIMITATIONS ON CHANGE OF CONTROL; BENEFITS TO
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
    After  the consummation of the  Offerings, the Forstmann Little Partnerships
will beneficially own approximately 49.4% of the Common Stock (45.4% on a  fully
diluted  basis) or  42.5% (39.4%  on a fully  diluted basis),  assuming that the
Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in full. After the Offerings,
it is expected that  the Fortsmann Little Partnerships  will continue to be  the
largest stockholders of the Company and, collectively, are likely to continue to
be  able to control the election of the entire Board of Directors of the Company
and, in general, to determine the outcome of any corporate transaction or  other
matter   submitted  to   the  stockholders  for   approval,  including  mergers,
consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets,
and to prevent or cause  a change in control  of the Company. See  "Management",
"Principal and Selling Stockholders" and "Description of Credit Agreement".
 
    The  Company's  Restated Certificate  of  Incorporation and  By-laws contain
provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an
acquisition proposal for the Company. The Restated Certificate of  Incorporation
and  By-laws  of the  Company, among  other  things, (i)  classify the  Board of
Directors into  three  classes, with  directors  of  each class  serving  for  a
staggered three-year period, (ii) provide that directors may be removed only for
cause  and only upon the affirmative vote of  the holders of at least a majority
of the outstanding shares  of Common Stock entitled  to vote for such  directors
and  (iii) permit the Board of Directors (but not the Company's stockholders) to
fill vacancies and  newly created  directorships on the  Board. Such  provisions
would  make the removal of incumbent directors more difficult and time-consuming
and may have the effect of discouraging a tender offer or other takeover attempt
not previously approved by the Board of Directors. Under the Company's  Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors of the Company also has the
authority  to issue up  to 20,000,000 shares  of preferred stock  in one or more
series and to fix the powers, preferences and rights of any such series  without
stockholder  approval. The Board  of Directors could,  therefore, issue, without
stockholder approval, preferred stock  with voting and  other rights that  could
adversely  affect the voting power of the holders of Common Stock and could make
it more  difficult  for a  third  party to  gain  control of  the  Company.  See
"Description of Capital Stock".
 
    The  Company intends to use  a portion of the  proceeds it receives from the
sale of  shares in  the Offerings,  together with  borrowings under  the  Credit
Agreement  and  funds  generated  from  operations,  to  repurchase  all  of the
outstanding 7%  Cumulative Preferred  Stock  from one  of the  Forstmann  Little
Partnerships  for  a purchase  price of  $450  million, plus  approximately $7.9
million of  unpaid  dividends. See  "Certain  Transactions --  The  Acquisition;
Subsequent Events". In connection with the Offerings, 3,218,589 shares of Common
Stock  will  be  issued  upon  the  exercise  of  outstanding  stock  options by
approximately  280  current  and  former  employees,  directors,  advisors   and
consultants  of the  Company for  an aggregate  exercise price  of approximately
$12.5 million, which shares will be sold in the Offerings for aggregate proceeds
of approximately $73.0  million (net of  underwriting discounts);  approximately
one-half  of such  shares will be  issued to  and sold by  current directors and
executive officers of the Company. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders".
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE; REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
    Sales  of  a  substantial  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock  after  the
consummation of the Offerings could adversely affect the prevailing market price
of  the Common Stock. Upon  the consummation of the  Offerings, the Company will
have  outstanding  73,181,016  shares  of  Common  Stock,  including  36,181,015
outstanding  shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by existing stockholders.
Of these shares, the 37,000,000 shares sold in the Offerings (42,500,000 if  the
Underwriters'  over-allotment  options are  exercised  in full)  will  be freely
transferable in the public  market or otherwise  without restriction or  further
registration  under  the Securities  Act of  1933,  as amended  (the "Securities
Act"),
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
unless purchased by an  "affiliate" of the  Company as that  term is defined  in
Rule  144  under  the  Securities  Act  (an  "Affiliate").  Shares  purchased by
Affiliates will  be subject  to the  resale limitations  of Rule  144 under  the
Securities  Act. The Company and the Selling Stockholders (who will beneficially
own 36,181,015 outstanding shares immediately following the consummation of  the
Offerings)  have agreed  with the Underwriters  not to offer,  sell or otherwise
dispose of any shares of Common Stock for a period of 180 days after the date of
this Prospectus without the prior written consent of the representatives of  the
Underwriters  except,  in the  case of  such  Selling Stockholders,  for certain
transfers to immediate family  members, trusts for the  benefit of such  Selling
Stockholder  and  his  or  her  immediate  family,  charitable  foundations  and
controlled entities  so  long  as the  transferee  agrees  to be  bound  by  the
foregoing   restrictions.  Following  expiration  or  waiver  of  the  foregoing
restrictions on dispositions,  36,160,707 shares  of Common Stock  owned by  the
Forstmann  Little Partnerships will be available for sale into the public market
pursuant to  Rule 144  (including the  volume and  other limitations  set  forth
therein)  and could impair the Company's future ability to raise capital through
an offering of equity securities. In addition, pursuant to a registration rights
agreement  (the   "Registration  Rights   Agreement"),  the   Forstmann   Little
Partnerships  have the right, under certain circumstances and subject to certain
conditions, to require the Company to  effect up to six registrations under  the
Securities  Act, covering all or any portion  of the shares of Common Stock held
by them.  In addition,  whenever the  Company proposes  to register  any of  its
securities  under the Securities Act, the  Forstmann Little Partnerships and the
holders of the Company's outstanding stock options (pursuant to the stock option
agreements under which such options were granted) have the right, under  certain
circumstances and subject to certain conditions, to include their shares (or any
security  convertible into or  exercisable or exchangeable  for Common Stock) in
such registration. The  Company is generally  required to pay  all the  expenses
(other  than  the expenses  of  optionholders) associated  with  these offerings
(other than underwriting discounts and commissions). See "Principal and  Selling
Stockholders",  "Description of Capital  Stock" and "Shares  Eligible for Future
Sale".
 
ABSENCE OF PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET
 
    Prior to the consummation of the Offerings, there has been no public  market
for  the Common Stock.  There can be  no assurance that  market prices after the
consummation of the Offerings will equal  or exceed the initial public  offering
price  set  forth on  the  cover page  of  this Prospectus.  The  initial public
offering price has been determined by negotiation among the Company, the Selling
Stockholders and the  Underwriters based  upon several  factors and  may not  be
indicative  of the market price for  the Common Stock following the consummation
of the Offerings. See "Underwriting".
 
DILUTION
 
    Persons purchasing  shares  of Common  Stock  in the  Offerings  will  incur
immediate  and substantial  dilution in  net tangible  book value  of $28.48 per
share. See "Dilution".
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                  THE COMPANY
GENERAL
 
    Gulfstream  is  recognized  worldwide  as  a  leading  designer,  developer,
manufacturer  and marketer of the most technologically advanced intercontinental
business jet aircraft.  Since 1966,  when the  Company created  the large  cabin
business  jet category with  the introduction of the  Gulfstream II, the Company
has dominated this market segment, capturing  a cumulative market share of  60%.
The Company has manufactured and sold over 950 large business aircraft since the
introduction of the Gulfstream product line in 1958.
 
    Gulfstream  is  the  ultimate  successor  to  a  business  (the "Predecessor
Business") established by Grumman  Aerospace ("Grumman") in  1956. In 1978,  the
Predecessor  Business was acquired  by a group  of investors headed  by Allen E.
Paulson, the then  Chairman of  the Predecessor  Business. Chrysler  Corporation
("Chrysler")  acquired  the Predecessor  Business in  1985.  In March  1990, the
Gulfstream business was  acquired (the "Acquisition")  from Chrysler by  certain
partnerships formed by Forstmann Little.
 
    The  Company's product line originated in 1958, with the introduction of the
Gulfstream I, and continued with the introduction of the Gulfstream II in  1966,
the  Gulfstream III in 1979, the Gulfstream  IV in 1983, the Gulfstream IV-SP in
1993 and the Gulfstream V, deliveries of which are expected to begin in the last
quarter of 1996. Only the Gulfstream IV-SP and the Gulfstream V are currently in
production.
 
    The Company was  incorporated under  the laws of  the State  of Delaware  in
1990.  The mailing address of the principal  executive offices of the Company is
P.O. Box  2206,  500 Gulfstream  Road,  Savannah, Georgia  31402-2206,  and  the
telephone  number of  the Company is  (912) 965-3000. The  Company has operating
subsidiaries with facilities in Savannah, Georgia; Brunswick, Georgia;  Bethany,
Oklahoma; Long Beach, California; and Mexicali, Mexico.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The  net  proceeds to  be received  by  the Company  from the  Offerings are
estimated  to   be  approximately   $100  million   after  deducting   estimated
underwriting  discounts and other  expenses. The Company intends  to use the net
proceeds of the Offerings,  together with $400 million  of borrowings under  the
Company's  new Credit Agreement, proceeds of  expected stock option exercises in
connection with  the  Offerings  (discussed below),  and  funds  generated  from
operations,  to repurchase  all of the  outstanding shares of  the 7% Cumulative
Preferred Stock for a  purchase price of $450  million, plus approximately  $7.9
million  of  unpaid  dividends,  to  repay  outstanding  indebtedness  under the
Company's existing credit facilities (which was $119.8 million at June 30, 1996)
and to pay fees and expenses incurred  in connection with the Offerings and  the
refinancing  of the Company's indebtedness. The  indebtedness to be repaid under
the Company's existing facilities: (i) in the case of the 1990 term loan portion
of such facilities, is payable in quarterly installments through March 1997  and
at  June 30, 1996 bore interest  at 7.57% per annum and  (ii) in the case of the
1993 term loan, is payable in two equal installments in September 1997 and March
1998 and at  June 30, 1996  bore interest at  8.69% per annum.  No amounts  were
outstanding under the revolving credit facility at June 30, 1996.
 
    The  Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares of
Common Stock  by the  Selling Stockholders.  In connection  with the  Offerings,
certain  current and  former directors  and employees  of, and  advisors to, the
Company are expected to  exercise stock options to  purchase, in the  aggregate,
approximately 3,218,589 shares of Common Stock from the Company for an aggregate
exercise  price of approximately $12.5 million;  all of such shares are expected
to be sold by such Selling Stockholders in the Offerings.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
    The following summary  table sets forth  the estimated sources  and uses  of
funds in connection with the 1996 Recapitalization and the Offerings:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOURCES OF FUNDS:                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>
Credit Agreement.....................................................   $  400,000
Proceeds to the Company of the Offerings (net of estimated
 underwriting discounts).............................................      103,400
Proceeds from exercise of stock options..............................       12,477
Available cash.......................................................       73,796
                                                                       --------------
                                                                        $  589,673
                                                                       --------------
                                                                       --------------
 
USES OF FUNDS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase of 7% Cumulative Preferred Stock..........................   $  450,000
Payment of unpaid dividends on 7% Cumulative Preferred Stock.........        7,875(1)
Repayment of indebtedness under existing credit facilities...........      119,798(1)
Fees and expenses related to the Offerings and the refinancing of
 indebtedness........................................................       12,000
                                                                       --------------
                                                                        $  589,673
                                                                       --------------
                                                                       --------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 
(1)  On September 30, 1996, the Company  paid accrued dividends of $7,875,000 on
    the 7% Cumulative Preferred Stock and repaid approximately $13.3 million  of
    indebtedness under existing credit facilities, as scheduled. The outstanding
    7%  Cumulative Preferred Stock will continue to accrue dividends until it is
    repurchased pursuant to the 1996 Recapitalization.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The Company has never paid cash dividends  on its common stock and does  not
anticipate  paying  such  dividends  in the  foreseeable  future.  As  a holding
company, the  ability of  the Company  to pay  dividends is  dependent upon  the
ability   of  its  subsidiaries   to  pay  cash  dividends   or  to  make  other
distributions. The Credit Agreement will  restrict the ability of the  Company's
subsidiaries to pay cash dividends or to make other distributions to the Company
and, accordingly, will limit the ability of the Company to pay cash dividends to
its  stockholders. See "Description  of Credit Agreement".  Any determination to
pay cash dividends  in the future  will be  at the discretion  of the  Company's
Board  of Directors  and will depend  upon the Company's  results of operations,
financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed  relevant
at that time by the Company's Board of Directors.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The  following  table  sets  forth the  consolidated  capitalization  of the
Company and its subsidiaries as of June  30, 1996, (i) on an actual basis,  (ii)
on  a pro forma basis, for the 1996 Recapitalization, after giving effect to (a)
the borrowing  of  $400 million  under  the Term  Loan  Facility of  the  Credit
Agreement,  (b) the repurchase  of 7% Cumulative Preferred  Stock for a purchase
price of $450 million, plus approximately $7.9 million of unpaid dividends,  (c)
the  repayment  of  the  outstanding  indebtedness  under  the  existing  credit
facilities of $119.8 million, (d) the write-off of approximately $2.4 million of
deferred financing costs associated with the repayment of the indebtedness under
the existing  credit facilities,  (e) the  reduction of  unamortized stock  plan
expense  of $0.3 million as a result of the accelerated vesting of certain stock
options (see "Management -- Stock Options") and (f) the sale of 3,218,589 shares
of Common Stock by the Company  to certain of the Selling Stockholders  pursuant
to  existing option agreements  for an aggregate option  exercise price of $12.5
million, and (iii) on a pro forma  basis, for the 1996 Recapitalization and  the
Offerings,  to  reflect the  sale of  4,559,100  shares of  Common Stock  by the
Company. The information presented below should be read in conjunction with  the
Company's  Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto, "Pro
Forma Condensed Financial Information", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of  Operations", "Description of Capital  Stock"
and "Certain Transactions" included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                  ------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   PRO FORMA FOR
                                                                                                        1996
                                                                                                  RECAPITALIZATION
                                                                     ACTUAL                        AND OFFERINGS
                                                                  ------------   PRO FORMA FOR    ----------------
                                                                                      1996
                                                                                RECAPITALIZATION
                                                                                ----------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                               <C>           <C>               <C>
Cash............................................................  $    213,268    $     38,572      $    139,472
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
Short-term debt:
  Current portion of long-term debt.............................  $     39,798    $     13,333      $     13,333
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
    Total short-term debt.......................................        39,798          13,333            13,333
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
Long-term debt (excluding current portion) (1):
  Credit Facilities
    Existing credit facilities..................................        80,000               0                 0
    New Credit Agreement........................................                       386,667           386,667
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
      Total debt................................................       119,798         400,000           400,000
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
  Preferred stock; Series A, 7%-cumulative $.01 par value;
   10,000,000 shares authorized; 96 shares issued in 1996 and
   20,000,000 shares authorized and none outstanding after the
   1996 Recapitalization and Offerings..........................       450,000               0                 0
  Common stock; $.01 par value; 109,273,000 shares authorized
   and 52,406,166 shares issued and 300,000,000 shares
   authorized and 85,159,455 shares issued after the 1996
   Recapitalization and Offerings...............................           524             806               852
Additional paid-in capital......................................       219,751         231,947           332,801
Accumulated deficit.............................................      (491,390)       (502,020)         (502,020)
Minimum pension liability.......................................        (1,450)         (1,450)           (1,450)
Unamortized stock plan expense..................................        (3,843)         (3,498)           (3,498)
Less: Treasury stock: 8,220,833 shares and 11,978,439 shares
 after the 1996 Recapitalization and Offerings..................       (50,489)        (50,489)          (50,489)
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
    Total stockholders' equity (deficit)........................       123,103        (324,704)         (223,804)
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
    Total capitalization........................................  $    242,901    $     75,296      $    176,196
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
                                                                  ------------  ----------------  ----------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(1)  See  "Description  of  Credit  Agreement"  and  Note  7  to  the  Company's
     Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus for
     descriptions of  the long-term  debt  instruments of  the Company  and  its
     subsidiaries.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                                    DILUTION
 
    The  tangible book  value is  the book  value determined  in accordance with
generally accepted  accounting principles,  less goodwill  and other  intangible
assets. At June 30, 1996, the pro forma, for 1996 Recapitalization, net tangible
book  value of the Company  was $(428.6) million or  $(6.25) per share of Common
Stock, without giving effect  to the Offerings. At  June 30, 1996, after  giving
effect  to  the  Offerings, including  the  use  of the  estimated  net proceeds
therefrom (assuming the Underwriters'  over-allotment options are not  exercised
and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and expenses), as described
in  "Use of Proceeds" but without taking  into account any other changes in such
net tangible book value  subsequent to June  30, 1996, the  pro forma, for  1996
Recapitalization  and Offerings,  net tangible book  value of  the Company would
have been $(327.7) million  or $(4.48) per share.  This represents an  immediate
increase  in  the  net  tangible  book value  of  $1.77  per  share  to existing
stockholders and  an  immediate  dilution  of  $28.48  per  share  to  investors
purchasing  shares  of  Common  Stock  in  the  Offerings.  The  following table
illustrates this dilution:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                           ----------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>
Initial public offering price per share (1)..............................................              $    24.00
  Pro forma, for 1996 Recapitalization, net tangible book value per share before the
   Offerings (2).........................................................................  $    (6.25)
  Increase in per share attributable to the Offerings....................................        1.77
                                                                                           ----------
Pro forma, for 1996 Recapitalization and Offerings, net tangible book value per share....                   (4.48)
                                                                                                       ----------
Dilution per share to new investors (3)..................................................              $    28.48
                                                                                                       ----------
                                                                                                       ----------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
(1) Before deduction of estimated underwriting discounts and expenses to be paid
    by the Company.
 
(2) Pro forma, for 1996 Recapitalization, net  tangible book value per share  is
    determined  by dividing the net tangible book value of the Company after the
    1996  Recapitalization  (assets   less  liabilities,   goodwill  and   other
    intangible assets) by the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding after
    the 1996 Recapitalization.
 
(3) Dilution   is   determined  by   subtracting   the  pro   forma,   for  1996
    Recapitalization and Offerings, net  tangible book value  per share at  June
    30, 1996 from the initial public offering price paid by a new investor for a
    share of Common Stock.
 
    The  following table compares, on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 1996, the
number of shares of Common Stock  purchased and the total consideration paid  by
the  existing stockholders  when they purchased  shares of the  Company with the
number of shares of Common Stock  purchased and the total consideration paid  by
the new investors in the Offerings:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SHARES PURCHASED       TOTAL CONSIDERATION      AVERAGE
                                                            ------------------------  ----------------------   PRICE PER
                                                              NUMBER       PERCENT     AMOUNT      PERCENT       SHARE
                                                            -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
Existing stockholders.....................................        68.6        93.7%       232.8       68.0%         3.39
New investors.............................................         4.6         6.3        109.4       32.0         24.00
                                                            -----------      -----    ---------      -----
    Total.................................................        73.2       100.0%   $   342.2      100.0%
                                                            -----------      -----    ---------      -----
                                                            -----------      -----    ---------      -----
</TABLE>
 
    The  foregoing tables assume the sale of 3,218,589 shares of Common Stock by
the Company to certain of the  Selling Stockholders pursuant to existing  option
agreements  for  an  aggregate  option  exercise  price  of  $12.5  million. The
foregoing tables do not assume the exercise of any other outstanding options  to
purchase Common Stock after June 30, 1996. After exercise of such options, there
were  outstanding  options to  purchase 6,436,734  shares of  Common Stock  at a
weighted average exercise price of  approximately $3.91 per share. After  giving
effect  to the exercise of any remaining options to purchase Common Stock, there
will be further dilution in the  aggregate to new investors. See "Management  --
Stock  Options -- Stock Option  Plan" and Note 11  to the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                   PRO FORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The following  unaudited  pro  forma  condensed  financial  information  was
derived  from the historical financial data of the Company included elsewhere in
this Prospectus. The unaudited pro forma  statements of operations for the  year
ended  December 31, 1995 and  the six months ended June  30, 1996 give effect to
(i) the 1996 Recapitalization as described under "Description of Capital Stock",
(ii) the new borrowings under the Credit Agreement, (iii) the sale of  3,218,589
shares  of Common Stock  by the Company  to certain of  the Selling Shareholders
pursuant to existing option agreements, and  (iv) the issuance of the shares  of
Common  Stock  offered  by  the  Company  pursuant  to  the  Offerings  and  the
application of the estimated net proceeds as provided under "Use of Proceeds" as
if such transactions occurred at the beginning of the respective periods.
 
    The pro forma financial data presented herein does not purport to  represent
the  results of  operations of  the Company  that would  have resulted  had such
transactions in fact occurred at the beginning of such periods or to project the
Company's results of operations  of any future period.  The pro forma  financial
information is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company's
Consolidated   Financial  Statements,  including  the  notes  thereto,  included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
           PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                   ----------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    PRO FORMA
                                                                                                    FOR 1996
                                                                                                RECAPITALIZATION
                                                                      ACTUAL      ADJUSTMENTS   AND OFFERINGS (1)
                                                                   -------------  ------------  -----------------
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>           <C>
Net revenues.....................................................  $   1,041,514                  $   1,041,514
                                                                   -------------                -----------------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales..................................................        835,547                        835,547
  Selling and administrative expenses............................         93,239                         93,239
  Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges...............          7,540                          7,540
  Research and development.......................................         63,098                         63,098
                                                                   -------------                -----------------
Total costs and expenses.........................................        999,424                        999,424
                                                                   -------------
Income from operations...........................................         42,090                         42,090
Interest income..................................................          5,508                          5,508
Interest expense.................................................        (18,704)  $  (14,693)(2)         (33,397)
                                                                   -------------  ------------  -----------------
Net income.......................................................  $      28,894   $  (14,693)    $      14,201
                                                                   -------------  ------------  -----------------
                                                                   -------------  ------------  -----------------
Pro forma net income per share (3)...............................                                 $         .18
                                                                                                -----------------
                                                                                                -----------------
Pro forma common shares outstanding (3)..........................                                        78,414
                                                                                                -----------------
                                                                                                -----------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(1)  The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations does
     not include a one-time charge  of approximately $3.1 million for  write-off
     of  deferred  financing charges  associated with  the repayment  of amounts
     outstanding under the existing credit facilities.
 
(2)  Reflects the increase in interest expense  due to the borrowings under  the
     new  Credit Agreement  and the repayment  of amounts  outstanding under the
     existing credit  facilities  as  described under  "Use  of  Proceeds".  The
     assumed  interest rate on  the new $400.0 million  Credit Agreement is 8.0%
     per annum.
 
(3)  Pro forma net income per share amount is calculated based on the pro  forma
     net  income,  after  giving effect  to  the 1996  Recapitalization  and the
     Offerings, divided by the pro forma  weighted average number of common  and
     common  equivalent  shares outstanding  assuming the  1996 Recapitalization
     shares and the shares sold in the Offerings were outstanding for all of the
     period reported.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                -------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              PRO FORMA FOR 1996
                                                                                               RECAPITALIZATION
                                                                   ACTUAL      ADJUSTMENTS   AND OFFERINGS (1)(2)
                                                                -------------  ------------  --------------------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>           <C>
Net revenues..................................................  $     458,672                   $      458,672
                                                                -------------                      -----------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales...............................................        354,841                          354,841
  Selling and administrative expenses.........................         45,190                           45,190
  Stock option compensation expense...........................          5,200                            5,200
  Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges............          3,763                            3,763
  Research and development....................................         34,746                           34,746
                                                                -------------                      -----------
Total costs and expenses......................................        443,740                          443,740
                                                                -------------                      -----------
Income from operations........................................         14,932                           14,932
Interest income...............................................          7,593                            7,593
Interest expense..............................................         (7,166)  $   (9,112)(3)           (16,278)
                                                                -------------  ------------        -----------
Net income....................................................  $      15,359   $   (9,112)     $        6,247
                                                                -------------  ------------        -----------
                                                                -------------  ------------        -----------
Pro forma net income per share (4)............................                                  $          .08
                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                   -----------
Pro forma common shares outstanding (4).......................                                          78,414
                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                   -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(1)  The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations does
     not include  a  one-time  charge  of approximately  $2.4  million  for  the
     write-off  of deferred financing  charges associated with  the repayment of
     amounts outstanding under the existing credit facilities.
 
(2)  The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations  do
     not  include a one-time  charge of approximately  $0.3 million for non-cash
     compensation expense associated with accelerated vesting of certain options
     to purchase common stock upon consummation of the Offerings.
 
(3)  Reflects the increase in interest expense  due to the borrowings under  the
     new  Credit Agreement  and the repayment  of amounts  outstanding under the
     existing credit  facilities  as  described under  "Use  of  Proceeds".  The
     assumed  interest rate on  the new $400.0 million  Credit Agreement is 8.0%
     per annum.
 
(4)  Pro forma net income per share amount is calculated based on the pro  forma
     net  income,  after  giving effect  to  the 1996  Recapitalization  and the
     Offerings, divided by the pro forma  weighted average number of common  and
     common  equivalent  shares outstanding  assuming the  1996 Recapitalization
     shares and the shares sold in the Offerings were outstanding for all of the
     period reported.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The  following selected historical  financial information should  be read in
conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the related
notes thereto  included  elsewhere in  this  Prospectus and  with  "Management's
Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition and  Results  of Operations",
"Business -- Business Strategy -- Recapitalization and Significant Reduction  of
Interest  Expense",  and  "Description  of  Capital  Stock".  The  statement  of
operations data set  forth below with  respect to the  years ended December  31,
1993,  1994 and 1995 are derived  from the audited financial statements included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. The statement  of operations data set forth  below
with  respect to  the years ended  December 31,  1991 and 1992  are derived from
audited financial  statements  not  included  herein.  The  selected  historical
financial  information  for the  six months  ended  June 30,  1995 and  1996 are
derived  from  unaudited  financial  statements  and  reflect  all   adjustments
(consisting  only  of adjustments  of  a normal  recurring  nature) that  in the
opinion of management of  the Company are necessary  for a fair presentation  of
the  results of such  periods. The unaudited  results of operations  for the six
months ended June 30,  1996 are not necessarily  indicative of results  expected
for  the year ending December 31, 1996. In the six months ended June 30, 1996, 3
fewer green aircraft were delivered  than were in the same  period in 1995 as  a
result  of the  delivery in early  1995 of 3  units which were  produced in late
1994. In  addition,  beginning  in  the fourth  quarter  of  1995,  the  Company
dedicated  a portion of its production capacity to the manufacture of Gulfstream
Vs which the  Company will  not begin delivering  to customers  until after  FAA
certification, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                        JUNE 30,
                                               -------------------------------------------------------  --------------------
                                                 1991       1992        1993       1994        1995       1995       1996
                                               ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues                                   $ 887,234  $ 900,419  $  887,113  $ 901,638  $1,041,514  $ 474,884  $ 458,672
                                               ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales..............................    748,553    724,554     737,361    710,554     835,547    378,022    354,841
  Selling and administrative expenses........     77,800     98,187      97,011     82,180      93,239     42,651     45,190
  Stock option compensation expense..........                                                                          5,200
  Research and development expense...........      9,555     36,295      47,990     57,438      63,098     34,076     34,746
  Amortization of intangibles and deferred
   charges...................................     30,072     31,855      27,613      7,583       7,540      3,777      3,763
  Restructuring charge.......................                           203,911(1)
                                               ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
Total costs and expenses.....................    865,980    890,891   1,113,886    857,755     999,424    458,526    443,740
                                               ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
Income (loss) from operations................     21,254      9,528    (226,773)    43,883      42,090     16,358     14,932
  Interest income............................      1,697      2,135         486        367       5,508      1,426      7,593
  Interest expense...........................    (72,679)   (61,235)    (48,940)   (20,686)    (18,704)    (9,945)    (7,166)
                                               ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
Net income (loss)............................  $ (49,728) $ (49,572) $ (275,227) $  23,564  $   28,894      7,839     15,359
                                               ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
                                               ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
Pro forma net income (loss) per share (2)....                                               $      .18  $    (.02) $     .08
                                                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
Pro forma common shares outstanding (2)......                                                   78,414     78,414     78,414
                                                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(1)  The  Company  recorded a  charge for  a restructuring  plan based  upon the
     Company's reassessment of its business plan and its products from which  it
     has  realized improved operating efficiencies, reduced costs, and increased
     overall profitability. See Note 2  to the Company's Consolidated  Financial
     Statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
(2)  Pro  forma net income (loss) per share  amounts are calculated based on the
     pro forma net income, after giving effect to the 1996 Recapitalization  and
     the  Offerings, divided by the pro  forma weighted average number of common
     and common equivalent shares outstanding assuming the 1996 Recapitalization
     shares and  the shares  sold  in the  Offerings  were outstanding  for  all
     periods  reported. For information  regarding the pro  forma data, see "Pro
     Forma  Condensed   Financial  Information"   on  pages   18  and   19   and
     "Capitalization"  on page  16. Due to  the change in  the Company's capital
     structure to be effected with  the 1996 Recapitalization, historical  share
     and  per share data  for all periods  is not relevant  and therefore is not
     presented.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                              DECEMBER 31,                                30,
                                         ------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                           1991      1992      1993         1994        1995        1995        1996
                                         --------  --------  --------    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT OPERATING DATA)
<S>                                      <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
  Working capital......................  $248,974  $268,881  $302,369    $  301,913  $  356,976  $  322,261  $  232,508
  Total assets.........................   991,841   945,433   799,470       745,761     981,253     823,861   1,159,371
  Total debt (1).......................   719,500   670,258   206,145(2)    178,145     146,331     172,863     119,798
  Total stockholders' equity (deficit)
   (1).................................   (27,191)  (26,700)  164,395       188,950     217,540     196,789     123,103
 
OTHER DATA:
  Depreciation and amortization........  $ 49,687  $ 52,374  $ 47,866    $   24,151  $   23,094  $   11,530  $   12,242
 
OPERATING DATA:
  Units delivered during period:
    Gulfstream IV/IV-SP................        28        25        26            22          26          14          11
  Units ordered during period:
    Gulfstream IV/IV-SP................        31        26        26            25          30          17          15
    Gulfstream V.......................         0         8        17            16          12           5          12
                                         --------  --------  --------    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total orders.......................        31        34        43            41          42          22          27
  Units in backlog at end of period:
    Gulfstream IV/IV-SP (3)............         5         3         3             3           7           6          11
    Gulfstream V (4)...................         0         8        24            40          50          45          62
                                         --------  --------  --------    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total backlog (in units) (5).......         5        11        27            43          57          51          73
    Estimated backlog (in thousands)
     (5)(6)............................  $124,225  $362,466  $897,747    $1,473,772  $1,938,315  $1,731,532  $2,496,061
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(1)  Total debt and stockholders' equity  (deficit) does not include the  impact
     of  the 1996  Recapitalization of  the Company  to be  effected immediately
     prior to  or simultaneously  with the  consummation of  the Offerings.  See
     "Capitalization".
 
(2)  During  November 1993, the  Company converted $469  million of subordinated
     debentures (including accrued interest) to 7% Cumulative Preferred Stock in
     connection with  the  1993  recapitalization.  See  "Business  --  Business
     Strategy -- Recapitalization and Significant Reduction of Interest Expense"
     and "Certain Transactions -- The Acquisition; Subsequent Events".
 
(3)  Net  of 3 cancellations in each of 1992 and 1994, which generally relate to
     orders placed in prior years.
 
(4)  Net of  cancellations of  1 and  2 in  1993 and  1995, respectively,  which
     generally relate to orders placed in prior years. As of June 30, 1996, only
     3  Gulfstream V contracts had been cancelled, 2 of which were the result of
     declines in the business performance of  the customer and one of which  was
     the result of adverse economic conditions in a foreign country.
 
(5)  At  September 30, 1996, the Company had a contract backlog of approximately
     $3.0  billion   of  revenues   plus  executed   contracts  with   financing
     contingencies   of  approximately  $295   million  of  potential  revenues,
     representing a total of  69 contracts for Gulfstream  Vs (2 with  financing
     contingencies)  and 30  contracts for  Gulfstream IV-SPs  (8 with financing
     contingencies). In addition, at September 30, 1996, the Company had letters
     of intent with  deposits for a  total of  1 Gulfstream V  and 4  Gulfstream
     IV-SPs,  representing  approximately $140  million of  additional potential
     revenues.
 
(6)  Backlog includes only those orders for which the Company has entered into a
     purchase contract with a customer and has received a significant (generally
     non-refundable) deposit  from the  customer. Not  included in  backlog  are
     executed  contracts subject to financing contingencies, options and letters
     of intent  for which  definitive  agreements have  not yet  been  executed,
     which,  at  June  30,  1996,  represented  approximately  $350  million  of
     additional potential revenues.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
GENERAL
 
    Gulfstream  is  recognized  worldwide  as  a  leading  designer,  developer,
manufacturer  and marketer of the most technologically advanced intercontinental
business jet aircraft. The Company's current principal aircraft products are the
Gulfstream IV-SP, the Gulfstream V, Gulfstream Shares-TM- (fractional  ownership
interests  in  Gulfstream  IV-SPs)  and  pre-owned  Gulfstream  aircraft.  As an
integral part of  its aircraft  product offerings, the  Company offers  aircraft
completion and worldwide aircraft maintenance services and technical support for
all   Gulfstream  aircraft.  In  addition,   the  Company's  financial  services
subsidiary, Gulfstream Financial Services Corporation, through its private label
relationship with a third-party  aircraft financing provider, offers  customized
products to finance the worldwide sale of Gulfstream aircraft.
 
    The Company recognizes revenue for the sale of a new "green" aircraft (i.e.,
before  exterior painting  and installation  of customer  selected interiors and
optional avionics) when  that aircraft  is delivered to  the customer.  Revenues
from  completion services are recorded when  the outfitted aircraft is delivered
to the  customer.  Revenues  on  all  other  products  and  services,  including
pre-owned  aircraft, are  recognized when  such products  are delivered  or such
services are performed. Generally, production  of aircraft for delivery  remains
relatively  smooth throughout a  year. However, deliveries  of such aircraft can
vary significantly depending  upon the  timing of contract  execution and  final
customer  acceptance. Accordingly, the Company's revenues can vary significantly
from quarter to quarter. In addition,  beginning in the fourth quarter of  1995,
the Company dedicated a portion of its production capacity to the manufacture of
Gulfstream  Vs which  the Company will  not begin delivering  to customers until
after FAA certification, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 1996.
 
OPERATING DATA
 
    The following sets forth certain  statistical data concerning the  Company's
deliveries, orders and backlog for new aircraft.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                           30,
                                             -------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                               1991       1992       1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
<S>                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
OPERATING DATA:
  Units delivered during period:
    Gulfstream IV/IV-SP....................         28         25         26          22          26          14          11
  Units ordered during period:
    Gulfstream IV/IV-SP....................         31         26         26          25          30          17          15
    Gulfstream V...........................          0          8         17          16          12           5          12
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total orders...........................         31         34         43          41          42          22          27
  Units in backlog at end of period:
    Gulfstream IV/IV-SP (1)................          5          3          3           3           7           6          11
    Gulfstream V (2).......................          0          8         24          40          50          45          62
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total backlog (in units) (3)...........          5         11         27          43          57          51          73
 
    Estimated backlog (in thousands)
     (3)(4)................................  $ 124,225  $ 362,466  $ 897,747  $1,473,772  $1,938,315  $1,731,532  $2,496,061
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(1)  Net  of 3 cancellations in each of 1992 and 1994, which generally relate to
     orders placed in prior years.
 
(2)  Net of  cancellations of  1 and  2 in  1993 and  1995, respectively,  which
     generally relate to orders placed in prior years. As of June 30, 1996, only
     3  Gulfstream V contracts had been cancelled, 2 of which were the result of
     declines in the business performance of  the customer and one of which  was
     the result of adverse economic conditions in a foreign country.
 
(3)  At  September 30, 1996, the Company had a contract backlog of approximately
     $3.0  billion   of  revenues   plus  executed   contracts  with   financing
     contingencies   of  approximately  $295   million  of  potential  revenues,
     representing a total of  69 contracts for Gulfstream  Vs (2 with  financing
     contingencies)  and 30  contracts for  Gulfstream IV-SPs  (8 with financing
     contingencies). In addition, at September 30, 1996, the Company had letters
     of intent with  deposits for a  total of  1 Gulfstream V  and 4  Gulfstream
     IV-SPs,  representing  approximately $140  million of  additional potential
     revenues.
 
(4)  Backlog includes only those orders for which the Company has entered into a
     purchase contract with a customer and has received a significant (generally
     non-refundable) deposit  from the  customer. Not  included in  backlog  are
     executed  contracts subject to financing contingencies, options and letters
     of intent  for which  definitive  agreements have  not yet  been  executed,
     which,  at  June  30,  1996,  represented  approximately  $350  million  of
     additional potential revenues.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
COMPARISON OF THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1995
 
    NET REVENUES.   During  the six  months  ended June  30, 1996,  the  Company
received  orders for 15  Gulfstream IV-SPs and  12 Gulfstream Vs  as compared to
orders for 17 Gulfstream IV-SPs and 5 Gulfstream Vs during the six months  ended
June 30, 1995. Total net revenues decreased by $16.2 million, or 3.4%, to $458.7
million  for the six months ended June 30,  1996 from $474.9 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1995. In the six month period ended June 30, 1996, 3 fewer
green aircraft were delivered than in  the same period in 1995, with  associated
revenues  decreasing $47.5 million, as a result of the delivery in early 1995 of
3 units which were produced in late  1994. In addition, beginning in the  fourth
quarter  of 1995, the Company dedicated a  portion of its production capacity to
the manufacture of Gulfstream Vs which the Company will not begin delivering  to
customers until after FAA certification, which is expected in the fourth quarter
of  1996. Other factors contributing to the overall revenue decline in 1996 were
a decrease in  the sale of  pre-owned aircraft ($9.7  million) resulting from  a
reduced  number of  trade-ins requiring  re-sales and  the conclusion  of a U.S.
Department of  Defense logistical  supply  contract ($8.4  million).  Offsetting
these declines were an increase in Gulfstream IV-SP average selling prices ($8.8
million),  an increase in revenues from 5 additional completions ($32.9 million)
and increased international  spares sales  and service  center volume  primarily
attributable  to the addition of the new service center ($12.4 million). See "--
Liquidity and Capital Resources".
 
    COST OF SALES.  Total cost of sales decreased by 6.1%, or $23.2 million,  to
$354.8  million for the six  months ended June 30,  1996 from $378.0 million for
the six months ended June 30, 1995. The decline in total cost was due to 3 fewer
green Gulfstream IV-SPs deliveries, partially offset by 5 additional  completion
deliveries.  Excluding pre-owned aircraft, which are generally sold at breakeven
levels and other nonrecurring  items, the gross  profit percentage increased  to
26.9%  for the  six months  ended June  30, 1996  from 25.7%  for the comparable
period in 1995,  primarily as  a result  of the  Company's cost  and cycle  time
reduction  initiatives and the  price appreciation on  Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft
sales.
 
    SELLING AND  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE.    Selling and  administrative  expense
increased  by $2.5 million, or  5.9%, to $45.2 million  for the six months ended
June 30, 1996, from $42.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995 and  as
percentage  of net  revenues increased from  9.0% in  1995 to 9.9%  in 1996. The
dollar increase principally  resulted from increased  advertising and  marketing
expenses  associated with the Gulfstream V program. The increase as a percentage
of sales was also attributable to lower net revenues stemming from the timing of
deliveries, as discussed above.
 
    STOCK OPTION  COMPENSATION EXPENSE.   The  issuance of  options to  purchase
Common  Stock of the Company during the  six months ended June 30, 1996 resulted
in a non-cash compensation charge of $5.2 million.
 
    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE.  Research and development expense of $34.7
million for the six months  ended June 30, 1996  was comparable to such  expense
for  the  six  months  ended  June  30,  1995.  Substantially  all  research and
development expense was  associated with the  Gulfstream V development  program,
which the Company expects to be materially completed by the end of 1996.
 
    AMORTIZATION  OF INTANGIBLES  AND DEFERRED  CHARGES.   This non-cash expense
includes amortization  of goodwill  and other  intangible assets  consisting  of
after-market  service  and after-market  product  support, as  well  as deferred
financing charges  related to  the Company's  existing bank  credit  facilities.
Amortization  of intangibles  and deferred charges  of $3.8 million  for the six
months ended June 30,  1996 remained essentially unchanged  from the six  months
ended June 30, 1995.
 
    INTEREST  INCOME AND EXPENSE.  Interest  income increased by $6.2 million to
$7.6 million for the six  months ended June 30, 1996  from $1.4 million for  the
six  months ended June 30,  1995, as a result of  the increase in cash generated
from operations. Interest expense decreased by $2.7 million to $7.2 million  for
the  six months ended June  30, 1996 from $9.9 million  for the six months ended
June 30, 1995.  This decrease was  due to  limited use of  the revolving  credit
facility and a reduction in borrowings under the existing term loans.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
    INCOME TAXES.  The Company had available at June 30, 1996 net operating loss
carryforwards  for  regular federal  income tax  purposes of  approximately $150
million, which will begin  expiring in 2006. Although  the Company recorded  net
income  during the six months ended June 30,  1996 and the six months ended June
30,  1995,  no  provision  for  income  taxes  was  recorded  in  either  period
principally as a result of the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards.
 
COMPARISON OF THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
 
    NET  REVENUES.  During  1995, the Company received  orders for 30 Gulfstream
IV-SPs and 12 Gulfstream Vs as compared  to orders for 25 Gulfstream IV-SPs  and
16  Gulfstream Vs  during 1994.  Gulfstream V  orders for  1995 were  lower as a
result of the delay  into 1996 of  a multiple aircraft order  which was under  a
letter of intent at year-end 1995 and which was executed in the first quarter of
1996.  Total net  revenues increased  by $139.9  million, or  15.5%, to $1,041.5
million in 1995  from $901.6  million in  1994. Revenues  from green  Gulfstream
IV-SP  aircraft increased $116.7 million  in 1995 due to  the delivery of 4 more
units and higher average  selling prices. Three of  the 4 additional units  were
deliveries  of  aircraft  in 1995  which  were  produced in  1994.  In addition,
revenues from the sale of pre-owned aircraft increased $54.2 million in 1995  as
a  result of the Company's initiatives  to provide premium pre-owned products to
the large business jet market. Completion revenues increased by $8.1 million  in
1995  as a result of the Company  completing a higher percentage of new aircraft
in 1995  than in  1994. These  increases were  partially offset  by declines  in
revenues  of (i) $30.9 million primarily due to the delivery of special aircraft
modifications on two  contracts with governmental  agencies in 1994  and (ii)  a
decline  of  $11.0  million due  to  the early  termination  in 1994  of  a wing
manufacturing contract with another aerospace manufacturer.
 
    COST OF SALES.  Total costs of sales increased $124.9 million, or 17.6%,  to
$835.5 million in 1995 from $710.6 million in 1994 as a result of increased unit
deliveries  in 1995  of both  green Gulfstream  IV-SP aircraft  and completions.
Gross profit as a  percentage of sales (excluding  pre-owned aircraft and  other
nonrecurring items) increased from 25.2% in 1994 to 25.8% in 1995 as a result of
the  restructuring of the  Company's manufacturing process  to obtain cycle time
reductions and additional cost savings.
 
    SELLING AND  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE.   Selling  and administrative  expenses
increased  by $11.0  million, or  13.4%, to  $93.2 million  for 1995  from $82.2
million for 1994, but decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 8.9% in  1995
from 9.1% in 1994. The dollar increase was principally attributable to increases
in  marketing programs centered  around the Company's  new marketing strategies,
including the roll out and  first flight of the  Gulfstream V, expansion of  the
Company's international sales activities, and, as a result of successful Company
performance,  higher  payouts to  employees under  the Company's  management and
employee incentive plans.
 
    RESEARCH  AND  DEVELOPMENT  EXPENSE.    Research  and  development   expense
increased  by $5.7 million, or 9.9%, to $63.1 million in 1995 from $57.4 million
in 1994, which was 6.1% and  6.4%, respectively, of net revenues. This  increase
was related to the Gulfstream V development program.
 
    AMORTIZATION   OF  INTANGIBLES  AND  DEFERRED   CHARGES.    Amortization  of
intangibles and deferred charges were $7.5  million in 1995 and $7.6 million  in
1994.
 
    INTEREST  INCOME AND EXPENSE.  Interest  income increased by $5.1 million to
$5.5 million for 1995  from $0.4 million  in 1994 as a  result of the  increased
cash  generated from operations between  the periods. Interest expense decreased
by $2.0 million, or 9.7%, to $18.7 million for 1995 from $20.7 million for 1994.
Interest expense consists almost entirely  of interest paid on borrowings  under
the  Company's bank credit facilities. The  decrease resulted principally from a
reduced level of average borrowings in 1995 compared to 1994. See "--  Liquidity
and  Capital Resources".  The weighted average  interest rates  on the Company's
bank credit  facilities at  December 31,  1995 and  1994 were  8.42% and  8.64%,
respectively, per annum.
 
    INCOME  TAXES.  The Company had available  at December 31, 1995 and 1994 net
operating  loss  carryforwards  for  regular  federal  income  tax  purposes  of
approximately $150 million and $167 million,
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
respectively, which will expire beginning in 2006. Although the Company recorded
net  income during 1995 and 1994, no  provision for income taxes was recorded in
either period principally as a result  of the utilization of net operating  loss
carryforwards.
 
COMPARISON OF THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1993
 
    NET  REVENUES.  During  1994, the Company received  orders for 25 Gulfstream
IV-SPs and 16 Gulfstream Vs as compared  to orders for 26 Gulfstream IV-SPs  and
17  Gulfstream Vs during 1993. Total net revenues increased by $14.5 million, or
1.6%, to $901.6 million in  1994 from $887.1 million  in 1993. This increase  in
revenues  was  primarily driven  by (i)  increased  sales of  pre-owned aircraft
($74.2 million due to 6 additional unit  deliveries in 1994) as a result of  the
new  pre-owned sales and  marketing strategy, (ii)  delivery of special aircraft
modifications on  two  government aircraft  and  increased volume  on  logistics
support  contracts  with  governmental  agencies  ($35.2  million)  and  (iii) 6
additional completion  deliveries  ($15.7  million).  These  increases  in  1994
revenues  were  largely  offset  by four  fewer  Gulfstream  IV/IV-SP deliveries
($114.1 million), 3 of which were produced in 1994 but not delivered until 1995.
 
    COST OF SALES.   Total cost of  sales decreased $26.8  million, or 3.6%,  to
$710.6  million in 1994 from  $737.4 million in 1993.  The decline was primarily
due to  fewer deliveries  of green  Gulfstream IV/IV-SPs  aircraft, as  well  as
reduced  material costs  of new  Gulfstream IV-SP  aircraft which  resulted from
contract re-negotiations  with  certain  suppliers of  systems  and  components.
Additionally,  during 1993  the Company  incurred approximately  $6.7 million in
non-recurring reversionary price  penalties associated  with supplier  contracts
which  are no longer in force.  The gross profit percentage (excluding pre-owned
aircraft and other nonrecurring items) increased to 25.2% in 1994 from 21.6%  in
1993 as a result of the Company's cost and cycle time reduction initiatives.
 
    SELLING  AND ADMINISTRATIVE  EXPENSES.  Selling  and administrative expenses
decreased by  $14.8 million,  or 15.3%,  to  $82.2 million  in 1994  from  $97.0
million  in 1993, and as  a percentage of net revenues  from 10.9% to 9.1%. This
decrease was the  direct result  of the  restructuring plan  implemented by  the
Company  in  1993. These  changes are  discussed  below under  "-- Restructuring
Charge".
 
    RESEARCH  AND  DEVELOPMENT  EXPENSE.    Research  and  development   expense
increased by $9.4 million, or 19.6%, to $57.4 million in 1994 from $48.0 million
in  1993, or 6.4% and 5.4% of net revenues, respectively. Increased spending was
related to the development of the Gulfstream V.
 
    AMORTIZATION  OF  INTANGIBLES  AND   DEFERRED  CHARGES.    Amortization   of
intangibles and deferred charges decreased by $20.0 million, to $7.6 million for
1994.  This decrease  was due  to the  Company accelerating  the amortization of
aircraft design  intangibles during  1993,  as part  of the  restructuring  plan
discussed below.
 
    RESTRUCTURING CHARGE.  Based upon the Company's reassessment of its business
plan  and its products, the Company recorded a $203.9 million charge in 1993 for
a restructuring plan  from which  it realized  improved operating  efficiencies,
reduced  costs, and overall increased profitability  of the Company. This charge
included, among  other items,  payments  for severance  or early  retirement  of
employees,  acceleration of certain employee  benefit programs, costs associated
with re-aligning  manufacturing  capacity through  selected  outsourcing,  lease
terminations  of administrative facilities, and  the accelerated amortization of
aircraft design  intangibles and  related Gulfstream  IV aircraft  tooling.  The
charge,  determined  in  part  based  on  expected  future  cash  flows  and net
realizable values, is  comprised of $146.2  million of accelerated  amortization
for  aircraft design and  related tooling, $24.8  million of special termination
benefits and $32.9 million of other items.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE.  Interest expense decreased by $28.2 million, or 57.7%  to
$20.7  million in 1994  from $48.9 million in  1993. This decrease  was due to a
conversion in October  1993 of  $450 million  of subordinated  debt, plus  $18.9
million of accrued interest, into 7% Cumulative Preferred Stock. This conversion
reduced  the Company's annual  interest expense by  approximately $38.0 million.
This reduction  was partially  offset  by increases  in  interest rates  on  the
Company's floating rate debt during 1994. The weighted average interest rates on
the  Company's bank credit facilities  at December 31, 1994  and 1993 were 8.64%
and 6.17%, respectively, per annum.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
    INCOME TAXES.  The Company had available at December 31, 1994 net  operating
loss carryforwards for regular federal income tax purposes of approximately $167
million.  Although the Company recorded net income during 1994, no provision for
income taxes was  recorded principally  as a result  of the  utilization of  net
operating loss carryforwards.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The  Company's  liquidity  needs arise  from  working  capital requirements,
capital expenditures, principal and interest payments on long-term debt, and the
payment of  dividends  on the  7%  Cumulative  Preferred Stock  (which  will  be
repurchased  simultaneously with the consummation of the Offerings). During 1995
and the six months ended  June 30, 1996, the Company  relied on cash flows  from
operations to finance these needs.
 
    During  the six months ended June 30,  1996, net cash generated by operating
activities was $139.9 million, a 48% increase over the same period in 1995. This
increase was  primarily  due  to  the increase  in  customer  progress  payments
associated  with aircraft  orders in  backlog and  deposits on  new Gulfstream V
aircraft orders,  a portion  of  which funds  the temporary  inventory  build-up
associated  with  Gulfstream V  production occurring  prior to  initial customer
aircraft deliveries. The  Company expects  to begin deliveries  of Gulfstream  V
aircraft in the fourth quarter of 1996 with 6 deliveries planned for 1996 and 27
deliveries planned for 1997.
 
    Net  cash provided by  operating activities during 1995  and 1994 was $282.4
million and  $69.0  million, respectively.  This  substantial increase  is  also
principally attributable to progress payments associated with aircraft orders in
backlog  and  deposits  on  new  orders of  Gulfstream  IV-SP  and  Gulfstream V
aircraft. While  the  Company experienced  higher  net inventories  during  1995
resulting  from  the  commencement  of  Gulfstream  V  production,  the  Company
benefited from receipt of progress payments associated with Gulfstream V  orders
in backlog.
 
    The  decrease  in  inventories from  1993  to  1994 resulted  from  both the
increase in  pre-owned  aircraft sales  and  new aircraft  sales  as  previously
discussed under NET REVENUES for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993. The
decrease  in accounts payable  for the same  period resulted from  the timing of
payments to  suppliers as  well  as the  nonrecurrence of  reversionary  pricing
adjustments,  described under  COSTS OF SALES  for the years  ended December 31,
1994 and 1993.
 
    During the  six  months ended  June  30,  1996, additions  to  property  and
equipment  were $7.5 million, or approximately  44% of the total year forecasted
expenditures of $17.0 million for fiscal 1996. At June 30, 1996, the Company was
not committed to the purchase of a significant amount of property and equipment.
Additions to property and equipment were $25.2 million in 1995 and $9.9  million
in  1994. Spending in 1995  increased by $15.3 million  primarily related to the
construction of  a new  $16.0 million,  200,000 square  foot service  center  to
support  the Company's  strategic initiative  of expanding  the Company's market
share for servicing  Gulfstream aircraft.  The Company expects  to make  capital
expenditures  of  approximately  $15.0  million  in  1997  for  the  production,
completion and  service of  aircraft in  the ordinary  course of  the  Company's
business. Subsequent to 1997, the Company's capital expenditures may increase to
the extent the Company determines to expand its production capacity. The Company
continually monitors its capital spending in relation to current and anticipated
business needs. As circumstances dictate, facilities are added, consolidated, or
modernized.
 
    For  the six months ended June  30, 1996, capitalized tooling increased $0.9
million. As of June  30, 1996, the  Company had expended  an aggregate of  $46.2
million  in tooling  associated with  the Gulfstream  V program  and anticipates
incurring approximately $2.0 million of additional tooling during the  remainder
of  1996. During  1995 and  1994, the Company  invested $25.7  million and $17.3
million, respectively, for  tooling associated  with the  Gulfstream V  program.
Gulfstream V tooling will be amortized to cost of sales on a unit basis over the
first  200  units  of the  Gulfstream  V  program. Tooling  associated  with the
Gulfstream IV and IV-SP has been fully amortized to cost of sales.
 
    At June  30, 1996  and December  31, 1995,  borrowings under  the  Company's
existing  bank  credit  facilities  were  $119.8  million  and  $146.3  million,
respectively. The Company made scheduled principal
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
payments of $31.8 million during 1995 and $26.5 million and $5.3 million  during
the  six months  ended June  30, 1996 and  1995, respectively.  Of the scheduled
maturities totalling $119.8 million at June  30, 1996, $39.8 million is  payable
over the next 12 months.
 
    On  June 30, 1996,  the Company repurchased approximately  four shares of 7%
Cumulative Preferred Stock  at their  stated value  of $18.9  million, and  paid
accumulated dividends of $96.1 million out of excess cash flow.
 
    Pursuant  to  the  Commitment Letter,  The  Chase Manhattan  Bank  and Chase
Securities, Inc. have severally agreed to provide a $650 million credit facility
to Gulfstream  Delaware, a  wholly owned  subsidiary of  the Company.  The  Bank
Facility  will consist of a  $400 million Term Loan  Facility and a $250 million
Revolving  Credit  Facility.  The   Credit  Agreement  will  contain   customary
affirmative  and negative covenants including restrictions on the ability of the
Company and  its  subsidiaries to  pay  cash  dividends, as  well  as  financial
covenants,  under which the Company must operate. Scheduled repayments under the
new Term Loan Facility of $20 million in 1997, $75 million in each of the  years
1998  through 2001 and $80  million in 2002 are expected  to be repaid from cash
generated from operations. See "Description of Credit Agreement".
 
    In connection with orders for 28  Gulfstream V aircraft in the backlog,  the
Company  has  offered  customers  trade-in  options (which  may  or  may  not be
exercised) under  which the  Company will  accept trade-in  aircraft,  primarily
Gulfstream  IVs and Gulfstream  IV-SPs, at a  guaranteed minimum trade-in price.
See  Note  14  to  the  Company's  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. In light of the current market for used Gulfstream
aircraft,  management believes that the fair  market value of such aircraft will
exceed the specified trade-in values. As  such, Gulfstream does not believe  the
existence of such commitments will have a material adverse effect on its results
of operations, cash flow or financial position.
 
    The  Company believes that the net  proceeds of the Offerings, together with
cash generated from operating  activities, including customer progress  payments
and  deposits on  new aircraft orders,  and borrowings available  under the Bank
Facility, are sufficient for the Company  to meet its working capital needs  and
planned capital expenditures.
 
    The  Company is currently  engaged in the monitoring  and cleanup of certain
ground water  at  its Savannah  facility  under  the oversight  of  the  Georgia
Department  of Natural  Resources. Expenses incurred  for cleanup  have not been
significant. The  Company received  in 1992,  at its  Long Beach  facility,  two
inquiries  from the  U.S. Environmental Protection  Agency and, in  1991, at its
Oklahoma facility,  a soil  contamination inquiry.  The Company  believes  other
aspects  of the Savannah  facility, as well as  other Gulfstream properties, are
being carefully  monitored  and  are  in  substantial  compliance  with  current
federal,  state and  local environmental  regulations. The  Company believes the
liabilities, if any, that will result from the above environmental matters  will
not have a material adverse effect on its financial statements.
 
    The  Company  has initiated  discussions with  the Pension  Benefit Guaranty
Corporation (the "PBGC") concerning the Company's defined benefit pension  plans
(one  of  which  is  currently underfunded  for  financial  reporting purposes).
Although the Company and the PBGC have  not yet agreed upon the amount by  which
such  plans may be  underfunded using the  PBGC's more conservative methodology,
and no assurances can  be given as  to the ultimate  outcome of the  discussions
with  the PBGC, the Company does not  believe that any arrangements with respect
to such plans  will have a  material adverse effect  on the Company's  financial
statements.
 
    The  Company is  involved in  a tax  audit by  the Internal  Revenue Service
covering the years  ended December  31, 1990 and  1991. See  "Business --  Legal
Proceedings".
 
QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
    The  following  table sets  forth  the unaudited  consolidated  statement of
operating data for each quarter of 1994  and 1995 and the first two quarters  of
1996. This quarterly information has been prepared
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
on  the  same basis  as  annual consolidated  financial  statements and,  in the
opinion of management, reflects all adjustments (consisting only of  adjustments
of  a normal  recurring nature)  necessary to  state fairly  the information set
forth therein.
 
    Since revenues from  sales of  new aircraft  are recorded  as deliveries  of
green  aircraft are made  and revenues from completion  services are recorded as
completed aircraft are  delivered to  the customer, the  Company's revenues  can
vary  significantly from  quarter to  quarter depending  upon the  timing of the
deliveries. The operating results for any quarter are not indicative of  results
for any future period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1994
                                                               --------------------------------------------------
                                                                  FIRST       SECOND        THIRD       FOURTH
                                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT DELIVERIES DATA)
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net revenues.................................................  $   128,283  $   235,502  $   141,795  $   396,058
Gross profit.................................................       26,840       34,132       35,831       94,281
Income (loss) from operations................................       (4,491)         169       (3,567)      51,772
Net income (loss)............................................       (8,922)      (4,528)      (8,944)      45,958
Aircraft deliveries (in units):
  Green......................................................            2            5            2           13
  Completion.................................................            6            4            7            9
  Pre-owned aircraft.........................................            2            8            2            5
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                      1995
                                                               --------------------------------------------------
                                                                  FIRST       SECOND        THIRD       FOURTH
                                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT DELIVERIES DATA)
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net revenues.................................................  $   172,564  $   302,320  $   239,420  $   327,210
Gross profit.................................................       39,072       57,790       44,207       64,898
Income (loss) from operations................................       (1,301)      17,659        5,172       20,560
Net income (loss)............................................       (5,569)      13,408        2,118       18,937
Aircraft deliveries (in units):
  Green......................................................            5            9            5            7
  Completion.................................................            3            4            8           14
  Pre-owned aircraft.........................................            3            6            5            7
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                         1996
                                                               ------------------------
                                                                  FIRST       SECOND
                                                               -----------  -----------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                                   DELIVERIES DATA)
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net revenues.................................................  $   215,063  $   243,609
Gross profit.................................................       46,791       57,040
Income from operations.......................................        6,317        8,613
Net income...................................................        6,077        9,282
Aircraft deliveries (in units):
  Green......................................................            5            6
  Completion.................................................            6            6
  Pre-owned aircraft.........................................            3            4
</TABLE>
 
CONTRACTUAL BACKLOG
 
    Typically,  the Company  begins taking  orders and  building backlog  two to
three years prior to beginning production of a new aircraft model and receives a
significant number  of orders  prior to  delivering its  initial aircraft  in  a
program.  At  September  30,  1996,  the  Company  had  a  contract  backlog  of
approximately $3.0 billion  of revenues plus  executed contracts with  financing
contingencies  of approximately $295 million of potential revenues, representing
a total  of 69  contracts for  Gulfstream  Vs and  30 contracts  for  Gulfstream
IV-SPs. The Company includes an order in backlog only if the Company has entered
into  a  purchase contract  (with no  contingencies) with  the customer  and has
received a  significant (generally  non-refundable) deposit  from the  customer.
Contracts with financing contingencies are
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
converted to backlog upon receipt of financing by the purchaser, which generally
occurs  within  120  days. In  addition  to excluding  contracts  with financing
contingencies, the Company's  contract backlog excludes  options and letters  of
intent  for which definitive contracts have  not been executed. At September 30,
1996, the  Company  had  letters of  intent  with  deposits for  a  total  of  1
Gulfstream V and 4 Gulfstream IV-SPs, representing approximately $140 million of
additional  potential revenues. In total, approximately  50% of the Gulfstream V
contracts in backlog have scheduled deliveries beyond 1997. At December 31, 1994
and 1995 the Company  had a contract backlog  of approximately $1.5 billion  and
$1.9  billion, respectively, representing 3 and  7 Gulfstream IV-SP units and 40
and 50 Gulfstream V units, respectively.
 
    The Company continually monitors the condition of its backlog and  believes,
based  on the nature of its customers  and its historical experience, that there
will not be a significant number of cancellations.
 
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
 
    The Company does not have any significant assets located outside the  United
States.  All  the  Company's  sales and  contracts  have  historically  been and
currently are denominated in U.S. dollars and,  as a result, are not subject  to
changes  in  exchange rates.  In addition,  substantially  all of  the Company's
material purchases are currently denominated in U.S. dollars.
 
INFLATION
 
    The Company  continually attempts  to minimize  any effect  of inflation  on
earnings  by controlling its operating costs and selling prices. During the past
few years, the  rate of inflation  has been low  and has not  had a  significant
impact on the results of the Company's operations.
 
    A  significant portion  of the Company's  Gulfstream V  contracts contain an
adjustment in the purchase price to account for inflation. Such adjustments  are
generally  capped at an aggregate of 3% per year. These adjustments are intended
to minimize  the  Company's cost  risk  associated  with the  small  portion  of
material contracts which are not under long-term agreements.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 121,
 ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO
BE  DISPOSED OF. SFAS  No. 121 addresses issues  surrounding the measurement and
recognition of losses when  the value of  certain assets has  been deemed to  be
permanently  impaired. The Company adopted this  Statement in 1996 and there was
no material  effect on  its financial  position or  results of  operations  from
adoption.
 
    In  October 1995, the  Financial Accounting Standards  Board issued SFAS No.
123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. SFAS No. 123 establishes a  method
of  accounting for stock compensation plans based  on the fair value of employee
stock options and similar equity instruments. Adoption of the fair value  method
of  accounting is  not required  and the  Company is  continuing to  account for
stock-based compensation using  the method  set forth  in Accounting  Principles
Board  Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK  ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES, which is based
on the intrinsic value of equity  instruments. However, beginning in 1996,  SFAS
No.  123 requires  disclosure in  annual financial  statements of  pro forma net
income and earnings per share as if a fair value method included in SFAS No. 123
had been used to measure compensation cost.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
    Gulfstream  Aerospace  Corporation  is  recognized  worldwide  as  a leading
designer, developer,  manufacturer  and  marketer of  the  most  technologically
advanced  intercontinental business jet  aircraft. Since 1966,  when the Company
created the  large cabin  business jet  category with  the introduction  of  the
Gulfstream  II,  the  Company has  dominated  this market  segment,  capturing a
cumulative market share of 60%. The  Company has manufactured and sold over  950
large business aircraft since the introduction of the Gulfstream product line in
1958.  Since 1990, the Company has been  owned by certain partnerships formed by
Forstmann Little.
 
    The Company has  developed a broad  range of aircraft  products to meet  the
aviation   needs  of  its   targeted  customers  (which   include  national  and
multinational corporations,  governments  and governmental  agencies,  heads  of
state  and wealthy individuals). See "-- Customers and Marketing". The Company's
current principal aircraft products are the Gulfstream IV-SP, the Gulfstream  V,
Gulfstream  Shares-TM- (fractional ownership interests in Gulfstream IV-SPs) and
pre-owned Gulfstream  aircraft. As  an  integral part  of its  aircraft  product
offerings,  the  Company offers  aircraft completion  (exterior painting  of the
aircraft and installation of customer selected interiors and optional  avionics)
and  worldwide  aircraft  maintenance  services and  technical  support  for all
Gulfstream aircraft. In addition,  the Company's financial services  subsidiary,
Gulfstream   Financial   Services   Corporation,  through   its   private  label
relationship with a third-party  aircraft financing provider, offers  customized
products to finance the worldwide sale of Gulfstream aircraft.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    Beginning  in  1993,  the  Company  implemented  a  major  restructuring and
refocusing of its business  in order to  improve profitability, increase  market
share  and build  backlog. Theodore  J. Forstmann,  who assumed  the position of
Chairman of the  Company in November  1993, recruited a  new, senior  management
team  (including over 20 senior executives  with aviation and aerospace industry
experience) and established a five  member Management Committee, chaired by  Mr.
Forstmann  and comprised of  four other key  executives who share responsibility
for strategic decisions, management and  oversight of the Company's  operations.
In  addition,  Mr.  Forstmann  assembled  both  a  Board  of  Directors  and  an
International Advisory  Board comprised  of  prominent business  executives  and
senior statesmen to counsel the Company and to assist in its refocused sales and
operating initiatives.
 
    Under  the  leadership of  Mr. Forstmann  and the  new management  team, the
Company (i)  recapitalized its  balance sheet,  thereby reducing  the  Company's
annual interest expense by approximately $38 million, (ii) reduced the Company's
cost  structure, yielding over  $50 million in  annual savings, while increasing
the Company's aircraft production rate, (iii) strengthened the Company's  market
position  and  aircraft  order  growth,  resulting  in  a  contract  backlog  of
approximately $3.0 billion  of revenues  and executed  contracts with  financing
contingencies  of approximately $295 million of potential revenues, representing
total revenues and potential revenues of approximately $3.3 billion at September
30, 1996, (iv)  expanded and improved  the Company's product  offerings and  (v)
increased the Company's completion order rate and expanded its worldwide service
and support business.
 
    The most significant aspects of the restructuring were:
 
    RECAPITALIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION OF INTEREST EXPENSE
 
    In   late  1993,  a   partnership  formed  by   Forstmann  Little  exchanged
approximately $469 million of  the Company's subordinated debentures  (including
accrued  interest) for  preferred stock,  thereby reducing  the Company's annual
interest expense by approximately $38 million. See "Certain Transactions --  The
Acquisition;   Subsequent  Events".  This  recapitalization  and  the  resulting
increase in  cash flow  (together  with the  cost reductions  and  manufacturing
efficiencies  discussed  below)  enabled  the  Company  to  dedicate  additional
resources to significantly enhance the design of the Gulfstream V, the Company's
new ultra-long range business jet.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
    COST REDUCTIONS AND INCREASED PRODUCTION RATE
 
    The Company initiated  a restructuring that  significantly reduced its  cost
structure  and  product  manufacturing cycle  times.  The  restructuring program
included a voluntary reduction in the Company's work force by approximately 15%,
the outsourcing of certain manufacturing activities, the renegotiation of  major
supplier  contracts  and  the  termination  of  certain  leases,  which,  in the
aggregate, have yielded over  $50 million in  annual savings. Additionally,  the
Company  has reduced final  assembly time of  an aircraft by  more than 50% from
over 67 days to approximately 30  days and has reduced aircraft completion  time
from  approximately 35  weeks to  approximately 21 weeks.  As a  result of these
cycle time reductions, the use of  common tooling and selected outsourcing,  the
Company  expects to increase its production rate from an average of 2.4 aircraft
per month in 1996 to an average of 3.5 to 4.0 aircraft per month in 1997.
 
    NEW MARKETING INITIATIVES AND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED BACKLOG
 
    The Company developed and implemented a new, proactive marketing strategy to
substantially broaden the markets for its products. In addition to the Company's
historical practice of  targeting its  existing customer base,  the Company  (a)
initiated  an aggressive marketing campaign focused on companies and individuals
that have not previously owned  Gulfstream aircraft, (b) significantly  expanded
international sales activities, (c) introduced its Gulfstream Shares-TM- program
and (d) offered its customers access to customized financing to support the sale
of  new and pre-owned  Gulfstream aircraft. The Company  has also redirected its
sales and  marketing effort  to  focus on  high  level decision  makers  through
increased  involvement  of  the  Company's  Board  of  Directors,  International
Advisory Board and senior management in the selling process and restructured its
sales commission program  to more  effectively support  the Company's  strategic
goals.
 
    As  a result of these new marketing initiatives, the Company has experienced
strong  growth  in  aircraft  orders  and  backlog  and  believes  that  it  has
substantially  strengthened  its market  position.  At September  30,  1996, the
Company had a contract  backlog of approximately $3.0  billion of revenues  plus
executed contracts with financing contingencies of approximately $295 million of
potential  revenues, representing a total of  69 contracts for Gulfstream Vs and
30 contracts for Gulfstream IV-SPs.  Contracts with financing contingencies  are
converted to backlog upon receipt of financing by the purchaser, which generally
occurs  within 120  days. In  addition, at September  30, 1996,  the Company had
letters of intent with deposits for a  total of 1 Gulfstream V and 4  Gulfstream
IV-SPs,   representing  approximately  $140   million  of  additional  potential
revenues. In total, approximately 50% of  the Gulfstream V contracts in  backlog
have scheduled deliveries beyond 1997.
 
    EXPANDED PRODUCT OFFERINGS
 
    The  Company  expanded its  product offerings  to provide  multiple aircraft
products in  contrast  to its  historical  strategy  of offering  only  one  new
aircraft  model at a time. In addition, the Company began marketing its products
as an integrated whole, offering  completion and worldwide maintenance  services
and technical support for all Gulfstream aircraft. The Company's current product
offerings include the following:
 
    GULFSTREAM V.  The Company significantly enhanced the design and performance
characteristics of the Gulfstream V, which was in the early stage of development
in  1993,  and accelerated  the pace  of  its development.  The Gulfstream  V is
targeted at  the  market  for  ultra-long range  business  jet  aircraft  (6,500
nautical miles) which is a new market segment for the business jet industry. The
Gulfstream  V is in the advanced stages of  flight testing and is on schedule to
obtain certification by the FAA in the last quarter of 1996, at least 12  months
prior  to the targeted certification date of any other ultra-long range business
jet aircraft. The Company believes the Gulfstream V provides the longest  range,
fastest  cruising  speed  and  most  technologically  advanced  avionics  of any
ultra-long range business jet aircraft in operation.
 
    GULFSTREAM IV-SP.   In 1993,  the Company introduced  the Gulfstream  IV-SP,
which  offers  significantly  improved  performance  and  upgraded  avionics  as
compared to its predecessor, the Gulfstream IV.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
The Company believes that  the Gulfstream IV-SP offers  the best combination  of
large  cabin size,  long range (4,220  nautical miles), fast  cruising speed and
technologically advanced avionics of any  large business jet aircraft  currently
available.
 
    GULFSTREAM  SHARES-TM-.  In 1995, the  Company introduced a Gulfstream IV-SP
fractional share ownership program  (Gulfstream Shares-TM-) in conjunction  with
Executive   Jet  International,  Inc.'s  ("EJI")  NetJets-Registered  Trademark-
Program.  Gulfstream  Shares-TM-  provides   customers  with  the  benefits   of
Gulfstream  aircraft ownership at a substantially  lower cost than full aircraft
ownership and significantly increases the Company's potential customer base.  To
date,  the  Company  has  contracted  to  deliver  16  Gulfstream  IV-SPs  and 2
Gulfstream Vs to  EJI in  connection with  this program,  8 of  which have  been
delivered and 10 of which will be delivered through 1999. EJI also has an option
to purchase 5 additional Gulfstream IV-SPs in 1998.
 
    PRE-OWNED  GULFSTREAM AIRCRAFT.   The  Company assembled  a new, experienced
management team for  its pre-owned  aircraft sales operations  and introduced  a
number  of  initiatives  that  have  enhanced  the  marketability  of  pre-owned
Gulfstream aircraft. See "-- Principal  Products -- Premium Pre-Owned  Gulfsteam
Aircraft  and  Other  Pre-Owned Aircraft".  In  addition, the  Company  has been
successful in  using pre-owned  Gulfstream  aircraft as  a significant  tool  to
expand the Company's potential market and to compete against other manufacturers
of lower priced, new aircraft products. As a result of the Company's competitive
success  in marketing pre-owned aircraft, the  Company has reduced its inventory
of pre-owned  aircraft available  for sale  to approximately  $23.6 million  and
$35.0  million as  of June  30, 1995  and 1996,  respectively, as  compared with
approximately $125.8 million at October 31, 1993.
 
    IMPROVED COMPLETION, SERVICE AND SUPPORT
 
    The  Company's   new  marketing   strategy  has   resulted  in   substantial
improvements   in  the  Company's   completion  business.  Gulfstream  currently
completes approximately 95% of all new Gulfstream aircraft sold to customers  as
compared  to 70%  in 1990. Further,  the Company has  significantly expanded its
worldwide maintenance services  and technical support  for Gulfstream  aircraft,
including  opening a new 200,000 square foot  service center in 1996 to increase
its ability  to provide  high  quality service  to Gulfstream  customers.  These
service  and  support  activities  provide  the  Company  with  ongoing customer
contact, which  the  Company  believes  enhances its  opportunity  to  sell  new
aircraft to existing service and support customers.
 
    SUCCESSFUL CO-PRODUCTION OF GULFSTREAM V AND GULFSTREAM IV-SP AIRCRAFT
 
    The  Company is currently manufacturing both the Gulfstream V and Gulfstream
IV-SP. Upon FAA certification of the Gulfstream V, which is expected to occur in
the last  quarter  of 1996,  the  Company  will begin  delivering  Gulfstream  V
aircraft  to customers. Given  the Company's increased  manufacturing volume and
large backlog of  orders, the  Company expects to  deliver aircraft  in 1997  at
rates  substantially in excess of those experienced in the recent past. Assuming
FAA certification in the  last quarter of 1996,  the Company expects to  deliver
approximately  46 new  aircraft in  1997, including  19 Gulfstream  IV-SP and 27
Gulfstream V aircraft, representing a  59% increase over the Company's  expected
deliveries in 1996.
 
INDUSTRY
 
    The  business jet aircraft market is generally divided into four segments --
light, medium, large  and ultra-long range.  These segments are  defined on  the
basis  of range, cabin volume and  gross operating weight. The Company considers
the large  segment  to  currently  consist of  the  Gulfstream  IV-SP,  Canadair
Challenger  604, and Dassault Falcon 900B and 900EX. The medium segment includes
a variety  of business  jet aircraft  such as  the Cessna  Citation VII  and  X,
Dassault  Falcon 50EX and 2000,  Learjet 60 and Raytheon  Hawker 800XP and 1000.
The light segment consists of a variety of aircraft such as the Learjet 31A  and
45, Beechjet 400A and Cessna Citation V-Ultra and Bravo.
 
    The  ultra-long range market has evolved with the development by the Company
of the  Gulfstream V.  The first  Gulfstream V  deliveries are  expected in  the
fourth quarter of 1996. Bombardier, which is marketing the Global Express in the
ultra-long   range  market,   has  announced   that  it   does  not   expect  to
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
receive certification for delivery of the first Global Express until the  second
quarter  of 1998. In July 1996, Boeing  publicly announced that it would market,
in partnership with General Electric  Co., a version of  the Boeing 737 for  the
ultra-long  range business aircraft market. Boeing has indicated that it expects
this entry could be available for delivery in late 1998 or early 1999.
 
    According to the newsletter,  THE WEEKLY OF  BUSINESS AVIATION, since  1982,
the  annual unit growth rate for the total business jet fleet worldwide averaged
4.2%. During the same period, the annual unit growth rate for the large business
aircraft segment averaged 4.5%. Since 1966,  when the Company created the  large
cabin  business jet  category with  the introduction  of the  Gulfstream II, the
Company has dominated this market  segment, capturing a cumulative market  share
of 60%.
 
    The  Company  believes  that the  large  and ultra-long  range  business jet
aircraft market  will  expand  significantly  in the  future  due  to:  (i)  the
increasing  business relationships in and between existing and emerging commerce
centers, including the Pacific  Rim, Europe, the former  Soviet states, and  the
United  States, (ii) the broader and  increased utilization of business aircraft
as a result  of the increased  difficulty of, and  safety and security  concerns
with,  commercial travel, (iii)  the improved performance  and extended range of
business aircraft, and (iv) the expansion of the fractional ownership concept in
the large business jet  aircraft market which  allows customers, whose  aircraft
usage  patterns  or financial  resources  do not  justify  or permit  the direct
purchase of a large  aircraft, to purchase a  fractional interest in a  business
jet aircraft.
 
PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS
 
    GULFSTREAM V
 
    The Company's newest aircraft product is the Gulfstream V, which the Company
believes   provides  the  longest   range,  fastest  cruising   speed  and  most
technologically advanced avionics of any ultra-long range business jet  aircraft
currently  in operation. The  Gulfstream V is  in the advanced  stages of flight
testing and  the Company  expects it  to be  certified by  the FAA  in the  last
quarter of 1996. As of September 30, 1996, the Company had produced 6 Gulfstream
Vs and had 3 additional Gulfstream Vs in the final stage of production. Of the 6
Gulfstream  Vs already produced, 4 are  currently in the flight testing process.
The Company expects to begin customer deliveries of the Gulfstream V in the last
quarter of 1996, at least 12 months prior to the announced delivery dates of any
other ultra-long range business jet aircraft. Assuming FAA certification by year
end, the Company expects  to deliver approximately 27  Gulfstream V aircraft  in
1997. See "Risk Factors -- Gulfstream V Certification and Production".
 
    The  Gulfstream  V  has a  maximum  operating  speed of  Mach  .885.  It can
accommodate up to 19 passengers and is expected  to have a range of up to  6,500
nautical  miles and a cruising speed of  up to Mach .87. These capabilities will
permit  routine  intercontinental  travel  at  cruising  speeds  comparable   to
commercial  airline cruising speeds, while operating efficiently at altitudes as
high as 51,000 feet,  flying above most commercial  airline traffic and  adverse
weather.  The Gulfstream V is versatile  enough to fly long-range missions, such
as New York to Tokyo in approximately 14 hours, as well as high-speed  missions,
such as New York to London, in approximately six hours.
 
    The  Gulfstream  V  design  process  combined  modern  technology  with  the
conservative design  philosophy of  all Gulfstream  aircraft. The  Gulfstream  V
aircraft  development was launched in  September 1992 and significantly enhanced
in 1993  in response  to extensive  market research.  Aerodynamic profiles  were
developed  and verified using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and scale model
wind  tunnel  testing.  Following  systems  definition,  detailed  designs  were
prepared  on both two dimensional (CADAM)  and three dimensional (CATIA) digital
computer models, thereby eliminating the need to construct a physical  prototype
of  the new aircraft.  The Company estimates that  Gulfstream, its revenue share
partners and  key  suppliers  will  have invested  over  $800  million,  in  the
aggregate,  in  developing  the  Gulfstream  V.  The  Company  expects  that the
Gulfstream V development  program will  be materially  completed by  the end  of
1996.
 
    The  Gulfstream  V is  equipped with  two 14,750-pound-thrust  BR710 engines
built by BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH, which  were specifically designed for use on  the
Gulfstream V and for which Gulfstream
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
was the launch customer. The sound levels of the Gulfstream V's engines are well
below  FAA Stage  3 and  ICAO/Chapter 3  regulatory requirements  (the FAA's and
ICAO's most  stringent noise  abatement regulations).  These engines,  like  the
Rolls-Royce  Tay  engines  on  the Gulfstream  IV-SP  (which  are  considered an
industry benchmark), are designed  to operate 7,000  flight hours between  major
overhauls  and, due to fuel efficiency, are  expected to operate at a lower cost
than the engines of the Gulfstream IV-SP. The BR710 engine has been certified by
the Joint Aviation Authorities and the FAA.
 
    The aircraft utilizes  dual cabin pressurization  systems to minimize  cabin
altitude.  At a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet, the Gulfstream V cabin altitude
is designed  to  be  pressurized  to  6,000  feet,  the  lowest  cabin  altitude
pressurization  of any business jet aircraft.  This low cabin altitude, together
with a 100% fresh air ventilation system (instead of a recirculating air system)
is expected to significantly reduce passenger fatigue.
 
    The advanced flight systems on  the Gulfstream V include automatic  throttle
systems,  an integrated performance computer  system, an engine information crew
advisory system,  a  dual global  positioning  system and  independent  inertial
reference  systems. These systems  provide accurate flight  planning, as well as
automatic control, throughout the planned flight profile. For maximum safety,  a
Traffic  Collision Avoidance  System, turbulence and  wind shear-detecting radar
and an enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System are also standard. An additional
safety feature of the Gulfstream V  is an optional head-up display ("HUD").  The
HUD  optimizes pilot performance  and improves flight  safety, especially in low
visability conditions,  by reducing  the pilot's  dependence on  the  instrument
panel, thus allowing the pilot to direct his vision outside the cockpit.
 
    In  order  to  reduce  the  business risk  associated  with  the  design and
manufacture of  the  Gulfstream V,  the  Company entered  into  revenue  sharing
agreements  with  Vought  Aircraft  Company (a  subsidiary  of  Northrop Grumman
Corporation) for the  wing and  Fokker Aviation  B.V. for  the empennage.  Under
these  agreements, the  revenue share  partner is  responsible for  the detailed
design, tooling  and  manufacture  of  the  systems  in  exchange  for  a  fixed
percentage of revenues of each Gulfstream V sold (which the Company records as a
cost  of goods sold upon  an aircraft delivery). Thus,  in addition to financing
the development, manufacture and delivery  of its components, each  manufacturer
shares  in the risk of fluctuations in demand and market price of the Gulfstream
V. See "-- Materials  and Components" and "Risk  Factors -- Purchased  Materials
and Equipment".
 
    The  list  price for  a completed  Gulfstream  V is  currently approximately
$37,750,000 (depending on escalation and selected options). The Company provides
a purchaser of a Gulfstream  V with a 20 year  or 20,000 flight hour  (whichever
comes  first)  warranty on  the airframe  structure and  a six-year  warranty on
components (other  than the  engines). BMW  Rolls-Royce GmbH  provides a  direct
five-year  or 2,500 flight hour (whichever  comes first) warranty on the engines
to purchasers of a Gulfstream V.
 
    GULFSTREAM IV-SP
 
    The Company's other principal  aircraft product is  the Gulfstream IV-SP,  a
twin-engine  fanjet aircraft which  is an enhanced version  of the Gulfstream IV
(which the  Company  no longer  manufactures).  See "--  Past  Aircraft  Product
Offerings."  The  Company believes  that the  Gulfstream  IV-SP offers  the best
combination  of  large  cabin  size,   long  range,  fast  cruising  speed   and
technologically  advanced avionics of any  large business jet aircraft currently
available. The Company has manufactured and  sold 81 Gulfstream IV-SPs from  its
introduction  in 1993 through June 30, 1996.  The Company intends to continue to
manufacture the Gulfstream IV-SP after the introduction of the Gulfstream V.
 
    The Gulfstream IV-SP can accommodate up to 19 passengers, has a range of  up
to  4,220 nautical miles and  a cruising speed of  up to approximately Mach .85.
These capabilities  permit routine  intercontinental travel  at cruising  speeds
comparable to commercial airline cruising speeds, while operating efficiently at
altitudes  as high as 45,000 feet,  flying above most commercial airline traffic
and adverse  weather. The  Gulfstream IV/IV-SP  is the  holder of  79  distance,
altitude  and speed records  for aircraft of its  class including east-bound and
west-bound around-the-world speed records (36  hours and 8 minutes  (east-bound)
and 45 hours and 25 minutes (west-bound)).
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    The Company developed the SP (Special Performance) version of the Gulfstream
IV  with  enhanced  avionics, increased  interior  cabin width  and  height, and
increased allowable landing weight,  providing improved mission flexibility  and
allowing the Gulfstream IV-SP to fly multiple-leg trips without refueling.
 
    The  Gulfstream IV-SP is  equipped with two Rolls-Royce  Tay fan jet engines
which have  commercial  airline-proven  reliability  and  performance.  The  Tay
engines  can  operate  7,000  flight hours  between  major  overhauls, producing
aircraft operating costs for the Gulfstream IV-SP that the Company believes  are
comparable  to  those of  its competitors.  Additionally, the  Gulfstream IV-SP,
together with the Gulfstream IV and the Gulfstream V, are the only business  jet
aircraft  combining an electronic  "all glass cockpit"  and an advanced avionics
suite consisting of  a fully integrated  computerized flight management  system,
including a performance computer and automatic throttle systems.
 
    The  list price for a completed  Gulfstream IV-SP is currently approximately
$28,200,000 (depending upon selected options). The Company provides a  purchaser
of  a Gulfstream IV-SP with a 15  year or 15,000 flight hour warranty (whichever
comes first) on the  airframe structure and  a 30 month  warranty on most  other
parts  (other than the engines).  Rolls-Royce provides a direct  5 year or 2,500
flight hour warranty (whichever comes first)  on the engines to purchasers of  a
new  Gulfstream IV-SP.  Since the  first delivery  of a  Gulfstream IV  in 1985,
warranty claims on the Gulfstream IV  and Gulfstream IV-SP have aggregated  less
than  1%  of  aggregate  net  revenues from  the  sales  of  Gulfstream  IVs and
Gulfstream IV-SPs.
 
    GULFSTREAM IV-MPA
 
    The Company has  designed and  manufactured the Gulfstream  IV-MPA, a  multi
purpose  derivative of the  Gulfstream IV (designated C20-G)  procured by and in
service for the United States Navy. The Gulfstream IV-MPA may be equipped with a
six-foot wide cargo  door and/or  high density  seating (up  to 26  passengers).
These aircraft have the capability to convert from a cargo configuration to a 26
passenger  configuration in  less than four  hours. Depending  upon the specific
configuration, the Gulfstream  IV-MPA's list  price ranges  from $28,000,000  to
$32,000,000. There are currently 5 Gulfstream IV-MPAs in service with the United
States  Navy  with  3 additional  units  under  contract for  delivery  to other
government agencies. The Company believes  that the Gulfstream IV-MPA and  other
special mission modifications of the Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft will be important
products  for meeting the needs of government operators, military organizations,
civil authorities and intelligence gathering agencies.
 
    GULFSTREAM SHARES-TM-
 
    The Company  offers  customers  fractional  ownership  in  Gulfstream  IV-SP
aircraft  through a  program established by  the Company in  1995 in conjunction
with EJI's NetJets-Registered  Trademark- program. This  program is designed  to
provide  customers with the benefits of Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft ownership at a
substantially lower cost than  the purchase of an  entire aircraft. The  program
significantly  expands the market for Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft to include those
customers whose aircraft usage patterns or financial resources do not justify or
permit the direct purchase of  a Gulfstream aircraft. The Gulfstream  Shares-TM-
program,  by  teaming  Gulfstream  and EJI,  has  brought  the  Gulfstream name,
quality, reputation and marketing  infrastructure together with the  operational
experience and reputation of the founder and leader in the business jet aircraft
fractional ownership market.
 
    The  Gulfstream Shares-TM- program is marketed by the Company. EJI purchases
Gulfstream IV-SPs from the Company and then sells fractional ownership interests
in such aircraft generally in one-eighth or one-quarter increments for which the
customer receives 100 or 200 hours of flying time per year, respectively, with a
guaranteed response time for pick-up of  10 hours or 6 hours, respectively.  The
customers  enter into management and operating  contracts with EJI which provide
guaranteed services  and operating  costs. EJI's  agreement with  its  customers
provides  for a  term of  5 years with  certain termination  and renewal rights.
There is no recourse to the Company under the provisions of these agreements  or
under the Company's contractual agreement with EJI.
 
    The  Gulfstream  IV-SP  aircraft  are  maintained  by  the  Company  under a
maintenance agreement with EJI. Further, under a lease arrangement, the  Company
provides EJI up to 4 pre-owned Gulfstream IV
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
aircraft  (which  are included  in the  Company's pre-owned  aircraft inventory)
which make up  EJI's core fleet  and are  used to facilitate  EJI's meeting  its
response  time and service  guarantees. The Company  has a proprietary agreement
with EJI relating to the marketing  activities and provision of the core  fleet,
pursuant  to which the Company is  reimbursed for certain marketing expenses and
earns royalty fees on certain EJI revenues.
 
    Under the terms of the agreements  between the Company and EJI, the  program
consists of EJI's purchase or option to purchase over 20 Gulfstream IV-SPs and 2
Gulfstream  Vs.  To  date, the  Company  has  contracted to  deliver  to  EJI 16
Gulfstream IV-SPs  and  2  Gulfstream  Vs  in  connection  with  the  Gulfstream
Shares-TM-  program, 8  of which  have been  delivered and  10 of  which will be
delivered through 1999. In addition, EJI  has remaining an option to purchase  5
additional Gulfstream IV-SPs in 1998. The Company's marketing services agreement
for  Gulfstream Shares-TM- has  a term of  three years which  can be extended by
mutual agreement of the parties.
 
    In addition to providing the Company with an incremental source of revenues,
the Company believes the Gulfstream  Shares-TM- program represents an  important
marketing  tool. Fractional ownership  provides the Company  with a lower priced
product that allows it to  broaden its potential market  and to create an  entry
level product for new Gulfstream customers. Fractional ownership also allows the
Company  to offer an interim  solution for customers who  have an immediate need
for aircraft transportation and  desire to purchase a  whole aircraft, but  must
wait for delivery due to the orders backlog.
 
    The  Company is currently conducting a  feasibility study, which is expected
to be completed  by early 1997,  to determine whether  to establish a  pre-owned
Gulfstream  Shares-TM- program internationally. Such  a program could expand the
Company's presence in international  markets and assist  the Company in  selling
pre-owned  Gulfstream IV and  Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft  acquired by the Company
from trade-ins on Gulfstream V deliveries.
 
    AIRCRAFT COMPLETION
 
    When the Company sells a new Gulfstream V or Gulfstream IV-SP, it  generally
contracts  with  its  customer  to  deliver a  green  aircraft  and  a completed
interior. The  Company's completion  services  include painting  and  installing
customer selected interiors and optional avionics. The Company believes that its
completion  services improve customer satisfaction while enhancing the Company's
profitability. The Company  is the  only company possessing  the technology  and
specifications  to  complete the  Gulfstream V.  Although other  companies offer
completion services for  the Gulfstream IV-SP,  the Company believes  it has  an
advantage  over other  suppliers due  to Gulfstream's  understanding of  its own
aircraft  and  the   interface  requirements  necessary   for  installation   of
custom-designed  interiors and  optional avionics systems.  The Company believes
that  it  also  provides  superior  craftsmanship  in  designing  and   building
customized interiors.
 
    Gulfstream  has increased  its completion  order rate  on new  aircraft as a
percentage of green  aircraft orders from  70% in 1990  to approximately 95%  in
1995.  In an effort  to simplify the  selling process and  to capture completion
business, the Company currently markets its aircraft to customers on a completed
basis. As part of this effort, the Company has developed an aircraft  completion
program  that  offers customers  a customized  interior using  core standardized
design elements. The use  of these standardized elements  allows the Company  to
more  accurately  predict  and  reduce  costs,  cut  cycle  times  and  increase
consistency  of  production.  This,  together  with  its  integrated   marketing
strategy, has allowed the Company to perform substantially all of the completion
services for its green aircraft since 1993.
 
    The  Company's completion centers, located  in Savannah, Georgia; Brunswick,
Georgia; and  Long Beach,  California, offer  full completion  and  refurbishing
services.  The Company's completion centers located  in Savannah, Long Beach and
Brunswick can accommodate an aggregate of up to 20 aircraft at one time.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    PREMIUM PRE-OWNED GULFSTREAM AIRCRAFT AND OTHER PRE-OWNED AIRCRAFT
 
    Pre-owned aircraft are routinely accepted in trade to facilitate the sale of
new Gulfstream IV-SPs and Gulfstream  Vs. The Company uses pre-owned  Gulfstream
aircraft  as a significant tool in  expanding the Company's potential market and
competing with lower priced, new aircraft products.
 
    The Company  has  assembled  a  new, experienced  management  team  and  has
introduced  a number of initiatives which have enhanced the marketability of its
pre-owned aircraft. The  Company refurbishes pre-owned  Gulfstream aircraft  and
markets  these aircraft as  a branded product  of the Company.  Pursuant to this
program, the Company backs pre-owned Gulfstream aircraft with a 5 year  warranty
on  the airframe structure and a 12 month warranty on virtually all other parts,
including the engines under a separate warranty from Rolls-Royce Commercial Aero
Engines Limited.
 
    Recently, the Company obtained certification of Gulfstream IIIs,  Gulfstream
IVs and Gulfstream IV-SPs for use in the Commonwealth of Independent States (the
former  Soviet  Union) as  a part  of  the Company's  efforts to  develop select
international markets  through  the  introduction  of  lower  priced,  pre-owned
Gulfstreams.
 
    Trade-in  values for pre-owned  aircraft are based  on estimated fair market
value ("FMV") at the time the trade-in will actually occur. If the trade-in time
is greater than twelve months into the future, the Company's current practice is
to reserve the right to determine FMV not more than six months prior to delivery
of the green aircraft.  Trade-in aircraft are always  entered into inventory  at
the  lower of cost or estimated realizable  value. Any excess value offered to a
customer above estimated realizable  value is recognized as  a reduction in  the
revenue received in the new aircraft sale transaction.
 
    Through   its  trade-in  agreements,  the  Company  reserves  the  right  to
pre-market the trade-in aircraft prior to acceptance of title from the customer.
Over the  past several  years,  the Company  has  generally been  successful  in
entering  sales agreements on trade-in aircraft prior to acceptance of title. If
market conditions change, however,  no assurances can be  made that the  Company
can  continue this  practice even though  the Company's strategy  may remain the
same.
 
    The Company  has provided  a portion  of its  Gulfstream V  customers  whose
contracts  are currently  in backlog  with an  option to  trade in  a Gulfstream
aircraft at the time of their Gulfstream V aircraft delivery. These options  may
be  at a specified dollar amount or at FMV "to be determined six months prior to
green delivery"  of the  Gulfstream V.  The Company  continues to  assess  those
options which are at a fixed dollar amount in light of market conditions and has
determined  such fixed dollar options  are no higher than  the FMV estimated for
the time of Gulfstream V aircraft  delivery. Although no assurance can be  given
that  the fixed dollar trade-in  aircraft values will remain  at or below FMV at
the time of trade, any adjustments required for values in excess of FMV will  be
appropriately  reflected in the new aircraft sales transaction and the pre-owned
inventory will  be  stated on  the  Company's books  at  the lower  of  cost  or
estimated realizable value.
 
    AIRCRAFT SERVICES, PARTS AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
 
    The  Company  is  committed  to  supporting,  servicing  and  expanding  the
Gulfstream aircraft fleet as part  of its refocused customer-oriented  strategy.
The  Company provides worldwide service and  support by integrating a network of
Company-owned service centers,  three levels of  authorized third party  service
providers,  worldwide  parts depots,  worldwide  service representatives  and 24
hour-a-day technical/AOG (aircraft on the ground) support. The Company  believes
that  the service business  offers potential for future  expansion and growth as
the Gulfstream  fleet grows  and that  the  high level  of service  the  Company
provides results in significant repeat business.
 
    SERVICE  CENTERS.   The  Company operates  service  centers in  Savannah and
Brunswick,  Georgia  and  Long   Beach,  California  for  aircraft   maintenance
functions,  including  modifications and  major  repairs. In  1996,  the Company
opened  a  new  200,000  square  foot,  state-of-the-art,  service  facility  in
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
Savannah,  Georgia, with capacity for 12 to 20 Gulfstream Vs and Gulfstream IVs.
See "-- Properties". Training, level of service and business practices have been
significantly improved  and standardized  across the  Company's service  centers
since 1994.
 
    Additionally, the Company has license agreements with Marshalls of Cambridge
(Cambridge,  England),  Chrysler's  Pentastar  Aviation  subsidiary  (Ypsilanti,
Michigan) and  Jet  Aviation (Singapore)  to  provide service,  maintenance  and
repairs  for Gulfstream  aircraft. The  licensees provide  additional geographic
service locations for the expanding Gulfstream  fleet. Royalty fees are paid  to
the  Company  by  the licensees  based  on  labor hours  expended.  In addition,
Associated Airlines  (Melbourne,  Australia)  and  Jet  Aviation  Business  Jets
(Geneva and Basel, Switzerland) serve as authorized warranty centers.
 
    PARTS.   Parts  are provided  to aircraft owners  through a  network of five
Company  parts  depots.  Proprietary  initiatives  (including  cancellation   of
discounts to third party outlets, a gradual adjustment of parts pricing for high
use  items, and a gradual elimination of international price premiums) have been
undertaken in the last 18 months  to develop, improve and sustain the  Company's
competitive  advantage in  the fragmented parts  market and  to improve customer
service levels.
 
    TECHNICAL INFORMATION.   The Company markets  aircraft support  publications
and  technical documents to its customers and to third party service facilities.
Additionally, a proprietary computerized maintenance program (CMP) is offered as
a subscription  service to  customers for  the management  and tracking  of  the
maintenance  status  of  their  aircraft.  Approximately  90%  of  the Company's
customers utilize  this  service.  Recently, the  Company  instituted  a  policy
requiring  third  party  maintenance facilities  to  purchase  factory technical
support for  scheduled  maintenance  performed on  customer  aircraft.  This  is
expected  to offset  the cost  of providing  this technical  support and further
strengthen the competitive position of the Company's own service centers.
 
    The Company is in the process  of establishing its ServiceCare program,  the
first  comprehensive  airframe, engine  and avionics  maintenance program  to be
offered in the  business aircraft market,  which will provide  customers of  new
Gulfstream  IV-SPs  with  scheduled and  unscheduled  maintenance  at guaranteed
costs. Coverage will  be provided on  a world-wide  basis, with all  work to  be
accomplished at Gulfstream or Gulfstream authorized service centers. The program
is expected to be implemented by year-end 1996.
 
    AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SERVICES.  In 1995 the Company's estimated market share
(based  on service  center visits)  of the  maintenance services  market for the
Gulfstream fleet  was  approximately  40%.  The Company  has  assembled  a  new,
experienced  management team for its maintenance services operations. Under this
new team, the Company has developed  a proactive marketing and sales effort  and
made investments in training and facilitates, which are expected to increase its
market  share significantly by the  end of 1998. During  the first half of 1996,
the Company  increased  its  revenues  from  maintenance,  parts,  services  and
facilities by 21% over the comparable period in 1995.
 
    TRAINING  AND  FACILITIES.    The  Company  provides  pilot  and maintenance
training services to its customers as an  integral component of the sale of  new
Gulfstream  IV-SP, Gulfstream V  and pre-owned Gulfstream  aircraft. The Company
has  long-term  agreements  with  FlightSafety  International  ("FSI")  for  the
provision of this high quality training service.
 
    FSI maintains and operates training facilities co-located with the Company's
Savannah  and Long Beach operations and  has recently announced its intention to
build a  new 86,000  square  foot training  facility  adjacent to  the  recently
constructed  Gulfstream Service Center in Savannah. This training center will be
fully funded by FSI and will house classrooms and simulators (including the  new
Gulfstream   V  simulator)   supporting  the  entire   Gulfstream  product  line
(Gulfstream I  through  Gulfstream  V). Gulfstream,  in  conjunction  with  FSI,
facilitates  the operation of a Customer  Training Advisory Board which provides
direct customer  and original  equipment manufacturer  input to  FSI's  training
curriculums and course content.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
    Additionally,  pilot  and  maintenance  training  services  are  provided to
Gulfstream customers by SimuFlight Training International ("SimuFlight") located
at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Texas. SimuFlight provides  training
services   for  Gulfstream  II,  Gulfstream  III  and  Gulfstream  IV  aircraft.
Gulfstream, in  conjunction with  SimuFlight, facilitates  the operation  of  an
additional  Customer Training Advisory Board  which provides direct customer and
original equipment  manufacturer input  to SimuFlight  training curriculums  and
course content.
 
AIRCRAFT FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
 
    The   Company,   through  its   subsidiary  Gulfstream   Financial  Services
Corporation ("GFSC"),  provides customers  with access  to customized  financial
products to support the worldwide sale of Gulfstream new and pre-owned aircraft.
GFSC  representatives typically consult with  potential customers to develop the
most effective means of financing the purchase of a Gulfstream jet for each such
customer's specialized needs.
 
    The financial products (including capital  and operating leases, loans,  tax
advantaged  leases, like-kind exchange options,  and Export-Import Bank support)
are provided  on  a  competitive  basis through  a  proprietary,  private  label
relationship  with a  prominent provider  of aircraft  financing (the "Financing
Provider"), that has  full credit  review and  approval rights  and assumes  all
credit  risk with no recourse to the  Company. Additionally, the Company and the
Financing Provider have  entered into a  re-marketing arrangement which  enables
the  Company  to  manage  the  resale of  any  Gulfstream  aircraft  whose lease
financing period has  ended. This  private label agreement  has a  term of  five
years with a lending commitment of $250 million annually, and can be extended by
mutual agreement of the parties.
 
    The  Company believes that the access  provided by GFSC to financing sources
for customers throughout the world serves to expedite and increase sales of  new
and  pre-owned aircraft and  also enables the Company  to effectively manage the
residual values of the Gulfstream fleet.
 
BACKLOG AND NEW ORDERS
 
    Typically, the  Company begins  taking orders  and building  backlog two  to
three years prior to beginning production of a new aircraft model and receives a
significant  number  of orders  prior to  delivering its  initial aircraft  in a
program.  At  September  30,  1996,  the  Company  had  a  contract  backlog  of
approximately  $3.0 billion of  revenues plus executed  contracts with financing
contingencies of approximately $295 million of potential revenues,  representing
a  total  of 69  contracts for  Gulfstream  Vs and  30 contracts  for Gulfstream
IV-SPs. The Company includes an order in backlog only if the Company has entered
into a  purchase contract  (with no  contingencies) with  the customer  and  has
received  a significant  (generally non-refundable)  deposit from  the customer.
Contracts with financing contingencies are converted to backlog upon receipt  of
financing  by the purchaser, which generally occurs within 120 days. In addition
to excluding  contracts with  financing  contingencies, the  Company's  contract
backlog  excludes options and  letters of intent  for which definitive contracts
have not been executed. At September 30, 1996, the Company had letters of intent
with  deposits  for  a  total  of  1  Gulfstream  V  and  4  Gulfstream  IV-SPs,
representing  approximately $140  million of  additional potential  revenues. In
total, approximately 50% of the Gulfstream V contracts in backlog have scheduled
deliveries beyond 1997. At December 31, 1993,  1994 and 1995, the Company had  a
contract  backlog of approximately $0.9 billion,  $1.5 billion and $1.9 billion,
respectively, representing 3, 3 and 7 Gulfstream  IV-SP units and 24, 40 and  50
Gulfstream V units, respectively.
 
    Generally,  at the signing of a Gulfstream IV-SP or Gulfstream V contract, a
customer makes  a non-refundable  deposit with  the Company.  Subsequently,  the
customer  makes a series  of significant progress payments,  with the balance of
the purchase price  due at  delivery of the  green aircraft.  Since the  Company
began  taking  orders for  Gulfstream Vs  in  1992, only  4 contracts  have been
cancelled, 3 of which were the result of declines in the business performance of
the customer and one of which was  a result of adverse economic conditions in  a
foreign country.
 
    New  orders for the Gulfstream V and the Gulfstream IV-SP totaled 12 and 30,
respectively, in 1995, 16 and 25 in 1994  and 17 and 26 in 1993. Orders tend  to
vary from year to year reflecting a number of
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
factors,   including   competitive   circumstances,   worldwide   economic   and
geopolitical conditions  and the  timing of  customer decisions  in placing  new
orders due to budget planning and specific transportation needs.
 
CUSTOMERS AND MARKETING
 
    The   majority  of  the   Company's  aircraft  are   sold  to  national  and
multinational corporations and governments.  Gulfstream's aircraft are  operated
by  customers in a  wide spectrum of industries  and customer groups, including:
pharmaceuticals,   consumer   goods,   high   technology,   energy,   industrial
manufacturing,   finance,  insurance,   real  estate,   mining,  transportation,
communications, public utilities,  retail trade, the  United States  government,
other   sovereign  entities,  and  individuals.  Seventy-eight  percent  of  the
Gulfstream fleet is based in North America and  22% of the fleet is based in  45
countries  worldwide. Current  owners of Gulfstream  aircraft include  25 of the
Fortune 50 companies  and 115  of the Fortune  500 companies.  In addition,  the
United  States government, including all branches of the United States military,
and 39  foreign governments  operate  Gulfstream aircraft.  Gulfstream  aircraft
provide  air transportation for  the President, Vice  President and other senior
members of  the  United  States  government. Over  48  Gulfstream  aircraft  are
currently in operation with various United States government agencies, including
the FAA.
 
    The   diverse  Gulfstream  customer  base   combined  with  wide  geographic
distribution  requires  an  integrated   marketing,  communications  and   sales
approach.  The  Company's marketing  and communications  program is  designed to
create general awareness of  the Company, its products  and services, while  the
sales approach is highly personalized and focused on the key decision makers, as
well   as  flight   departments  and   other  managers   within  the  customer's
organization.
 
    In 1994, the Company fundamentally changed its sales and marketing processes
to  include  market  segmentation,  analysis  of  customer  potential,  prospect
tracking and weekly reviews of specific sales and pricing strategies with senior
management.  Additionally,  with the  introduction  of GFSC,  the  Company began
including strategic planning for sales transactions in order to better integrate
customer financing  and  budgeting  requirements.  The  Company  believes  these
enhanced  processes have  been a major  contributor to its  success in obtaining
orders  and  growing   backlog.  Also   in  1994,   Gulfstream  established   an
International  Advisory Board of 16  prominent international business executives
and senior  statesmen  to advise  the  Company on  international  activities  in
support  of  the  Company's  strategic  initiatives  to  further  penetrate  the
international markets. See "Management -- International Advisory Board".
 
    In early  1995,  to  strengthen  its overall  position  in  the  market  and
effectively  focus the  resources of the  Company on its  customers, the Company
created Gulfstream Aircraft Incorporated ("GAI") as a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company. GAI is responsible for all functions directly related to  customers
including:  marketing,  sales,  completions,  service  and  product  support. By
closely integrating these  activities, customers  are provided a  high level  of
personalized  service on the schedule they require. This organization allows the
Company to respond  appropriately to  scheduled and  unscheduled customer  needs
while  maintaining the  engineering expertise  and focused  business environment
required for the development and manufacture of its high quality products in the
balance of the organization. In addition, it facilitates the direct  involvement
of senior leadership in the sales and marketing process.
 
    The Company's marketing and communications program is a carefully integrated
combination  of  business and  trade advertising,  direct mail,  press coverage,
trade shows and special events. These activities are specifically developed  and
executed through GAI to create personal selling opportunities for the sales team
and   senior  management  with  assistance  from  the  Board  of  Directors  and
International Advisory Board.
 
    The Company  has 22  sales  executives located  in:  New York;  New  Jersey;
Washington,  D.C.;  Atlanta, Georgia;  Dallas,  Texas; Los  Angeles, California;
Chicago, Illinois; Columbus,  Ohio; Miami, Florida;  Savannah, Georgia;  London;
Cairo;   Singapore;  Monaco;  and  Hong  Kong.  In  the  case  of  international
operations, these  executives are  responsible for  the Company's  relationships
with  33 international agents  who facilitate business  transactions in selected
local markets. The Company's sales executives
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
are compensated through  a commission  program which  compliments the  Company's
overall  strategic  objectives  of  maintaining the  current  customer  base and
expanding market share. The  program is based on  annual orders and provides  an
additional  incentive  for capturing  orders from  new customers,  as well  as a
reduction in potential compensation for orders lost to competitors.
 
    The Company pursues  government and special  mission business  opportunities
worldwide  with a two person sales team  located in Washington, D.C. These sales
executives are specifically suited  by their background  and experience to  deal
with  military  and  government customers.  The  Company's  government relations
function also involves two people with experience in regulatory, legislative and
appropriations processes essential to the conduct of the Company's business with
the United States government.
 
    No single customer accounted for more than 10% of sales revenues during  the
year ended December 31, 1995.
 
    The  following  table  sets  forth  for  the  periods  indicated information
concerning the Company's net revenues:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       30,
                                                       -----------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                                                1994                    1995                     1996
                                                       ----------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------
                                                                                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>
United States........................................  $   778.8         86%   $    824.5         79%   $   365.1         80%
International........................................      122.8         14         217.0         21         93.6         20
                                                       ---------        ---    ----------        ---    ---------        ---
    Total net revenues...............................  $   901.6        100%   $  1,041.5        100%   $   458.7        100%
                                                       ---------        ---    ----------        ---    ---------        ---
                                                       ---------        ---    ----------        ---    ---------        ---
</TABLE>
 
    For a description of  the Company's export sales  by geographical area,  see
Note 15 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in
this Prospectus.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The business aircraft market generally is divided into four segments (light,
medium, large and ultra-long range) of aircraft either designed or converted for
business use.
 
    The  Gulfstream  IV-SP competes  in the  large  cabin business  jet aircraft
market  segment,  principally  with  Dassault  Aviation  S.A.  (which   recently
announced  that  it  will  merge  with  Aerospatiale  SA)  and  Bombardier.  The
Gulfstream V  competes in  the  ultra-long range  business jet  aircraft  market
segment, primarily with the Global Express, which is being marketed by Canadair,
a subsidiary of Bombardier, and which is scheduled for certification at least 12
months  after the anticipated initial delivery of the Gulfstream V. In addition,
in July  1996,  Boeing,  in  partnership with  General  Electric  Co.,  publicly
announced  that it intends to  begin to market a version  of the Boeing 737 into
the ultra-long range business jet aircraft market segment. Boeing has  indicated
that  it expects that this aircraft could be available for delivery in late 1998
or 1999.  The  Company's  competitors  may  have  access  to  greater  resources
(including,  in certain cases, governmental subsidies) than are available to the
Company. The  Company believes,  however, that  it competes  favorably with  its
competitors on the basis of the performance characteristics of its aircraft, the
quality,  range and  timeliness of  the service  it provides  and its innovative
marketing techniques, and that it has the leading market share in both the large
cabin and ultra-long range  business jet aircraft  market segments. The  Company
believes its aircraft's operating costs are comparable to or lower than those of
its competitors and that its products are competitively priced.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
    The  Company conducts an internally  funded research and development program
primarily for the enhancement of the existing Gulfstream aircraft fleet and  for
the  development  of  new  aircraft.  The  Company's  research  and  development
expenditures are cyclical and tend to be relatively high several years prior  to
the  introduction of a new aircraft model  and to decrease significantly as that
product cycle  matures. All  amounts expended  on research  and development  are
expensed as incurred.
 
    The  Company's  research and  development program  is  based on  product and
process improvement to satisfy changing  customer needs and changing  regulatory
requirements. The Company's
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
research   and  development   efforts  have   focused  on   improving  operating
efficiencies, performance,  safety and  reliability, reducing  pilot  workloads,
realizing   environmental  benefits,  reducing  weight  and  improving  ease  of
manufacture.
 
    The Company believes that its emphasis on product improvements for  aircraft
in  the Gulfstream fleet has  provided and will continue  to provide added value
for the  Gulfstream customer.  For  aircraft already  produced and  in  service,
aircraft  changes, which  incorporate product  improvements, are  generally made
available for purchase by existing owners of Gulfstream aircraft.
 
    In 1994  and  1995, the  Company  spent  $57.4 million  and  $63.1  million,
respectively,  on research and development  primarily relating to the Gulfstream
V. As a result of  the completion of the  Gulfstream V development project,  the
Company's total research and development expenditures are expected to decline to
$6.5  million in 1997  from an anticipated  $59.3 million in  1996. Research and
development expenditures in 1997 and the near-term future will stem  principally
from product and process improvements rather than new aircraft development.
 
MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS
 
    Approximately  70% of the production costs  of both the Gulfstream IV-SP and
the Gulfstream V consist  of purchased materials  and equipment. Many  materials
and items of equipment used in the production of the Company's aircraft, such as
the  engines, wings, landing gear and avionics systems, are purchased from other
manufacturers,  generally  pursuant  to  long-term  purchase  orders.  For   the
Gulfstream  V, the Company  has entered into revenue  sharing agreements for the
wing and  empennage.  Under  these  agreements, the  revenue  share  partner  is
responsible  for the detailed design, tooling  and manufacture of the systems in
exchange for a fixed  percentage of revenues  of each Gulfstream  V sold. As  is
typical  among general  aviation aircraft  manufacturers, the  Company relies on
single source  suppliers  for complex  aircraft  components and  systems.  These
single  sources  are selected  based on  overall aircraft  systems requirements,
quality and certification  requirements and competitiveness  in the market.  The
Company's   suppliers  include  Rolls-Royce   Commercial  Aero  Engines  Limited
(Gulfstream  IV-SP  engines),  BMW  Rolls-Royce  GmbH  (Gulfstream  V  engines),
Honeywell  Incorporated  (Gulfstream IV-SP  and  Gulfstream V  flight management
systems/avionics),  The  Aerostructures  Corporation  (Gulfstream  IV-SP  wing),
Northrop  Grumman Corporation (Gulfstream  V wing revenue  share partner through
its Vought Aircraft Company subsidiary  and Gulfstream IV-SP nacelle  supplier),
Fokker  Aviation B.V. (Gulfstream  V empennage revenue  share partner), The B.F.
Goodrich Co. (Gulfstream  IV-SP and  Gulfstream V  landing gears  and air  speed
sensors),  Sundstrand Corp. (Gulfstream  V electrical system  and actuators) and
AlliedSignal, Inc. (Gulfstream IV-SP and  Gulfstream V auxiliary power unit  and
environmental  control systems and Gulfstream  IV-SP electrical systems). Fokker
Aviation B.V., the provider of the  Gulfstream V empennage, was formed upon  the
bankruptcy  of  Fokker Aerospace.  To  date, the  Company  has not  suffered any
adverse impact from the Fokker reorganization and does not anticipate any future
adverse impact due to the announced Stork NV acquisition of Fokker Aviation B.V.
See "Risk Factors -- Purchased Materials and Equipment".
 
    Suppliers are selected on the basis of their ability to produce high quality
systems and components at competitive prices on a timely basis. The Company  has
had  continuing  relationships  with  most  of  its  major  suppliers  since the
inception of the Gulfstream II  program in 1966. Ongoing supplier  relationships
are  dependent on  cooperation, performance  and the  maintenance of competitive
pricing. From time to time suppliers have  been replaced as the quality of  such
suppliers'  products declined or the costs associated therewith failed to remain
competitive. While the Company's production activities have not been  materially
affected by the inability to obtain essential components, and while it maintains
business  interruption  insurance in  the event  that  such a  disruption should
occur, the failure of certain suppliers or subcontractors to meet the  Company's
performance  specifications,  quality  standards  or  delivery  schedules  could
adversely impact the Company's operations. In addition, the Company's ability to
significantly increase its production  rate could be limited  by the ability  or
willingness of its key suppliers to
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
increase  their delivery rates;  however, in the past,  the Company's ability to
maintain or increase production has not been significantly limited by suppliers'
performance. In addition,  under many of  its supply contracts,  the Company  is
permitted  to increase or  decrease the quantity of  components or systems being
ordered at no cost on six months' notice.
 
    The Company has negotiated multi-year  agreements with its major  Gulfstream
IV-SP  suppliers, who  account for approximately  70% of  the purchased material
cost  used  in  a  Gulfstream  IV-SP.  All  of  the  agreements  allow  schedule
flexibility  and  have  no cost  termination  clauses at  the  Company's option,
subject to certain conditions and prior notification periods. In aggregate,  the
terms  of  these  agreements provide  for  what  is anticipated  to  be slightly
deflationary pricing through 1999.  Contracts are in place  for over 95% of  the
purchased  material required for  the Gulfstream V  program. Supply arrangements
for all major components and systems are under long-term agreements, have annual
delivery  commitments  based  on  production  requirements  and  allow  schedule
flexibility.  The terms  of the revenue  share agreements  with Northrop Grumman
Corporation for the wing and Fokker Aviation B.V. for the empennage continue  so
long  as the Company is  manufacturing the Gulfstream V.  All other major supply
contracts have no cost termination clauses  at the Company's option, subject  to
certain conditions and notification periods.
 
PAST AIRCRAFT PRODUCT OFFERINGS
 
    GULFSTREAM IV
 
    The Gulfstream IV, launched in 1983, has a range of 4,220 nautical miles and
was  the first truly  intercontinental business jet  aircraft. The Gulfstream IV
was  designed  and  built  to  incorporate  the  most  current  technologies  in
aerodynamics,  propulsion, digital  electronics and  automated flight management
systems  and  represented  a  significant  technological  advancement  over  the
Gulfstream III and every other business jet aircraft available at the time. Like
the  Gulfstream IV-SP, the  Gulfstream IV is equipped  with twin Rolls-Royce Tay
engines and an  advanced avionics  suite. The  Gulfstream IV  meets current  FAA
Stage 3 and ICAO Chapter 3 noise limits. The Company produced 213 Gulfstream IVs
from 1985 through 1992, all of which are still in service.
 
    GULFSTREAM III
 
    In  December 1979, the Company introduced  the Gulfstream III, a twin-engine
fanjet  aircraft  powered  by  two   Rolls-Royce  Spey  engines  with  a   cabin
accommodating  up  to 19  passengers,  a range  of  3,600 nautical  miles  and a
cruising speed of Mach .80. The  Gulfstream III incorporated an advanced  design
utilizing  NASA developed winglet  technology to provide  greater range and fuel
efficiency than the Gulfstream  II. When production ended  in January 1987,  202
Gulfstream IIIs had been built, 99% of which remain in service today.
 
    GULFSTREAM II AND IIB
 
    In  1966,  the Company  introduced the  Gulfstream II,  which was  the first
business  jet  aircraft  capable  of  carrying  business  passengers   non-stop,
coast-to-coast.  The Gulfstream II  is a twin-engine  fanjet aircraft powered by
two Rolls-Royce Spey engines with a range of 2,400 nautical miles and a cruising
speed of Mach .80. Beginning in 1981, the Company modified 43 Gulfstream IIs  to
Gulfstream  IIBs  by retrofitting  customers'  Gulfstream II  aircraft  with the
Gulfstream III's advanced design wing which enhanced the range capability of the
aircraft to 3,400 nautical miles at Mach .80. When production of the  Gulfstream
II  ended in December 1979, 256 units had  been produced, 95% of which remain in
service. Several specially modified Gulfstream  IIs are still used regularly  to
train NASA's space shuttle astronauts.
 
    GULFSTREAM I
 
    The  Company's product line originated in  1958 with the introduction of the
Gulfstream I, a large  twin-engine turboprop powered  aircraft built by  Grumman
which  was the  first aircraft  of its size  and type  designed specifically for
business use. The Gulfstream I is powered by Rolls-Royce Dart engines and has  a
range  of more than  1,700 miles. When  production of the  Gulfstream I ended in
1966, 200 Gulfstream Is had been built, 72% of which remain in service today.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
    Since the introduction  in 1966  of the  Company's first  jet aircraft,  the
Gulfstream  II, Gulfstream jet aircraft have  accumulated in excess of 4,000,000
hours of operation. No Gulfstream jet aircraft accident involving serious injury
or substantial  aircraft  damage  has  been attributed  to  aircraft  design  or
mechanical failure by any investigating government authority in over 20 years.
 
REGULATION
    In  order for an  aircraft model to  be manufactured for  sale, the FAA must
issue a Type  Certificate and a  Production Certificate for  the aircraft  model
and,  in  order for  an  individual aircraft  to  be operated,  an Airworthiness
Certificate. Type Certificates are issued by  the FAA when an aircraft model  is
determined   to  meet  certain  performance,  environmental,  safety  and  other
technical criteria.  The Production  Certificate ensures  that the  aircraft  is
built  to specifications approved  under the Type  Certificate. An Airworthiness
Certificate is issued  for a particular  aircraft when it  is certified to  have
been built in accordance with specifications approved under the Type Certificate
for  that particular model aircraft.  If the FAA were  to suspend or rescind the
Type Certificate or the Production Certificate  for an aircraft model, sales  of
that  aircraft model would  be adversely affected  or terminated. Gulfstream has
never had a Type Certificate or a Production Certificate suspended, nor had  any
jet aircraft grounded as the result of regulatory action.
 
    All  of the Company's  aircraft models comply  with all currently applicable
federal laws and regulations pertaining to aircraft noise and engine  emissions.
Due  to their weight (under 75,000 pounds), all Gulfstream II, III, IV and IV-SP
aircraft  are  currently  exempt  from  the  FAA  Stage  3  noise  requirements.
Notwithstanding  federal  requirements,  foreign  and  local  jurisdictions  and
airport authorities  may establish  more  stringent restrictions  pertaining  to
aircraft  noise.  Such  local  and  foreign  regulations  in  several  locations
currently  restrict  the  operation  of  certain  jet  aircraft,  including  the
Gulfstream  II, IIB  and III  and certain of  their competitors  from landing or
taking off during late evening and  early morning hours. Each of the  Gulfstream
IV, IV-SP and V aircraft produce noise levels below the FAA's Stage 3 and ICAO's
Chapter 3 noise ceilings. The extent to which regulations pertaining to aircraft
noise and engine emissions may continue to be adopted or modified and the effect
they may have on the operation of business jet aircraft cannot be predicted.
 
EMPLOYEES
    The Company has a 29 year history of operation in Savannah, Georgia, and has
access  to the  skilled labor  force from  nearby military  bases. The Company's
Bethany, Oklahoma and Long Beach,  California facilities also attract a  similar
quality  work force. At June 30,  1996, the Company employed approximately 4,600
persons, of whom approximately  3,390 were employed  at the Company's  Savannah,
Georgia  facility, 60 were employed at the Brunswick, Georgia facility, 580 were
employed at the Bethany, Oklahoma facility, 360 were employed at the Long Beach,
California facility and 210 were employed at the Mexicali, Mexico facility. None
of the workers at  the Savannah, Brunswick, Long  Beach, or Mexicali  facilities
are  unionized.  On August  12,  1996, the  Company  entered into  a  new 5-year
contract  with  the  International  Union  of  United  Automobile  Aerospace   &
Agricultural  Implement  Workers of  America,  which represents  certain  of the
Company's employees at its  Bethany, Oklahoma plant.  The Company considers  its
overall employee relations to be good.
 
PROPERTIES
    The  Company's production and service facilities are located in Savannah and
Brunswick, Georgia;  Bethany, Oklahoma;  Long Beach,  California; and  Mexicali,
Mexico.
 
    The   Savannah  facility  occupies   approximately  1,450,000  square  feet,
including a new 200,000 square foot service  center, and is the location of  the
Company's executive offices. Functions performed at the Savannah complex include
Gulfstream  IV-SP  and  Gulfstream  V  manufacturing,  assembly  and completion,
product support,  service,  repair  and overhaul  of  customer-owned  Gulfstream
aircraft  and  new product  design,  engineering and  development.  The Savannah
completion center, occupying approximately 120,000  square feet, is adjacent  to
the aircraft production line and simultaneously accommodates completion of up to
10  Gulfstream IV-SP or 6  Gulfstream V aircraft. All  of the land and buildings
constituting the Savannah facility are owned by the Company.
 
    Any prolonged disruption  in the  use of the  Savannah facility  due to  the
destruction of or material damage to such facility, or other reasons, could have
an adverse effect on the Company's operations.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
The  Company maintains property  and business interruption  insurance to protect
against any such disruption, but there can be no assurance that the proceeds  of
such  insurance would be  adequate to repair  or rebuild its  facilities in such
event or to compensate the Company for losses incurred during the period of  any
such disruption.
 
    The  Company leases approximately 51,500 square  feet of hangar and adjacent
office space in  Brunswick, Georgia. The  Brunswick facility is  both a  service
center  facility and completion facility and has the capacity for four aircraft.
The lease term, which is renewable  annually at Gulfstream's option, extends  to
May 1998.
 
    The  Bethany  facility occupies  approximately 500,000  square feet,  all of
which are in  buildings leased  under leases expiring  in 2007.  At the  Bethany
facility,  the Company manufactures over 17,000  different detail parts for each
of the Gulfstream IV-SP and the Gulfstream V.
 
    The 250,000  square  foot  Long  Beach facility  consists  of  a  completion
facility,  which has capacity for 8 aircraft and a service center facility which
has capacity for 10  aircraft. The Long Beach  facility also has facilities  for
design  and administrative functions. The Company  owns the buildings and leases
the land at  the Long Beach  facility; the  lease expires in  2014. The  Company
recently expanded its completion capacity at the Long Beach facility through the
lease of an additional 22,000 square feet at an adjacent facility.
 
    The  Company's Mexicali,  Mexico plant occupies  approximately 50,000 square
feet of  leased space  under  leases expiring  in  December 1998  and  assembles
electrical  products, including  wire harnesses, used  in Gulfstream production,
and performs  repair  and  service  operations,  as  well  as  other  electrical
subcontracting.
 
    During  the last five and one half years (January 1, 1991 to June 30, 1996),
the Company has invested  approximately $70 million  in capital improvements  at
its  facilities. Such capital improvements are expected to enhance the Company's
ability to  build  and service  its  aircraft.  The Company  believes  that  its
facilities are adequate for its present requirements.
 
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
    While  the  Company pursues  an  active policy  of  seeking patents  for new
products and designs, it believes that  its success is primarily dependent  upon
the  recognition  of  the  quality  of  its  aircraft  and  upon  the  Company's
management, technical knowledge,  engineering skill,  production techniques  and
service  capabilities. The Company  does not believe that  the expiration of any
patent would have a material adverse effect on its business.
 
    The Company owns and uses a number of registered trademarks around the world
relating to the name GULFSTREAM (including Gulfstream Shares-TM-) which are used
in connection with its business. The Company believes such trademarks are widely
recognized as representing  its advanced  design and  related technologies.  The
Company  is not aware of any actions against its trademarks and has not received
any notice or claims of infringement in respect of its trademarks.
 
ENVIRONMENT
    The Company  uses hazardous  substances and  generates solid  and  hazardous
waste  in  the  ordinary course  of  its business.  Consequently,  the Company's
operations, in  common with  those of  the industry  generally, are  subject  to
various  laws and  regulations governing, among  other things,  the handling and
disposal of  solid  and  hazardous  materials,  wastewater  discharges  and  the
remediation  of contamination associated with the  use and disposal of hazardous
substances. Because of the nature of its business, the Company has incurred, and
will continue to  incur, costs  relating to compliance  with such  environmental
laws.  Although the Company  believes that it is  in substantial compliance with
such environmental requirements, and has not in the past been required to  incur
material  costs  in connection  therewith, there  can be  no assurance  that the
Company's costs  to comply  with  such requirements  will  not increase  in  the
future.   Although  the  Company  is  unable  to  predict  what  legislation  or
regulations  may  be  adopted  in  the  future  with  respect  to  environmental
protection   and  waste  disposal,  compliance  with  existing  legislation  and
regulations has not had, and is not expected to have, a material adverse  effect
on its capital expenditures, results of operations, or competitive position.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
    For  the year ended  December 31, 1995, the  Company's expenses for remedial
environmental  matters  and   capital  outlays   for  environmental   compliance
aggregated less than $1.0 million.
 
    The Company received in 1992, at its Long Beach facility, two inquiries from
the   U.  S.   Environmental  Protection   Agency  (the   "EPA")  regarding  (i)
documentation errors subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act,  and
(ii)  possible shipments  of hazardous  wastes to  two storage  facilities whose
operators  are   under  EPA   investigation   pursuant  to   the   Comprehensive
Environmental  Response, Compensation  and Liability Act.  The Company estimates
that potential fines  regarding these  inquires, and a  1991 soil  contamination
inquiry at the Oklahoma facility, will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations.
    The  Company has been named as  a Potentially Responsible Party with respect
to two cleanup  sites, one operated  by the Mountaineer  Refinery and the  other
operated  by Omega Chemical Company. Based  on the Company's limited involvement
with such sites, the Company believes that  it will not incur material costs  in
respect of such cleanup sites.
 
    The  Company is currently  engaged in the monitoring  and cleanup of certain
groundwater at  its  Savannah  facility  under  the  oversight  of  the  Georgia
Department  of Natural  Resources. The principal  expenses for  the cleanup have
been incurred. The Company believes other  aspects of the Savannah facility,  as
well  as other Gulfstream  properties, are being carefully  monitored and are in
substantial compliance  with  current  federal, state  and  local  environmental
regulations.
 
    Like  the Savannah facility, certain of  the Company's other facilities have
been in operation for a  number of years and,  over such time, these  facilities
have  used substances or  generated and disposed  of wastes which  are or may be
considered hazardous. As a result, it is possible that the Company could  become
subject to additional environmental liabilities in the future in connection with
these sites.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    The  Company is a defendant in a lawsuit instituted on December 12, 1992 and
pending in Oklahoma  styled KMC  LEASING, INC.  ET AL.  V. GULFSTREAM  AEROSPACE
CORPORATION ET AL. (District Court, State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma County, Case No.
CJ 92 10313). This action, which may be certified as a class action on behalf of
twin-engine  Commander aircraft owners, arises from claims relating to potential
damage from corrosion and  fatigue fractures on wing  spars and requirements  to
inspect  and  possibly replace  wing spars  in those  aircraft. While  there are
currently more than  2,500 twin  engine Commander aircraft  owners, the  Company
does not believe all of these owners would qualify as members of any such class.
This product line was discontinued in 1985 and sold during 1989. This lawsuit is
not  an insured  claim. Other  than an  allegation that  the plaintiffs' damages
exceed jurisdictional requirements, the plaintiffs  have not specified a  dollar
value  of the extent of  their damages. The Company  believes it has meritorious
defenses to all these claims based upon the facts and merits that underlie them.
The Company  does not  expect the  results in  this action  to have  a  material
adverse  effect on  its financial condition  or results  of operations. Although
there are  other lawsuits  pending involving  the Company's  discontinued  light
aircraft  product lines,  those claims are  (i) covered by  the General Aviation
Revitalization Act  of 1994,  which is  a federal  statute of  repose, (ii)  the
responsibility of the purchasers of those light aircraft product lines, or (iii)
covered  by the Company's product liability  insurance. There are no accident or
incident claims pending with respect to any Gulfstream jet aircraft.
 
    The Company maintains product liability  insurance coverage of $250  million
per  occurrence  and  in the  aggregate  per  year, subject  to  $10  million of
self-insurance retention.  Management believes  this coverage  is adequate.  The
Company  has paid  less than $100,000,  other than claim  expenses and insurance
premiums, with  respect  to product  liability  occurrences taking  place  since
January 1, 1991.
 
    The  Company is  involved in  a tax  audit by  the Internal  Revenue Service
covering the years ended December 31, 1990 and 1991. The revenue agent's  report
includes  several proposed  adjustments involving  the deductibility  of certain
compensation expense and items relating to the capitalization of the Company  as
well as the allocation of the purchase price in connection with the Acquisition,
including  the treatment  of advance  payments with respect  to and  the cost of
aircraft  that  were  in  backlog  at  the  time  of  the  Acquisition  and  the
amortization  of amounts  allocated to  intangible assets.  The Company believes
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
that the ultimate resolution  of these issues will  not have a material  adverse
effect  on  its financial  statements because  the financial  statements already
reflect what the  Company currently  believes is  the expected  loss of  benefit
arising  from  the  resolution of  these  issues. However,  because  the revenue
agent's report is proposing adjustments in amounts materially in excess of  what
the  Company has reflected in  its financial statements and  because it may take
several years  to resolve  the  disputed matters,  the  ultimate extent  of  the
Company's  expected loss of benefit and  liability with respect to these matters
cannot be  predicted with  certainty and  no  assurance can  be given  that  the
Company's  financial position  or results  of operations  will not  be adversely
affected.
 
    The Company  is also  involved in  other litigation,  including product  and
general  liability matters, and governmental proceedings arising in the ordinary
course of its business, the ultimate disposition of which in the opinion of  the
Company's  management, will not have a  material adverse effect on the financial
position or results of operations of the Company.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    Set forth below  are the  directors and executive  officers of  each of  the
Company,  GAI and GFSC as of the date  hereof. The Company does not have a Chief
Executive Officer,  but operates  principally through  a five-member  management
committee  (the  "Management Committee")  chaired by  Theodore J.  Forstmann and
comprised of four  other key  executives who share  reponsibility for  strategic
decisions, management and oversight of the Company's operations. Each Management
Committee  member is  also individually  responsible for  leadership of specific
organizations within the Company, such as engineering and manufacturing, finance
and information technology, sales and  marketing and service. Officers serve  at
the discretion of the Board of Directors.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                                  AGE                              POSITION
- ------------------------------------------------      ---      ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>
Theodore J. Forstmann (a),(g),(h)...............          56   Chairman of the Board and Director of the Company;
                                                               Chairman of the Management Committee
Fred A. Breidenbach (a),(g).....................          49   President, Chief Operating Officer and Director of the
                                                                Company;
                                                                Management Committee member
Bryan T. Moss (e)...............................          56   Vice Chairman of the Board and Director of the Company;
                                                               Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GAI;
                                                                Management Committee member
W.W. Boisture, Jr. (a),(f)......................          51   Executive Vice President and Director of the Company;
                                                               President and Chief Operating Officer of GAI;
                                                               Management Committee member
Chris A. Davis..................................          46   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
                                                                Secretary of the Company;
                                                               Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
                                                                GAI;
                                                               President and Chief Operating Officer of GFSC;
                                                               Management Committee member
William R. Acquavella (f).......................          58   Director
Robert Anderson (b),(g).........................          75   Director
Charlotte L. Beers (e)..........................          61   Director
Thomas D. Bell, Jr. (e).........................          46   Director
Nicholas C. Forstmann (d),(e),(h)...............          49   Director
Sandra J. Horbach (a),(c),(f)...................          36   Director
Drew Lewis (g)..................................          64   Director
Allen E. Paulson (f)............................          74   Director
Roger S. Penske (b),(e).........................          59   Director
Colin L. Powell (f).............................          59   Director
Gerard Roche (c),(d),(g)........................          65   Director
Donald H. Rumsfeld (b),(e)......................          64   Director
George P. Shultz (f)............................          75   Director
Robert S. Strauss (c),(d),(g)...................          77   Director
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
(a) Member of Executive Committee.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
(b) Member of Audit Committee.
 
(c) Member of Compensation Committee.
 
(d) Member of Employee Benefit Plan Committee.
 
(e) Class I director.
 
(f) Class II director.
 
(g) Class III director.
 
(h) Nicholas C. Forstmann and Theodore J. Forstmann are brothers.
 
    Theodore  J. Forstmann has  served as Chairman  of the Board  of the Company
since  November  1993.  Mr.  Forstmann  has  been  a  general  partner  of   FLC
Partnership,  L.P. since he  co-founded Forstmann Little  in 1978. He  is also a
director of General Instrument Corporation ("General Instrument") and Department
56, Inc. ("Department 56").
 
    Fred A. Breidenbach has served as  President, Chief Operating Officer and  a
director  of the Company since April 1993.  Prior to joining the Company, he was
Vice President and General Manager of General Electric Co.'s Electronics Systems
Division from 1991 to 1993.  He is also a  director of the Aerospace  Industries
Association  of  America, Inc.  and the  Vice Chairman  of the  General Aviation
Manufacturing Association.
 
    Bryan T. Moss has served as Vice Chairman of the Company and Chief Executive
Officer of GAI since March 1995. Prior to joining the Company, he was  President
of  Bombardier  Business  Aircraft Division  where  he was  responsible  for the
Challenger and Global Express business jet programs from 1989 to March 1995.
 
    W.W. Boisture, Jr.  has served  as Executive Vice  President since  February
1994  and as a director of the Company since February 1995. He is also President
and Chief  Operating  Officer of  GAI.  Prior to  joining  the Company,  he  was
President  and Chief Executive Officer of  British Aerospace Corporate Jets from
October 1992 through 1993 where he was responsible for the "Hawker" business jet
product line and its worldwide  marketing, sales and support organization.  From
early  1990 to  1992, Mr. Boisture  was Chairman, President  and Chief Executive
Officer of Butler Aviation, a nationwide aviation services company.
 
    Chris A. Davis has  served as Executive Vice  President and Chief  Financial
Officer of the Company since July 1993 and Secretary of the Company since August
8,  1996. She is  also President and  Chief Operating Officer  of GFSC. Prior to
joining the Company, she was Chief Financial Officer for General Electric  Co.'s
Electronic Systems Division from 1990 to 1993.
 
    William  R. Acquavella has been a director  of the Company since March 1990.
He has been the owner and operator of Acquavella Galleries, Inc. and  Acquavella
Contemporary  Art, Inc. since 1963 and  the general partner of Acquavella Modern
Art since May 1990.
 
    Robert Anderson has been a director of the Company since March 1990. He  has
served  as Chairman  Emeritus of Rockwell  Corporation since  February 1990. Mr.
Anderson is  also  a director  of  Optical Data  Systems,  Inc. and  the  Timken
Company.
 
    Charlotte  L. Beers has been a director  of the Company since July 1993. She
has been Chairman of Ogilvy &  Mather Worldwide, Inc. ("Ogilvy & Mather")  since
April 1992 and was Chief Executive Officer of Ogilvy & Mather from April 1992 to
September  1996. Ms. Beers was Chairman/Chief  Executive Officer of Thatham RSCG
from 1982 to 1992.
 
    Thomas D. Bell, Jr. has been a director of the Company since April 1994. Mr.
Bell has  been President  and Chief  Executive Officer  of Burson-Marsteller,  a
division of Young & Rubicam Inc., since May 1995.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
Mr.  Bell was Vice Chairman  of the Company from April  1994 to April 1995. From
1991 to 1994, Mr. Bell  served as Vice Chairman  and Chief Operating Officer  of
Burson-Marsteller. Mr. Bell is also a director of Lincoln National Corporation.
 
    Nicholas  C. Forstmann has been a director  of the Company since March 1990.
He has  been a  general partner  of FLC  Partnership, L.P.  since he  co-founded
Forstmann  Little  in 1978.  He is  also  a director  of General  Instrument and
Department 56.
 
    Sandra J. Horbach has been a  director of the Company since September  1994.
She  has been a general partner of FLC Partnership, L.P. since January 1993. She
joined Forstmann Little in August 1987. She is also a director of Department 56.
 
    Drew Lewis has  been a  director of  the Company  since March  1990. He  has
served  as Chairman  and Chief  Executive Officer  of Union  Pacific Corporation
since October  1, 1987.  He is  also  a director  of American  Express  Company,
Dal-Tile International Inc., Ford Motor Company, Lucent Technologies, FPL Group,
Inc.,  Gannett  Co.,  Inc., Mafco  Consolidated  Group Inc.,  and  Union Pacific
Resources Group, Inc.
 
    Allen E. Paulson has  been a director  of the Company  since March 1990.  He
served  as  Chairman,  Chief  Executive Officer  and  a  director  of Gulfstream
Aerospace  Corporation  (a  Georgia   corporation  and  wholly  owned   indirect
subsidiary of the Company) and its predecessors from 1978, when he purchased the
corporate  jet division  of Grumman Aerospace  and began  Gulfstream American (a
predecessor of the  Company), to 1992.  He has  also served as  Chairman of  the
Company  from March 1990 and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from January
1992 to August  1992. He  is also  a director  of Cardio-Dynamics  International
Corp. and Full House Resorts, Inc.
 
    Roger  S. Penske has been a director of the Company since December 1993. Mr.
Penske has been Chairman, Chief Executive  Officer, President and a director  of
Penske Transportation, Inc. since 1969 and Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
a  director  of Detroit  Diesel Corporation  since  1987. Mr.  Penske is  also a
director of Penske Mortorsports, Inc., Philip Morris Companies Inc. and  General
Electric Co.
 
    Colin  L. Powell  has been  a director  of the  Company since  May 1996. Mr.
Powell served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 1989  to
September  1993.  Prior to  that,  Mr. Powell  served  as the  National Security
Adviser from December 1987 to January  1989. Since his retirement from  military
service  on September  30, 1993, Mr.  Powell has written  his autobiography, "My
American Journey".
 
    Gerard Roche has  been a  director of the  Company since  January 1993.  Mr.
Roche  has been Chairman of Heidrick &  Struggles, Inc. since 1981. Mr. Roche is
also a director of Morrison Knudsen Corporation.
 
    Donald H. Rumsfeld has  been a director of  the Company since January  1993.
Mr.  Rumsfeld has been in private business  since August 1993. From October 1990
to August 1993,  Mr. Rumsfeld served  as Chairman, Chief  Executive Officer  and
President  of General  Instrument. Mr.  Rumsfeld is also  a director  of ABB AB,
Gilead Sciences, Inc., Kellogg Company, Metricom,  Inc. and Sears Roebuck &  Co.
He is currently on leave of absence as a director of Tribune Company.
 
    George P. Shultz has been a director of the Company since November 1991. Mr.
Shultz  served as  the United  States Secretary  of State  from July  1983 until
January 1989 and is a Distinguished  Fellow of the Hoover Institute. Mr.  Shultz
is also a director of AirTouch Communications, Inc. and Gilead Sciences, Inc.
 
    Robert  S. Strauss has been a director  of the Company since April 1993. Mr.
Strauss is a  founder of and  partner in the  law firm of  Akin, Gump,  Strauss,
Hauer  & Feld ("Akin Gump")  and served as U.S.  Ambassador to the Soviet Union,
and upon its dissolution, to the Russian Federation from August 1991 to November
1992. In November 1992, Mr. Strauss returned to Akin Gump. Mr. Strauss is also a
director of Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. and General Instrument.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
 
    In 1994,  the Company  established  an International  Advisory Board  of  16
prominent  international business executives and senior statesmen to counsel the
Company  and  assist   in  its  strategic   initiatives  to  further   penetrate
international  markets. The  International Advisory  Board, which  meets twice a
year, is  comprised of  the following  individuals, representing  the  principal
geographic areas of the world:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                NAME                              PRINCIPAL AFFILIATION                    GEOGRAPHIC AREA
- ------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------  ----------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                                            <C>
George P. Shultz (Co-Chairman)......  Former U.S. Secretary of State; Distinguished  USA
                                        Fellow, Hoover Institute
Robert S. Strauss (Co-Chairman).....  Former Ambassador to the Soviet Union and      USA
                                        Russian Federation; Partner, Akin, Gump,
                                        Strauss, Hauer & Feld
Theodore J. Forstmann...............  Chairman of the Company and Co-founder of      USA
                                        Forstmann Little
Conrad M. Black.....................  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of        Canada
                                        Hollinger Inc.
Claudio X. Gonzalez.................  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of        Mexico
                                        Kimberly Clark de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Gustavo A. Cisneros.................  President and Chief Executive Officer of       South America
                                        Cisneros Group of Companies
Julio Mario Santo Domingo...........  Chairman of the Board of Bavaria, S.A.         South America
Alex Wildenstein....................  Chief Executive Officer of Wildenstein & Co.   Europe
Karl Otto Pohl......................  Former Head of The Bundesbank; Partner, Sal.   Germany
                                        Oppenheim Jr. & Cie
Henry H. Keswick....................  Chairman of Matheson & Co. Limited; Chairman   United Kingdom/Europe
                                        of The Hong Kong Association
Lord Jacob Rothschild...............  Chairman of J. Rothschild Group                United Kingdom/Europe
Fouad Said..........................  Chairman of Unifund                            Switzerland
Hiroshi Toyokawa....................  President of Okura & Co., Ltd.                 Japan
David K. P. Li......................  Director and Chief Executive of The Bank of    Hong Kong/China
                                        East Asia, Limited
Bernard Duc.........................  Senior Partner, H.M.I. Ltd.                    Southeast Asia
Fouad M.T. Alghanim.................  Chairman of Alghanim Group                     Saudi Arabia
</TABLE>
 
INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    The Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified Board of
Directors  consisting of  three classes. Each  class will consist,  as nearly as
possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the  entire
Board.  The term of the initial Class I  directors will terminate on the date of
the 1997  annual meeting  of stockholders;  the  term of  the initial  Class  II
directors will terminate on the date of the 1998 annual meeting of stockholders;
and  the term of the  initial Class III directors will  terminate on the date of
the 1999  annual meeting  of stockholders.  Beginning in  1997, at  each  annual
meeting of stockholders, successors to the class of directors whose term expires
at  that annual meeting  will be elected  for a three-year  term and until their
respective successors are elected and qualified. A director may only be  removed
with  cause  by  the  affirmative vote  of  the  holders of  a  majority  of the
outstanding shares  of  capital  stock  entitled to  vote  in  the  election  of
directors.
 
    Directors  who are  neither executive  officers of  the Company  nor general
partners in FLC Partnership, L.P. have  been granted options to purchase  Common
Stock  in connection with their election to the Board. In addition, in 1996 each
of  Theodore  J.  Forstmann   and  Sandra  J.   Horbach  were  granted   options
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
to  purchase  Common  Stock in  consideration  of extraordinary  service  to the
Company. See "-- Compensation  Committee Interlocks and Insider  Participation".
Directors  do not receive any  fees for serving on  the Company's Board, but are
reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses arising from attendance at  meetings
of the Board and committees thereof.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The  following table sets forth  the compensation of each  of the members of
the Company's Management Committee, which includes the Chairman of the Board and
the four most highly paid executive officers of the Company who were serving  as
executive  officers at  December 31, 1995  (the "named  executive officers") for
fiscal 1995.
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           LONG-TERM
                                                                                          COMPENSATION
                                                                                         --------------
                                                                                             AWARDS
                                                                                         --------------
                                                          ANNUAL COMPENSATION              SECURITIES
                                                ---------------------------------------    UNDERLYING
                                                                          OTHER ANNUAL       STOCK         ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                     BASE SALARY    BONUS*     COMPENSATION    OPTIONS (#)     COMPENSATION
- ----------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>        <C>             <C>             <C>
Theodore J. Forstmann ........................           --          --            --              --              --
 Chairman of the Board
Bryan T. Moss ................................   $  619,432(1) $ 638,100(2)           --      675,000      $  440,375(3)
Vice Chairman of the Board
Fred A. Breidenbach ..........................      500,011     312,500    $  236,521(4)                       19,304(5)
President and COO
W.W. Boisture, Jr. ...........................      274,056     171,875                       225,000           2,433(6)
Executive Vice President
Chris A. Davis ...............................      274,056     171,875                       187,500           3,000(6)
Executive Vice President and CFO
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
*    Bonuses were  paid  in January  1996  in respect  of  fiscal 1995  under  a
     management incentive plan.
 
(1)  Represents base salary, plus commissions paid for 1995 sales of aircraft.
 
(2)  Represents a management incentive plan bonus ($312,500) and a signing bonus
     ($325,600).
 
(3)  Represents  a nonrecurring payment in respect  of the value of vested stock
     options with previous employer ($437,375) and the Company's contribution to
     the 401(k) plan ($3,000).
 
(4)  Represents tax gross-up relating to  vesting of annuity contract  purchased
     by the Company for Mr. Breidenbach in 1993.
 
(5)  Represents  the Company's contribution to  an executive life insurance plan
     ($16,304) and the 401(k) plan ($3,000).
 
(6)  Represents the Company's contribution to the 401(k) plan.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth the stock option grants to each of the  named
executive officers for fiscal 1995.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     INDIVIDUAL GRANTS(1)                      POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------     VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                    NUMBER OF                                                 ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                                    SECURITIES      % OF TOTAL                                PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
                                    UNDERLYING   OPTIONS GRANTED    EXERCISE/                     OPTION TERM(2)
                                     OPTIONS     TO EMPLOYEES IN   BASE PRICE    EXPIRATION   ----------------------
NAME                               GRANTED (#)     FISCAL YEAR       ($/SH)         DATE          5%         10%
- ---------------------------------  ------------  ----------------  -----------  ------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                <C>           <C>               <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>
Theodore J. Forstmann............       --              --             --            --           --          --
Bryan T. Moss....................      675,000(3)        38.79%     $    4.10     03/14/2005  $1,740,466  $4,410,682
Fred A. Breidenbach..............       --              --             --            --           --          --
W.W. Boisture, Jr................      150,000(4)         8.62%     $    4.10     02/06/2005     386,770     980,145
                                        75,000(5)         4.31%     $    4.10     06/30/2005     193,385     490,073
Chris A. Davis...................      187,500(5)        10.78%     $    4.10     06/30/2005     483,463   1,225,181
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(1)  All  awards listed on table were in the form of option grants made pursuant
     to the Company's Stock Option Plan.
 
(2)  Sets forth  potential option  gains based  on assumed  annualized rates  of
     stock price appreciation from the exercise price at the date of grant of 5%
     and  10%  (compounded  annually)  over  the full  term  of  the  grant with
     appreciation determined as of the expiration  date. The 5% and 10%  assumed
     rates  of  appreciation are  mandated by  the rules  of the  Securities and
     Exchange Commission,  and  do  not  represent  the  Company's  estimate  or
     projection of future Common Stock prices.
 
(3)  This  grant was made on  March 14, 1995. One fourth  of the total number of
     options granted  became  exercisable  immediately,  another  fourth  became
     exercisable  on the first anniversary of  the grant date, and an additional
     fourth is exercisable on each of the second and third anniversaries of  the
     grant date.
 
(4)  This  grant was made on February 6, 1995.  One third of the total number of
     options granted became exercisable  on the first  anniversary of the  grant
     date;  an additional  one third  is exercisable on  each of  the second and
     third anniversary dates.
 
(5)  This grant was  made on June  30, 1995. One  third of the  total number  of
     options granted was exercisable on the first anniversary of the grant date;
     an  additional one  third is  exercisable on each  of the  second and third
     anniversary dates.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
    The  following table  sets forth the  stock option exercises  for the fiscal
year ended December  31, 1995 and  the stock  option values as  of December  31,
1995, in each case, for each of the named executive officers.
 
                AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                   AND OPTION VALUES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NUMBER OF SECURITIES          VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                             UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED             IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                   OPTIONS AT                    OPTIONS AT
                                 SHARES                         FISCAL YEAR-END               FISCAL YEAR-END
                               ACQUIRED ON      VALUE                 (#)                           ($)*
                                EXERCISE      REALIZED    ----------------------------  ----------------------------
NAME                               (#)           ($)      EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------  -------------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------------  --------------
<S>                           <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
Theodore J. Forstmann.......       --            --            --             --             --             --
Bryan T. Moss...............       --            --           168,750         506,250     3,358,125      10,074,375
Fred A. Breidenbach.........       --            --           703,125         234,375    14,688,281       4,896,094
W.W. Boisture, Jr...........       --            --           187,500         412,500     3,731,250       8,208,750
Chris A. Davis..............       --            --           196,875         253,125     4,112,719       5,102,156
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
* Sets  forth  values for  "in the  money" options  that represent  the positive
  spread between  the  respective  exercise/base  prices  of  outstanding  stock
  options  and the value of  the Company's Common Stock  as of December 31, 1995
  based on the initial public offering price.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
    Theodore J. Forstmann, Sandra J. Horbach and Daniel F. Akerson  administered
the Company's compensation program during 1995. Mr. Forstmann is the Chairman of
the  Company and Ms.  Horbach served as Vice  President, Assistant Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary of the Company until August 8, 1996. Mr. Akerson resigned as
a director  of  the Company  in  March 1996.  On  August 8,  1996,  the  Company
appointed  a new  Compensation Committee to  administer the cash  portion of the
Company's compensation program, comprised of Sandra J. Horbach, Gerard Roche and
Robert S. Strauss, and a new Employee Benefit Plan Committee, to administer  the
Company's  employee benefit  plans, comprised  of Nicholas  C. Forstmann, Gerard
Roche and  Robert S.  Strauss.  Theodore J.  Forstmann,  Sandra J.  Horbach  and
Nicholas  C. Forstmann are  general partners of FLC  Partnership, L.P. Daniel F.
Akerson was a general partner of  FLC Partnership, L.P. until his withdrawal  in
March 1996.
 
    Under  a usage  agreement Gulfstream pays  an affiliate  of FLC Partnership,
L.P. for  use  of a  Gulfstream  IV  in connection  with  sales  demonstrations,
customer  support and other  Gulfstream business. Total  payments for 1993, 1994
and 1995 and the first six months of 1996 were $4.6 million, $2.3 million,  $2.3
million  and $1.2 million, respectively. In August 1996, Gulfstream entered into
agreements with  Mr. Theodore  J. Forstmann  pursuant to  which Gulfstream  will
provide  Mr. Forstmann with the use of a Gulfstream V for a period of ten years.
Until the Gulfstream V becomes available, Gulfstream will make available to  Mr.
Forstmann  a Gulfstream IV  (by purchasing at  fair market value,  or assuming a
lease at  fair market  value  for, a  Gulfstream IV  from  an affiliate  of  FLC
Partnership,  L.P.).  Mr. Forstmann  has  agreed to  pay  Gulfstream up  to $1.0
million annually for  non-Company use of  the aircraft. If  Mr. Forstmann is  no
longer  serving  as a  director  or official  of  Gulfstream, he  has  agreed to
reimburse Gulfstream $1,800 per hour for all use of the aircraft, or other  such
rate required so as not to exceed FAA regulatory requirements.
 
    Gulfstream  purchased  approximately  $1.7 million,  $1.5  million  and $1.8
million in inventory items relating to lighting from Grimes Aerospace Corp.,  an
affiliate of FLC Partnership, L.P., during 1993, 1994 and 1995 and has purchased
approximately  $0.9 million in  inventory in 1996  pursuant to existing purchase
orders. During 1994, Gulfstream sold  three aircraft on normal commercial  terms
for an aggregate purchase price totaling $58.6 million to two corporations whose
presidents  are directors  of the Company  and also  sold a Gulfstream  II to an
affiliate of FLC  Partnership, L.P.,  for $6.7 million.  From time  to time  the
Company  provides maintenance and  support services, all  on standard commercial
terms, to FL Aviation Corp., an affiliate of FLC Partnership, L.P. that operates
Gulfstream  aircraft.   For  providing   such  services   Gulfstream  was   paid
approximately $0.2 million, $0.5 million, $0.5 million and
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
$0.1 million in 1993, 1994, 1995 and the first six months of 1996, respectively.
Moran  Printing,  a company  owned  by relatives  of  Theodore J.  Forstmann and
Nicholas C. Forstmann, has a 3 year contract (which commenced in November  1995)
to  provide printing services  on standard commercial terms  to the Company. For
the first six months  of 1996, the Company  received services and paid  $633,458
therefor,   under  such  contract.  The  Company   believes  the  terms  of  the
transactions described  in this  paragraph  are at  least  as favorable  to  the
Company as those which could be obtained from an unrelated third party.
 
    The  Forstmann  Little  Partnerships are  entitled  to the  benefits  of the
Registration Rights Agreement described under  "Shares Eligible For Future  Sale
- --  Registration Rights". Each director and  officer who currently holds options
exercisable for Common  Stock is  entitled to  the benefits  of a  stockholder's
agreement  described under "-- Stock Options".  In May 1996, in consideration of
extraordinary service  to  the Company,  Theodore  J. Forstmann  and  Sandra  J.
Horbach  received options to purchase 375,000 and 75,000 shares of Common Stock,
respectively, in each case at an exercise price of $4.10 per share.
 
STOCK OPTIONS
 
    STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    GENERAL.   The following  summary description  of the  Gulfstream  Aerospace
Corporation  Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option  Plan") does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety  by the full text of the Stock  Option
Plan.
 
    On  September  12, 1990,  the Board  of  Directors of  the Company,  and the
Company's stockholders, adopted  the Stock  Option Plan. The  Stock Option  Plan
provides  for the granting of options to  purchase shares of Common Stock to any
employee or  director  of, or  consultant  or advisor  to,  the Company  or  its
subsidiaries,  which  options are  not intended  to  qualify as  incentive stock
options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended  (the
"Code").  While  all employees  (approximately  4,600 persons)  are  eligible to
participate under the Stock  Option Plan, the  Company has historically  granted
options  to only  a portion of  its employees. Generally,  the Company's current
practice is  to limit  option grants  to members  of management,  directors  and
advisors  of the Company. No options may  be granted under the Stock Option Plan
after September 12, 2010. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which can
be granted under the Stock Option Plan  is 8,219,433; at June 30, 1996,  options
for  approximately 7,486,495 shares  of Common Stock  were outstanding under the
Stock Option Plan. In the event that  any option granted under the Stock  Option
Plan  is terminated and unexercised as to  any shares of Common Stock covered by
the option (other  than due  to adjustments made  by the  Committee (as  defined
below) because of merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock
dividend,  stock split-up or other substitution of securities), such shares will
thereafter be  available for  the granting  of future  options under  the  Stock
Option Plan.
 
    The  purpose of the Stock Option Plan  is to provide financial incentives to
key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and such consultants, advisors
and members  of the  Board  of Directors  whose entrepreneurial  and  management
talents  and commitments are essential for the continued growth and expansion of
the Company's business.  The Stock  Option Plan  provides that  options will  be
granted  by  a committee  appointed  by the  Company's  Board of  Directors (the
"Committee"). The Committee will determine  the terms and conditions of  options
granted  pursuant to  the Stock  Option Plan,  including the  per share exercise
price and the time or times at  which the options become exercisable. While  the
terms  of each option under the Stock Option Plan may differ from others granted
under the Stock Option  Plan, in no  event will the term  of any option  granted
under the Stock Option Plan exceed ten years and one day. Under the Stock Option
Plan,  the options  are exercisable  during an  optionee's lifetime  only by the
optionee and are not transferable except,  in certain cases, by will to  certain
permitted  transferees who agree to be bound  by the Stock Option Agreements (as
defined below) or under  the laws of  descent and distribution  of the state  of
domicile  of the  optionee if the  optionee dies intestate.  Except as otherwise
provided in the Stock  Option Agreement, the options  are not exercisable  after
the  termination of  the optionee's employment  or directorship.  To exercise an
option, the optionee must deliver payment in full for the shares with respect to
which the option is being
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
exercised and a fully executed Stockholder's Agreement (as described below). The
Stock Option  Plan  is  currently  administered by  the  Employee  Benefit  Plan
Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
    The  Board of Directors of  the Company may amend,  suspend or terminate the
Stock Option  Plan at  any time  provided that  (except for  adjustments due  to
merger  consolidation, reorganization,  recapitalization, stock  dividend, stock
split-up or other substitution of securities) no amendment may: (a) increase the
total number of shares which may be issued and sold pursuant to the exercise  of
options  granted under the Stock Option Plan, (b) extend the period for granting
or exercising  any option,  or (c)  change the  classes of  persons eligible  to
receive  options, unless  such amendment is  made by  or with the  approval of a
majority of the outstanding  shares of Common Stock.  The rights of an  optionee
under any option granted prior to an amendment, suspension or termination of the
Stock  Option Plan  may not  be adversely affected  by Board  action without the
optionee's consent.
 
    STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS.   The  options which  have been  granted under  the
Stock  Option Plan have been granted pursuant to stock option agreements ("Stock
Option Agreements"), and  each option is  exercisable into one  share of  Common
Stock at a price set forth in each Stock Option Agreement. The options generally
vest  and become exercisable in three equal amounts on each of the first, second
and third anniversaries of the grant date, or in four equal amounts on the grant
date and each of the  first, second and third  anniversaries of the grant  date.
Certain  of the  options were  fully vested and  exercisable on  the grant date.
Generally, the  unvested  portion  of an  option  expires  on the  date  of  the
optionee's  termination  of  employment,  and vested  options  expire  after the
termination of employment as described below.
 
    Except as set forth in the individual Stock Option Agreements, an option may
not be  exercised after  termination  of the  optionee's employment.  The  Stock
Option  Agreements generally provide  for the redemption by  the Company, at the
Company's option,  of  the  vested portion  of  an  option in  the  event  of  a
termination  or  permit  the optionee  to  exercise such  portion  following the
termination within a period  of time specified in  such Stock Option  Agreement.
The option expires at the end of such period of time.
 
    The  Stock  Option  Agreements  provide that  the  Company  will  notify the
optionee within a specified number of days  prior to a "Terminating Event" or  a
"Partial  Sale." A Terminating Event includes (a) the merger or consolidation of
the Company into another  corporation (other than a  merger or consolidation  in
which  the Company is the  surviving corporation and which  does not result in a
capital reorganization, reclassification or other change of the then outstanding
shares of Common Stock),  (b) liquidation of  the Company, (c)  sale to a  third
party of all or substantially all of the Company's assets or (d) sale to a third
party of Common Stock (including through one or more public offerings); but only
if,  in the  case of  the events described  in (a),  (b) and  (d), the Forstmann
Little Partnerships cease to  own a specified percentage  (ranging from zero  to
51%,  depending on  the particular  Stock Option  Agreement) of  the outstanding
shares of the voting stock  of the Company. A Partial  Sale means a sale by  the
Forstmann  Little Partnerships  of all  or a portion  of their  shares of Common
Stock (including  through a  public offering)  to a  third party  (other than  a
Terminating  Event). Upon receipt  of a notice  of a Partial  Sale, the optionee
may, within a specified period of time after receiving such notice, exercise his
or her options only for purposes  of participating in the Partial Sale,  whether
or  not such options were otherwise exercisable,  with respect to the excess, if
any, of (a) the  number of shares  with respect to which  the optionee would  be
entitled  to participate in the Partial  Sale under the Stockholder's Agreement,
which permits proportional participation with the Forstmann Little  Partnerships
in a public offering or sale to a third party (as described below), over (b) the
number  of  shares  previously issued  upon  exercise  of such  options  and not
previously disposed  of  in a  Partial  Sale. Upon  receipt  of a  notice  of  a
Terminating  Event, the  optionee may, within  a specified period  of time after
receiving such notice, exercise all  or part of his  or her options, whether  or
not  such options were  otherwise exercisable. In  connection with a Terminating
Event involving the merger, consolidation or  liquidation of the Company or  the
sale  of Common Stock by the Forstmann  Little Partnerships, the Company, in the
Committee's discretion, may redeem  the unexercised portion  of the options,  in
lieu  of permitting the optionee  to exercise the options,  for a price equal to
the price received per share of Common Stock in the Terminating Event, less  the
exercise price of the options. Any
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
unexercised  portion  of an  option will  terminate upon  the consummation  of a
Terminating Event, unless the Company provides for the continuation thereof.  In
the  event a Terminating  Event or Partial  Sale is not  consummated, any option
which the optionee had  exercised in connection with  such Terminating Event  or
Partial  Sale will be deemed not to  have been exercised and will be exercisable
thereafter only to the extent it would  have been exercisable if notice of  such
Terminating  Event or Partial Sale had not  been given to the optionee. The sale
of Common  Stock by  the Forstmann  Little Partnerships  in the  Offerings  will
constitute a Terminating Event under certain of the Stock Option Agreements (and
certain  option agreements with respect to  options granted outside of the Stock
Option Plan). There  are no options  granted under the  Stock Option Plan  which
will become exercisable upon consummation of the Offerings solely as a result of
the  occurrence of  a Terminating  Event (and  there are  options for  less than
300,000 shares of  Common Stock granted  outside of the  Stock Option Plan  that
will become so exerciseable). Following the Offerings, the Company will continue
the  Stock  Option Plan,  and the  other options,  and unexercised  options will
continue to  vest as  though  no Terminating  Event  had been  consummated.  The
optionee  has no independent right to require  the Company to register under the
Securities Act the shares of Common Stock subject to such options.
 
    STOCKHOLDER'S AGREEMENT.  Upon  exercise of an  option (or portion  thereof)
under  the  Stock  Option  Plan,  an  optionee  is  required  to  enter  into  a
Stockholder's Agreement with  the Company. The  form of Stockholder's  Agreement
currently  contemplated  to be  used in  connection with  the Stock  Option Plan
governs  the  optionee's   rights  and   obligations  as   a  stockholder   (the
"Stockholder"). The Stockholder's Agreement provides that, generally, the shares
issued  upon exercise  of the  options may  not be  sold, transferred, assigned,
exchanged, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of, except as  specifically
provided in the Stockholder's Agreement.
 
    The  Stockholder's Agreement provides that the Stockholder shall participate
proportionately in any  sale by the  Forstmann Little Partnerships  of all or  a
portion  of their shares of Common  Stock to any person who  is not a partner or
affiliate thereof, and  the Stockholder shall  participate proportionately in  a
public  offering of shares of Common Stock by the Forstmann Little Partnerships,
by selling the same  percentage of the Stockholder's  shares that the  Forstmann
Little  Partnerships are selling of  their shares. The sale  of shares of Common
Stock in such a transaction must be for the same price and otherwise on the same
terms and conditions as  the sale by the  Forstmann Little Partnerships. If  the
Forstmann  Little Partnerships sell or  exchange all of their  Common Stock in a
bona fide arm's-length transaction, the Stockholder  is required to sell all  of
his,  her or its shares for the same  price and on the same terms and conditions
as the  sale  of Common  Stock  by the  Forstmann  Little Partnerships  and,  if
stockholder  approval of the  transaction is required,  to vote his,  her or its
shares in favor thereof. If, however, one or more public offerings result in the
Forstmann Little Partnerships  owning, in the  aggregate, less than  25% of  the
then  outstanding  voting stock  of the  Company,  the Stockholder  is generally
entitled to  sell, transfer  or hold  his shares  of Common  Stock free  of  the
restrictions  and  rights  contained  in  the  Stockholder's  Agreement.  It  is
anticipated  that  immediately  after   the  Offerings,  the  Forstmann   Little
Partnerships, in the aggregate, will not own less than such percentage.
 
    The  following table sets forth the amount of shares of Common Stock subject
to outstanding options under the Stock Option Plan as of July 31, 1996 held  by:
(a)  each of the  named executive officers; (b)  current executive officers; (c)
current directors who are not executive officers; and (d) all current employees,
including all current officers who are not either current executive officers  or
named  executive officers. The  Committee has not determined  to grant any other
options under the Stock Option Plan.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
                       GULFSTREAM STOCK OPTION PLAN TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                NUMBER OF SHARES
NAME AND POSITION                                                                              UNDERLYING OPTIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------------
 
<S>                                                                                            <C>
Theodore J. Forstmann .......................................................................            375,000
 Chairman of the Board
Bryan T. Moss ...............................................................................            675,000
 Vice Chairman of the Board
Fred A. Breidenbach .........................................................................            937,500
 President and COO
W. W. Boisture, Jr ..........................................................................            675,000
 Executive Vice President
Chris A. Davis ..............................................................................            450,000
 Executive Vice President and CFO
All executive officers as a group (5 persons) ...............................................          3,112,500
All current directors who are not executive officers as a group (13 persons) ................          1,627,225
All employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers as a group (240
 persons)....................................................................................          3,262,844
</TABLE>
 
    CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
    The following discussion is a brief  summary of the principal United  States
federal  income tax consequences under current  federal income tax laws relating
to options awarded under the Stock Option Plan. This summary is not intended  to
be exhaustive and, among other things, does not describe state, local or foreign
income and other tax consequences.
 
    An  optionee  will not  recognize any  taxable  income upon  the grant  of a
nonqualified option and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction with
respect to such grant. Upon exercise of an option, the excess of the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the  exercise date over the exercise price will  be
taxable  as  compensation  income  to  the  optionee.  Subject  to  the optionee
including such  excess amount  in income  or the  Company satisfying  applicable
reporting requirements, the Company should be entitled to a tax deduction in the
amount  of such  compensation income.  The optionee's  tax basis  for the Common
Stock received pursuant to the exercise of  an option will equal the sum of  the
compensation income recognized and the exercise price.
 
    In  the event  of a  sale of Common  Stock received  upon the  exercise of a
nonqualified option, any  appreciation or depreciation  after the exercise  date
generally  will be taxed as  capital gain or loss and  will be long-term gain or
loss if the holding period for such Common Stock was more than one year.
 
    Special rules may apply to  optionees who are subject  to Section 16 of  the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
 
    Under  certain circumstances the accelerated  vesting or exercise of options
in connection with a change of control of the Company might be deemed an "excess
parachute payment"  for  purposes of  the  golden parachute  tax  provisions  of
Section 280G of the Code. To the extent it is so considered, the optionee may be
subject to a 20% excise tax and the Company may be denied a tax deduction.
 
    Section  162(m)  of  the  Code  generally  disallows  a  federal  income tax
deduction to any publicly held corporation for compensation paid in excess of $1
million in any taxable year  to the chief executive officer  or any of the  four
other most highly compensated executive officers who are employed by the Company
on  the  last day  of  the taxable  year.  Compensation attributable  to options
granted under  the Company's  Stock Option  Plan prior  to the  Company's  first
stockholder  meeting in which directors are elected  in the year 2000 should not
be subject to the deduction limitation. The Employee Benefit Plan Committee will
determine  whether  or  not  to  administer  the  Stock  Option  Plan  so   that
compensation  attributable to options granted thereafter would not be subject to
such deduction limitation.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
    OTHER OPTIONS
 
    GENERAL.  The Company  has entered into  individual stock option  agreements
(the  "Non-Plan  Option  Agreements") with  certain  of its  current  and former
directors, advisors  and  consultants  (the  "Non-Plan  Optionees").  Currently,
Non-Plan  Option Agreements exercisable for 2,168,828 shares of Common Stock are
in effect. The options  granted pursuant to the  Non-Plan Option Agreements  are
not intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code
and were not issued pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.
 
    Certain  of the  options were  fully vested and  exercisable on  the date of
grant. The other options generally become exercisable in three equal amounts  on
each  of the  first, second  and third  anniversaries of  the date  of grant. No
option may be exercised following the tenth anniversary or, under certain of the
Director Option Agreements, the day after  the tenth anniversary of the date  of
grant.  Certain of the  options are transferable  during the Non-Plan Optionee's
lifetime to certain permitted transferees,  who generally must agree in  writing
to be bound by the Non-Plan Option Agreement.
 
    The  rights and  obligations of the  Company and the  Non-Plan Optionees are
otherwise similar to  those under  the Stock Option  Agreements, including  with
respect  to Terminating Events  and Partial Sales. Upon  exercise of the option,
the optionee  is required  to  enter into  a  stockholder's agreement  with  the
Company  upon  terms  substantially  similar  to  the  terms  contained  in  the
Stockholder's Agreements.
 
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
 
    The Company has  granted an  aggregate of 21,307  stock appreciation  rights
("SARs")  to  certain  employees of  the  Company ("Grantees")  pursuant  to SAR
agreements (the "SAR Agreements").  The SARs permit  a Grantee whose  employment
with the Company has terminated after a specified date (generally one year after
the  grant of the SAR)  as a result of  death or disability, termination without
cause or retirement on or after reaching age 65 to receive with respect to  each
vested  reference share  to which  the SAR  relates (the  "Reference Shares") an
amount in cash (an  "Appreciation Amount") equal to  the difference between  the
base  price ($3.51 or  $4.10) of the  Reference Shares and  the market price per
share of the Common Stock.
 
    In the event that the Forstmann Little Partnerships sell all or a portion of
the shares of Common Stock owned by them to a Third Party (including in a public
offering), the  Grantees  may  elect  to receive  payment  in  respect  of  that
percentage  of the Grantees'  Reference Shares outstanding  immediately prior to
the closing of such transaction equal to the same percentage of Reference Shares
of the Grantee  then outstanding  as the shares  of Common  Stock the  Forstmann
Little  Partnerships propose to sell bears to  the aggregate number of shares of
Common Stock owned  by the  Forstmann Little  Partnerships. The  amount of  such
payment  is  based  on  the  per  share  Common  Stock  price  received  in such
transaction over the SAR base price.
 
RETIREMENT PLAN
 
    GULFSTREAM PENSION PLAN.  The Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Pension  Plan
(the  "Pension Plan")  was amended and  restated effective January  1, 1989. The
Pension Plan  is  a defined  benefit  plan maintained  by  Gulfstream  Aerospace
Corporation  (a Georgia corporation and wholly  owned indirect subsidiary of the
Company) ("Gulfstream Georgia"), for the benefit of the employees of  Gulfstream
Georgia  and certain of its affiliates that have adopted the Pension Plan (each,
a "Participating Employer").  The Pension  Plan covers full  time employees  who
have  attained age 21 and  have completed at least  one year of service. Pension
costs are borne by the Participating  Employer and determined from time to  time
on an actuarial basis, with contributions made accordingly.
 
    Participants'  benefit accruals  under the Pension  Plan are  based on their
gross amount of earnings,  but exclude items such  as overtime pay, bonuses  and
commissions.  Generally,  a  participant's  accrued  annual  retirement benefit,
assuming retirement at or after age 65  and a minimum of five years of  service,
is  equal to the total of the benefit  accrued for each year of benefit service,
which for each of the named executive officers will be determined for each  such
year  under the  following benefit formula:  the sum  of (x) 2.65%  of the first
$17,000 of the participant's wage base earnings as adjusted by the rate used  to
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
increase  the taxable wage base for  old age, survivors and disability insurance
(currently at $20,100) for such year and (y) 3% of the participant's earnings in
excess of such adjusted wage base earnings. Payments made under the Pension Plan
are not subject to  any deduction for Social  Security or other offset  amounts.
Participants who have attained age 60 with at least 5 years of service or age 50
with  at least 20 years of service  may retire early with an actuarially reduced
retirement benefit. No benefits are payable under the Pension Plan with  respect
to  a  participant  who  dies  prior to  commencement  of  his  or  her benefits
thereunder subject to certain specified exceptions. Benefits are paid, absent  a
contrary  election, in the form of a  single life annuity or qualified joint and
survivor  annuity  depending   on  the  marital   status  of  the   participant.
Participants  vest  100% in  their accrued  benefits, which  are non-forfeitable
except upon  death or  re-employment of  the participant,  after five  years  of
service.  Each participant in the Pension Plan is subject to the maximum benefit
limitations provided for under the Code and pursuant to the Pension Plan.
 
    As of  December  31,  1995,  the  estimated  annual  benefits  payable  upon
retirement for W.W. Boisture, Jr., Fred A. Breidenbach, Chris A. Davis and Bryan
T.  Moss, Jr. are $66,447, $79,738,  $97,457 and $17,719, respectively, assuming
retirement at age 65  and the retiree's lifetime  annuity payout option  without
available modifications.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
    The  following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership  of  the  Company's  Common   Stock  (i)  immediately  prior  to   the
consummation  of the Offerings,  giving effect to  the 1996 Recapitalization and
(ii) as adjusted to reflect the sale  of the shares of Common Stock pursuant  to
the  Offerings  by  (a) each  person  who is  known  to  the Company  to  be the
beneficial owner of more than five  percent of the Company's Common Stock  after
the  Offerings, (b) each director of the Company, (c) each other named executive
officer, (d) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group  and
(e)  each other  Selling Stockholder participating  in the  Offerings. Except as
otherwise indicated, the persons or entities  listed below have sole voting  and
investment  power with respect to all  shares of Common Stock beneficially owned
by them, except to the extent such power may be shared with a spouse.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                                                         SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                               PRIOR TO OFFERINGS (1)       NUMBER OF       AFTER OFFERINGS (1)
                                            ----------------------------     SHARES      --------------------------
NAME                                           NUMBER       PERCENT (2)    OFFERED (1)      NUMBER      PERCENT (2)
- ------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -----------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
5% STOCKHOLDERS:
MBO-IV (3)................................     39,219,163        60.0%       16,794,713     22,424,450       30.6%
Gulfstream Partners (3)...................     10,928,125        16.7%        5,086,438      5,841,687        8.0%
Gulfstream Partners II, L.P. (3)..........     15,234,375        23.3%        7,339,804      7,894,571       10.8%
DIRECTORS: (4)
William R. Acquavella ....................         55,445           *            20,373         35,072           *
Robert Anderson ..........................        111,695           *            41,041         70,654           *
Charlotte L. Beers .......................         56,250           *            20,669         35,581           *
Thomas D. Bell, Jr. ......................        225,000           *            82,674        142,326           *
W.W. Boisture, Jr. .......................        356,250           *           220,464        135,786           *
Fred A. Breidenbach ......................        937,500         1.4%          344,476        593,024        0.8%
Nicholas C. Forstmann (3).................     65,381,663        99.9%       29,220,955     36,160,708       49.4%
Theodore J. Forstmann (3).................     65,756,663        99.9%       29,220,955     36,535,708       49.7%
Sandra J. Horbach (3).....................     15,309,375        23.4%        7,339,804      7,969,571       10.9%
Drew Lewis (3)............................         55,445           *            20,373         35,072           *
Bryan T. Moss ............................        337,500           *           248,023         89,477           *
Allen E. Paulson .........................        600,000           *           220,464        379,536           *
Roger S. Penske ..........................         75,000           *            41,337         33,663           *
Colin L. Powell ..........................       --             --             --             --            --
Gerard Roche .............................         37,500           *            20,669         16,831           *
Donald H. Rumsfeld (5)....................        112,500           *            41,337         71,163           *
George P. Shultz .........................         92,945           *            41,041         51,904           *
Robert S. Strauss ........................         92,945           *            41,041         51,904           *
OTHER NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
Chris A. Davis............................        325,000           *           165,348        159,652           *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a
 Group (19 persons) (3)...................     69,302,638       100.0%       30,790,285     38,512,353       50.9%
ADDITIONAL SELLING STOCKHOLDERS:
262 additional Selling Stockholders, each
 of whom is selling less than 280,000
 shares in the Offerings and will
 beneficially own less than 1% of the
 outstanding Common Stock after the
 Offerings................................      3,518,440         5.1%        1,650,614      1,867,826        2.5%
</TABLE>
 
- --------------
 
*   The percentage of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned does not  exceed
    one percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
(1)  For purposes of  this table, information  as to the  shares of Common Stock
    assumes that the Underwriters' over-allotment options are not exercised. For
    purposes of this  table, a  person or  group of  persons is  deemed to  have
    "beneficial  ownership" of any shares of  Common Stock which such person has
    the right to acquire within 60 days  after the date of this Prospectus.  For
    purposes  of computing the percentage of  outstanding shares of Common Stock
    held by each person or group of  persons named above, any shares which  such
    person  or persons has the right to acquire within 60 days after the date of
    this Prospectus  is  deemed  to be  outstanding  but  is not  deemed  to  be
    outstanding  for the  purpose of computing  the percentage  ownership of any
    other person.  Each  Selling Stockholder  other  than the  Forstmann  Little
    Partnerships  (an "Other Selling Stockholder")  has the right to participate
    with the  Forstmann  Little Partnerships  in  the Offerings.  Other  Selling
    Stockholders  may participate in the Offerings with respect to their options
    regardless of  whether they  beneficially  own the  shares subject  to  such
    options for purposes of this table.
 
(2)  Based  on  65,403,327  shares  of Common  Stock  outstanding  prior  to the
    consummation  of  the  Offerings  and  73,181,016  shares  of  Common  Stock
    outstanding after the consummation of the Offerings.
 
(3)  Forstmann  Little  & Co.  Subordinated  Debt and  Equity  Management Buyout
    Partnership-IV ("MBO-IV"), Gulfstream Partners  and Gulfstream Partners  II,
    L.P.,  c/o Forstmann Little & Co., 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, are
    the Forstmann Little Partnerships and are New York limited partnerships. The
    general partner of MBO-IV is FLC Partnership, L.P., a limited partnership of
    which Theodore  J.  Forstmann, Nicholas  C.  Forstmann, Steven  B.  Klinsky,
    Sandra  J. Horbach and Winston W. Hutchins are general partners. The general
    partner of Gulfstream Partners is FLC XXI Partnership, a general partnership
    of which Wm. Brian Little, Nicholas C. Forstmann, Steven B. Klinsky, Winston
    W. Hutchins, John A. Sprague, Wm. Brian Little IRA, Winston W. Hutchins IRA,
    John A. Sprague IRA and TJ/JA  L.P., a Delaware limited partnership  ("TJ/JA
    L.P."),  are general partners. The general partner of TJ/JA L.P. is Theodore
    J. Forstmann. The  general partner of  Gulfstream Partners II,  L.P. is  FLC
    XXIV  Partnership,  a general  partnership of  which Theodore  J. Forstmann,
    Nicholas C. Forstmann, Wm. Brian Little, John A. Sprague, Steven B. Klinsky,
    Sandra J. Horbach and Winston W. Hutchins are general partners. Accordingly,
    each of  such individuals  and  partnerships may  be deemed  the  beneficial
    owners  of  shares owned  by MBO-IV,  Gulfstream Partners  and/or Gulfstream
    Partners II, L.P., in which such individual or partnership is a partner. For
    the purposes  of this  table,  such beneficial  ownership is  included.  Ms.
    Horbach does not have any voting or investment power with respect to, or any
    economic  interest  in,  the shares  of  Common  Stock held  by  MBO-IV, and
    accordingly, Ms. Horbach is not deemed  to be the beneficial owner  thereof.
    William  R. Acquavella, Drew Lewis and  Roger S. Penske are limited partners
    in Gulfstream Partners  and William R.  Acquavella and Roger  S. Penske  are
    limited  partners in  Gulfstream Partners II,  L.P. There  are other limited
    partners in each of MBO-IV, Gulfstream Partners and Gulfstream Partners  II,
    L.P.,  none  of  which  is  otherwise affiliated  with  the  Company  or FLC
    Partnership, L.P. See "Certain Transactions".
 
(4) Except as discussed  in note 3, no  director or executive officer  currently
    owns  shares of Common Stock; all shares beneficially owned by directors and
    executive officers  are attributable  to  options exercisable  currently  or
    within 60 days of the date of this Prospectus. Not included in the table are
    shares  of Common Stock issuable  upon the exercise of  options that are not
    exercisable within  60  days  after  the date  of  this  Prospectus  in  the
    following  amounts: W.W. Boisture,  Jr. -- 318,750 shares;  Bryan T. Moss --
    337,500 shares; Roger S. Penske -- 37,500 shares; Colin L. Powell --  56,250
    shares;  Gerard Roche --  18,750 shares; George P.  Shultz -- 18,750 shares;
    Robert S. Strauss -- 18,750 shares; and Chris A. Davis -- 125,000 shares.
 
(5) Shares are  beneficially owned by  an irrevocable trust  for the benefit  of
    certain  members of Mr. Rumsfeld's family. Mr. Rumsfeld disclaims beneficial
    ownership of such shares.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
THE ACQUISITION; SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
    On February 12, 1990,  the Company, through its  wholly owned subsidiary  GA
Acquisition  Corp.  ("GA"), a  corporation formed  by an  investor group  led by
Forstmann Little,  entered  into a  stock  purchase agreement  to  acquire  from
Chrysler  the Predecessor  Business, in  the form  of Gulfstream  Delaware (then
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation),  for a  cash purchase price  of $850  million
(including  acquisition costs of $25 million, $8.25 million of which represented
a fee payable to Forstmann Little). The Acquisition was consummated on March 19,
1990. The purchase  price was  funded by the  issuance of  25,000,000 shares  of
common  stock  (without  giving effect  to  the 1996  Recapitalization),  for an
aggregate purchase price of $100  million, and $300 million aggregate  principal
amount  of debentures (the "Original Debentures")  in three series with maturity
dates, respectively, of March 31, 2001, March 31, 2002 and March 31, 2003,  with
the  balance  of  the purchase  price  supplied by  bank  borrowings. Gulfstream
Delaware was capitalized with $100 million of its common stock subscribed for by
the Company,  a $300  million long-term  note payable  to the  Company and  bank
borrowings.  Upon consummation of the Acquisition, GA was merged into Gulfstream
Delaware and  Gulfstream  Delaware  became  a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  the
Company. The Company's only asset is its investment in Gulfstream Delaware.
 
    On  August  31,  1992, MBO-IV  and  Gulfstream Partners  II,  L.P. purchased
16,250,000 additional shares of common stock (without giving effect to the  1996
Recapitalization),  for an aggregate purchase price  of $100 million, and MBO-IV
purchased an additional $150 million aggregate principal amount of the Company's
debentures (the "Additional Debentures") at par. The Additional Debentures  were
issued in three series with maturity dates, respectively, of September 30, 2003,
September  30, 2004 and September 30, 2005.  Of the proceeds of these issuances,
$50 million was contributed to the  capital of Gulfstream Delaware, $50  million
of the proceeds was used to repurchase the shares of common stock of the Company
held  by Allen E.  Paulson, and $150 million  of the proceeds  was loaned by the
Company to Gulfstream  Delaware. This  loan was  evidenced by  a long-term  note
payable by Gulfstream Delaware to the Company.
 
    On  November  30, 1993,  MBO-IV exchanged  the  Original Debentures  and the
Additional Debentures,  and  all  indebtedness  represented  thereby,  including
accrued  interest, for (i)  7% Cumulative Preferred Stock  issued by the Company
with a stated  value of  $468,937,500 and 11,045,833  shares of  Class B  Common
Stock  (without giving effect  to the 1996  Recapitalization). The 7% Cumulative
Preferred has  a liquidation  preference equal  to its  stated value,  plus  all
accrued  and unpaid  dividends. The  Company's Certificate  of Incorporation was
amended to reclassify the Company's  common stock outstanding prior to  November
30,  1993 as Class A Common Stock. Each  share of Class A Common Stock issued on
or after August 31, 1992 was designated  as a share of Series A-1 Common  Stock,
and each share of Class A Common Stock which was issued prior to August 31, 1992
was designated as a share of Series A-2 Common Stock. Also on November 30, 1993,
the  long-term notes payable by Gulfstream  Delaware to the Company in principal
amounts of $300 million and $150 million, respectively, were contributed to  the
capital  of Gulfstream Delaware. After providing for the 7% Cumulative Preferred
Stock, the Class  A Common  Stock has a  preference with  respect to  dividends,
other distributions and in liquidation over all other classes of common stock of
the  Company currently outstanding in the  amount of approximately $186 million.
After providing for  the 7% Cumulative  Preferred Stock and  the Class A  Common
Stock  preferences, the Class A Common Stock is  entitled to 75% and the Class B
Common Stock is entitled to 25% of  any dividends and other distributions or  in
liquidation. On June 30, 1996, the Company repurchased approximately 4 shares of
7%  Cumulative Preferred  Stock at their  stated value of  $18,937,500, and paid
accumulated dividends of  $96,135,587. Funds  for the  redemption and  dividends
were provided by the Company's operations.
 
    Immediately  prior to, or simultaneously with, the closing of the Offerings,
(i) the Company will repurchase all  of the remaining outstanding 7%  Cumulative
Preferred  Stock, (ii) all  of the Class A  Series A-2 Common  Stock and Class B
Common Stock will be exchanged for shares of Class A
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
Series  A-1  Common  Stock   on  a  1.0295-for-1   and  a  1.0092-for-1   basis,
respectively,  (iii) the Class A Series A-1 Common Stock will be redesignated as
Common Stock and (iv) there will be  a 1.5-for-1 split of the Common Stock.  See
"Description of Capital Stock".
 
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    Thomas  D.  Bell, a  director and  former  Vice Chairman  of the  Company is
President and  Chief Executive  Officer of,  and during  1994 and  part of  1995
served  as an executive officer of, Burson-Marstellar, an advertising and public
relations services firm. See "Management  -- Directors and Executive  Officers".
Gulfstream paid to Burson-Marstellar approximately $2.7, $3.8, and $1.0 million,
in  1994, 1995 and the  first six months of  1996, respectively, for advertising
and  public  relations  services.  The  Company  believes  the  terms  of   such
transactions were at least as favorable to the Company as those which could have
been obtained from an unrelated third party.
 
    Drew Lewis, Colin L. Powell, Donald H. Rumsfeld, George P. Shultz and Robert
S.  Strauss, directors of the  Company, are members of  an advisory committee to
FLC Partnership, L.P.
 
    Gulfstream leased  from Allen  E.  Paulson, one  of its  directors,  through
August  1993, an  aircraft used  for sales  demonstrations and  customer support
purposes. Total lease expense  for 1993 was $834,000.  The Company believes  the
terms  of such lease  were at least as  favorable to the  Company as those which
could have been obtained from an unrelated third party.
 
    See also  "Management  --  Compensation  Committee  Interlocks  and  Insider
Participation".
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
    Pursuant to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
the  Company's  authorized capital  stock currently  consists of  (i) 10,000,000
shares of  preferred  stock,  par  value $.01  per  share  ("Preferred  Stock"),
approximately  96  shares  of which  are  outstanding  as of  the  date  of this
Prospectus, (ii) 109,273,000 shares of common  stock, par value $.01 per  share,
of  which 93,493,000 shares are designated Class  A Common Stock, Series A-1 and
Series A-2, and  15,780,000 shares are  designated Class B  Common Stock. As  of
June  30, 1996  (which is prior  to the exchange  and reclassification described
below), 33,139,500 and 11,045,833 shares of Class A Common Stock (Series A-1 and
Series A-2) and Class B Common Stock, respectively, were issued and  outstanding
and  held of record by an aggregate  of 5 stockholders. Immediately prior to, or
simultaneous with,  the closing  of the  Offerings (i)  all of  the  outstanding
Preferred  Stock will  be repurchased,  (ii) each  outstanding share  of Class A
Series A-2 Common Stock will  be exchanged for 0.9714  shares of Class A  Series
A-1  Common Stock  and each outstanding  share of  Class B Common  Stock will be
exchanged for 0.9909 shares of Class A Series A-1 Common Stock, (iii) the  Class
A  Series A-1 Common Stock will be redesignated as Common Stock and adjusted for
a stock split of the  Common Stock on a 1.5-for-1  basis and the Certificate  of
Incorporation  will  be  amended  and  restated  (the  "Restated  Certificate of
Incorporation") to reflect a  single class of common  stock, par value $.01  per
share  (the "Common Stock"), and (iv) the  number of authorized shares of Common
Stock  and  Preferred   Stock  will  be   increased  (collectively,  the   "1996
Recapitalization").
 
    Pursuant  to  the  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  the  Company's
authorized capital stock will consist of (i) 300,000,000 shares of Common  Stock
of  which 73,181,016 shares will be issued and outstanding upon the consummation
of the  Offerings (assuming  the Underwriters'  over-allotment options  are  not
exercised)  and (ii) 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, none of which will be
issued and outstanding upon completion of the Offerings. All outstanding  shares
of  the Common Stock are, and the shares offered hereby will be, when issued and
sold, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
    After the consummation of the  Offerings, the Forstmann Little  Partnerships
will  beneficially own approximately 49.4% of the Common Stock (45.4% on a fully
diluted basis) or  42.5% (39.4%  on a fully  diluted basis),  assuming that  the
Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in full. After the Offerings,
it  is expected that the  Forstmann Little Partnerships will  continue to be the
largest stockholders of the Company and, collectively, are likely to continue to
be able to control the election of the entire Board of Directors of the  Company
and,  in general, to determine the outcome of any corporate transaction or other
matter  submitted  to   the  stockholders  for   approval,  including   mergers,
consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets,
to  prevent  or  cause  a change  in  control  of the  Company,  and  to approve
substantially all amendments to the  Restated Certificate of Incorporation.  See
"Risk  Factors --  Control by Principal  Stockholders; Limitations  on Change of
Control; Benefits to Principal Stockholders".
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share owned  of
record  on  all  matters submitted  to  a  vote of  stockholders.  There  are no
cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the holders  of a majority of the  shares
voting  for the election of directors can elect all the directors if they choose
to do so, subject to  any voting rights of holders  of Preferred Stock to  elect
directors.  Subject  to the  preferential rights  of  any outstanding  series of
Preferred Stock, and to the restrictions on payment of dividends imposed by  the
Credit  Agreement (as described in "Dividend  Policy" and "Description of Credit
Agreement"), the holders of Common Stock  will be entitled to such dividends  as
may  be declared from time to time by  the Board of Directors from funds legally
available therefor, and will be entitled, after payment of all prior claims,  to
receive  pro rata all assets of the Company upon the liquidation, dissolution or
winding up  of  the Company.  Holders  of Common  Stock  have no  redemption  or
conversion  rights or preemptive rights to  purchase or subscribe for securities
of the Company.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
    The Common  Stock  has been  approved  for listing  on  the New  York  Stock
Exchange under the symbol "GAC", subject to official notice of issuance.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
    The  authorized capital stock  of the Company  includes 20,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock,  none  of  which  are  currently  issued  or  outstanding.  The
Company's  Board of Directors  is authorized to divide  the Preferred Stock into
series and, with respect to each series, to determine the preferences and rights
and the  qualifications,  limitations  or restrictions  thereof,  including  the
dividend  rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms,
liquidation  preferences,  sinking  fund   provisions,  the  number  of   shares
constituting  the  series  and the  designation  of  such series.  The  Board of
Directors could, without stockholder approval, issue Preferred Stock with voting
and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the holders  of
Common Stock and which could have certain anti-takeover effects. The Company has
no present plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
 
    The  Restated Certificate of  Incorporation provides that  a director of the
Company will not  be personally liable  to the Company  or its stockholders  for
monetary  damages for  any breach  of fiduciary  duty as  a director,  except in
certain cases where liability  is mandated by  the Delaware General  Corporation
Law  (the "DGCL"). The Restated Certificate  of Incorporation and the By-Laws of
the Company provide for indemnification, to the fullest extent permitted by  the
DGCL,  of  any person  who is  or was  involved  in any  manner in  any pending,
threatened or completed investigation,  claim or other  proceeding by reason  of
the  fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Company or, at
the request  of the  Company, is  or was  serving as  a director  or officer  of
another  entity, against all  expenses, liabilities, losses  and claims actually
incurred or suffered by such person in connection with the investigation,  claim
or  other proceeding. The Company and  Gulfstream Delaware have entered into, or
intend to enter into,  agreements to provide  indemnification for the  Company's
directors  and certain officers in addition  to the indemnification provided for
in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the By-Laws. These  agreements,
among  other things, will indemnify the Company's directors and certain officers
to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law for certain expenses  (including
attorneys'  fees)  and all  losses,  claims, liabilities,  judgments,  fines and
settlement amounts incurred by such person arising out of or in connection  with
such  person's service as a director or officer of the Company or another entity
for which such person was  serving as an officer or  director at the request  of
the  Company. There is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director,
officer, employee or other agent of the Company or any other entity as to  which
indemnification  is being sought from the Company,  and the Company is not aware
of  any  pending  or  threatened  litigation  that  may  result  in  claims  for
indemnification by a director, officer, employee or other agent.
 
DELAWARE LAW AND CERTAIN CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
 
    Upon  completion  of  the Offerings,  the  Company  will be  subject  to the
provisions of section 203 ("Section 203")  of the DGCL. In general, Section  203
prohibits  a publicly  held Delaware  corporation from  engaging in  a "business
combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years  after
the   date  of  the  transaction  in  which  the  person  became  an  interested
stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner.
A "business  combination" includes  a merger,  asset sale  or other  transaction
resulting  in a financial benefit to  the interested stockholder. An "interested
stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or,
in certain  cases,  within three  years  prior, did  own)  15% or  more  of  the
corporation's  voting stock. Under  Section 203, a  business combination between
the Company and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless it satisfies  one
of  the following  conditions: (i)  the Company's  Board of  Directors must have
previously approved  either the  business combination  or the  transaction  that
resulted  in  the stockholder  becoming an  interested  stockholder, or  (ii) on
consummation of the  transaction that  resulted in the  stockholder becoming  an
interested  stockholder, the  interested stockholder owned  at least  85% of the
voting stock of the  Company outstanding at the  time the transaction  commenced
(excluding, for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding, shares
owned  by (a) persons who are directors and also officers and (b) employee stock
plans, in  certain instances)  or  (iii) the  business combination  is  approved
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
by  the Board of Directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the
stockholders by the  affirmative vote  of at least  66 2/3%  of the  outstanding
voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
 
    The Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified Board of
Directors consisting of three classes. Each class will consist, as nearly as may
be  possible, of  one-third of  the total  number of  directors constituting the
entire Board  of Directors.  The term  of  the initial  Class I  directors  will
terminate  on the date of  the 1997 annual meeting  of stockholders; the term of
the initial Class II  directors will terminate  on the date  of the 1998  annual
meeting  of stockholders; and the  term of the initial  Class III directors will
terminate on the date of the  1999 annual meeting of stockholders. Beginning  in
1997,  at  each  annual meeting  of  stockholders,  successors to  the  class of
directors whose  term expires  at that  annual  meeting will  be elected  for  a
three-year term and until their respective successors are elected and qualified.
A director may only be removed with cause by the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the
election of directors.
 
LIMITATIONS ON CHANGES IN CONTROL
 
    The Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified Board of
Directors  consisting of three  classes serving staggered  three-year terms. The
Restated Certificate of Incorporation also provides that a director may only  be
removed  for cause by the  affirmative vote of the holders  of a majority of the
shares entitled to vote  for the election of  directors. These provisions,  when
coupled with the provisions in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the
Company's  By-laws  authorizing the  Board of  Directors  to fill  newly created
directorships  and  vacancies   on  the  Board   of  Directors,  will   preclude
stockholders  from removing incumbent directors without cause and simultaneously
gaining control of the  Board of Directors by  filling the vacancies created  by
such  removal  with their  nominees.  The foregoing  provisions,  the provisions
authorizing the Board of Directors to issue Preferred Stock without  stockholder
approval,  and the provisions of Section 203  of the DGCL, could have the effect
of delaying, deferring or preventing a change  in control of the Company or  the
removal of existing management.
 
    In  addition, the Company's By-Laws  establish advance notice procedures for
stockholders to make  nominations of  candidates for election  as directors,  or
bring  other business  before an annual  meeting of stockholders  of the Company
(the "Stockholder Notice Procedures").
    The  Stockholder  Notice  Procedures  provide  that  only  persons  who  are
nominated  by or at the  direction of the Company's Board  of Directors, or by a
stockholder who has given timely written notice to the Secretary of the  Company
prior  to the meeting at which directors are to be elected, will be eligible for
election as directors  of the  Company. The Stockholder  Notice Procedures  also
provide  that at an  annual meeting only  such business may  be conducted as has
been specified in the notice  of the meeting given by,  or at the direction  of,
the  Company's Board of Directors (or  any duly authorized committee thereof) or
by a stockholder who  has given timely  written notice to  the Secretary of  the
Company  of  such stockholder's  intention to  bring  such business  before such
meeting.
    Under the Stockholder Notice  Procedures, notice of stockholder  nominations
to  be made or business to be conducted at an annual meeting must be received by
the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the
annual meeting or, in the  event that less than 70  days notice or prior  public
disclosure  of the date of the annual  meeting is given or made to stockholders,
then notice must be received by the close of business on the tenth day following
the day on  which such notice  was mailed  or such public  disclosure was  made,
whichever  first occurs.  Under the Stockholder  Notice Procedures,  notice of a
stockholder nomination to be made at a special meeting at which directors are to
be elected must be received by the Company not later than the close of  business
on  the tenth  day following the  day on  which such notice  of the  date of the
special meeting  was mailed  or public  disclosure of  the date  of the  special
meeting was made, whichever first occurs.
 
TRANSFER AGENT
 
    The  transfer agent  for the  Common Stock  will be  ChaseMellon Shareholder
Services, L.L.C.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
                        DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
    In connection  with  the  Offerings,  Gulfstream  Delaware  has  received  a
Commitment  Letter pursuant to which  Chase and CSI have  agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions thereof,  to provide the Bank  Facility, consisting of  the
$400  million Term Loan Facility and the $250 million Revolving Credit Facility.
The Commitment Letter provides that the closing of the funding under the  Credit
Agreement  is  to  be  consummated concurrently  with  the  consummation  of the
Offerings. The commitments  of Chase to  provide the financing  pursuant to  the
Bank  Facility expire  on December 31,  1996, unless the  closing thereunder has
previously occurred.
 
    The following  summary of  the Credit  Agreement, which  is expected  to  be
entered  into simultaneously with the closing of the Offerings, does not purport
to be complete  and is qualified  in its entirety  by reference to  the form  of
Credit  Agreement,  a  copy  of  which  has been  filed  as  an  exhibit  to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. Each capitalized term
used in this Section but not defined herein has the meaning ascribed to the term
in the Credit Agreement.
 
TERM LOAN
 
    The Bank Facility will include a $400 million term loan. The term loan  will
be  repayable in consecutive quarterly installments  commencing on June 30, 1997
with a final maturity of  September 30, 2002, in  aggregate amounts for each  of
the  following periods as follows (with  the installments within each year being
equal):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR                                                                                AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
<S>                                                                             <C>
1997..........................................................................  $   20,000,000
1998..........................................................................  $   75,000,000
1999..........................................................................  $   75,000,000
2000..........................................................................  $   75,000,000
2001..........................................................................  $   75,000,000
2002..........................................................................  $   80,000,000
</TABLE>
 
    The Term Loans  may be prepaid  at any time,  in whole or  in part,  without
premium  or  penalty.  In addition,  the  Bank Facility  provides  for mandatory
prepayments, subject to  certain exceptions, of  the Term Loans  out of the  net
proceeds of the sale or disposition of certain assets.
 
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
 
    The Revolving Credit Facility is a $250 million revolving credit facility. A
portion  of  the Revolving  Credit Facility,  in  an amount  not to  exceed $150
million, may  be used  (to  the extent  available)  for standby  and  commercial
letters  of credit, and up to $200 million of the Revolving Credit Facility will
be available to the Company  for borrowings. In addition,  up to $20 million  of
the  Revolving Credit Facility  may be used  pursuant to a  swing line facility.
Revolving Credit  Loans  may  be  prepaid and  commitments  may  be  reduced  by
Gulfstream  Delaware  in minimum  amounts of  $2,500,000  or whole  multiples of
$1,000,000 in excess thereof.
 
USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The proceeds from the Term Loan Facility, together with the proceeds of  the
Offerings,  will be  used to  fund (i)  the repurchase  of all  the Company's 7%
Cumulative Preferred Stock plus approximately $7.9 million of unpaid  dividends,
(ii)  the  repayment of  outstanding indebtedness  under the  Company's existing
credit facilities (which  was $119.8  million at June  30, 1996)  and (iii)  the
payment  of  fees and  expenses incurred  in connection  with the  Offerings and
refinancing of the Company's indebtedness. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility will be used for the same purposes for which Term Loans may be used and
to finance the customary  working capital needs of  Gulfstream Delaware and  for
other general corporate purposes.
 
INTEREST RATE
 
    The  Loans will bear interest  at a rate equal  to, at the Company's option,
(i) a base  rate (the  "ABR") equal to  the greater  of (A) the  Chase prime  or
reference    rate   and   (B)   the    overnight   federal   funds   rate   plus
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
 .5% in effect from time  to time plus the Applicable  Margin for ABR Loans  (the
"ABR  Loans"); or (ii) the rate (adjusted for statutory reserve requirements for
euromoney liabilities) at which deposits for  one, two, three or six months  (as
selected  by  the  Company)  are  offered to  the  Administrative  Agent  in the
interbank eurodollar market plus the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans (the
"Eurodollar Loans"). All swing line loans will bear interest based upon the  ABR
or  money market rates  quoted by Chase as  the swing line  lender (in each case
plus the Applicable Margin for ABR Loans). The Applicable Margin initially  will
be  set at  0.75% for ABR  Loans and 1.75%  for Eurodollar Loans,  and will vary
depending upon the Company's  ratio of Total  Consolidated Debt to  Consolidated
EBITDA  (which,  as defined  in  the Credit  Agreement,  adds back  Gulfstream V
research and development expenses to Consolidated EBITDA) and whether such  loan
is an ABR Loan or a Eurodollar Loan, as set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RATIO OF TOTAL CONSOLIDATED                                                                                  EURODOLLAR
DEBT TO CONSOLIDATED EBITDA                                                                     ABR LOANS       LOANS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>          <C>
Equal to or greater than 3.50 to 1...........................................................        1.00%         2.00%
Equal to or greater than 3.00 to 1 but less than 3.50 to 1...................................        0.75%         1.75%
Equal to or greater than 2.50 to 1 but less than 3.00 to 1...................................        0.50%         1.50%
Equal to or greater than 2.00 to 1 but less than 2.50 to 1...................................        0.25%         1.25%
Equal to or greater than 1.50 to 1 but less than 2.00 to 1...................................           0%         1.00%
Less than 1.50 to 1..........................................................................           0%         0.75%
</TABLE>
 
    Interest  on ABR  Loans will  be payable  quarterly in  arrears. Interest on
Eurodollar Loans  will be  payable on  the last  day of  each relevant  interest
period  and, in the case of any interest period of six months, on the date three
months after the first day of such interest period.
 
    Overdue principal, interest, fees and  other amounts shall bear interest  at
2%  above the rate otherwise applicable thereto (or the ABR Rate, in the case of
amounts other than principal).
 
FEES
 
    Gulfstream Delaware will be required to  pay commitment fees on the  average
daily  unutilized portion  of the  Term Loan  Facility and  the Revolving Credit
Facility, which will initially be set at .375% and which may range from .250% to
 .500% per  annum based  on the  Company's ratio  of Total  Consolidated Debt  to
Consolidated EBITDA.
 
    The  Commitment Letter provides  for additional customary  fees and charges,
including (i)  an arrangement  fee on  the  aggregate amount  of the  Term  Loan
Facility  and  Revolving Credit  Facility payable  on the  Closing Date,  (ii) a
commitment fee on the aggregate amount  of the Term Loan Facility and  Revolving
Credit  Facility from the date of the  initial syndication to the earlier of the
Closing Date or the termination of  the commitments under the Commitment  Letter
and (iii) an annual administrative agent's fee.
 
GUARANTEES
 
    The  Credit Agreement will be  guaranteed by the Company  and by each of the
Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries which have a total asset value  which
exceeds  $20 million  (and the  stock of  such subsidiaries  will be  pledged in
support  of  such   guarantee),  other  than   foreign  subsidiaries  or   other
subsidiaries  if more than 65% of the assets of such subsidiaries are securities
of foreign subsidiaries. In addition, any subsidiary of the Company that becomes
a Material  Subsidiary  (as defined  in  the Credit  Agreement)  must  guarantee
amounts owed under the Credit Agreement and the Company must pledge its stock in
such subsidiary in support of such obligations.
 
CONDITIONS
 
    The  initial  funding by  the  Lenders under  the  Credit Agreement  will be
subject to  a  number of  conditions,  including  among other  things,  (a)  the
repayment  of  outstanding  indebtedness  under  the  Company's  existing credit
facilities, (b) the  absence of  any material  adverse change  in the  business,
assets,   operations,  condition  (financial  or   otherwise)  or  prospects  of
Gulfstream Delaware and its  subsidiaries taken as a  whole, (c) the  successful
consummation of the Offerings, including net proceeds to the Company of at least
$75 million and (d) other conditions customary for transactions similar to those
contemplated by the Credit Agreement.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
COVENANTS
 
    The  Credit  Agreement  will  contain  customary  affirmative  and  negative
covenants,  including  limitations  on  the  ability  of  the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries  to pay cash dividends, as well as financial covenants, under which
the Company must  operate. Failure  to comply with  any of  such covenants  will
permit  the  Administrative Agent  to accelerate,  subject to  the terms  of the
Credit Agreement,  the maturity  of  all amounts  outstanding under  the  Credit
Agreement,  and to terminate  Gulfstream Delaware's ability  to borrow under the
Revolving Credit Facility.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
    The Credit Agreement will contain customary events of default appropriate in
the context  of the  proposed transaction,  including nonpayment  of  principal,
interest,  fees or other amounts, violation of covenants, material inaccuracy of
representations and warranties, cross-default of  indebtedness in excess of  $10
million,  bankruptcy, final judgment  unpaid or not pending  appeal in excess of
$10 million and not covered by insurance, certain ERISA liabilities,  invalidity
of  loan  documents or  security  interests and  change  in control.  The Credit
Agreement is expected to provide that a change in control will occur (i) if  the
Company  ceases  to own  100% of  the  issued and  outstanding capital  stock of
Gulfstream Delaware, (ii)  until the aggregate  outstanding principal amount  of
Term Loans has been reduced to $200 million or less or the Leverage Ratio is 1.5
to  1.0  or less,  if  the Forstmann  Little  Partnerships and  their affiliates
beneficially own less  than 25% of  the outstanding voting  stock of  Gulfstream
Delaware,  or (iii) if  at any time  that the Forstmann  Little Partnerships and
their affiliates beneficially own  less than a majority,  but more than 25%,  of
the outstanding voting stock of Gulfstream Delaware, any event occurs that would
result  in any person or group acquiring beneficial ownership of a percentage of
the outstanding voting stock of Gulfstream Delaware or the Company greater  than
the percentage beneficially owned by the Forstmann Little Partnerships and their
affiliates,  or (iv)  if at  a time that  the Forstmann  Little Partnerships and
their affiliates beneficially own less than 25% of the outstanding voting  stock
of  Gulfstream Delaware,  any event  occurs that would  result in  any person or
group (other  than  the  Forstmann Little  Partnerships  and  their  affiliates)
acquiring beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the outstanding voting stock of
Gulfstream  Delaware or the Company,  or (v) if any  person or group (other than
the Forstmann Little  Partnerships and  their affiliates)  at any  time has  the
right  to designate or elect a majority  of the Board of Directors of Gulfstream
Delaware or the Company. After the consummation of the Offerings, the  Forstmann
Little  Partnerships  will beneficially  own approximately  49.4% of  the Common
Stock (45.4%  on a  fully diluted  basis) or  42.5% (39.4%  on a  fully  diluted
basis),  assuming that the Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in
full. Upon the occurrence  of any event of  default under the Credit  Agreement,
the  lenders  may terminate  all  of their  lending  commitments under  the Bank
Facility and declare all  amounts owing under  the Credit Agreement  immediately
due and payable.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Upon  the consummation of  the Offerings, the  Company will have outstanding
73,181,016 shares of  Common Stock, including  36,181,015 outstanding shares  of
Common  Stock beneficially owned by existing stockholders. Of these shares, only
the 37,000,000 shares of Common Stock  sold in the Offerings (42,500,000 if  the
Underwriters'  over-allotment  options are  exercised  in full)  will  be freely
transferable in the public  market or otherwise  without registration under  the
Securities Act and without restriction by persons other than "affiliates" of the
Company  (as defined below). The  36,160,707 shares of Common  Stock held by the
Forstmann  Little  Partnerships  after   the  Offerings  will  be   "restricted"
securities  under the meaning of Rule 144  under the Securities Act ("Rule 144")
and may not be  sold in the  absence of registration  under the Securities  Act,
unless  an  exemption  from  registration  is  available,  including  exemptions
pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
 
    In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, if two years have elapsed
since the later of the date of acquisition of restricted shares from the Company
or any affiliate of the Company,  the acquiror or subsequent holder is  entitled
to  sell, within  any three-month  period, that number  of shares  that does not
exceed the greater of 1% of the  then outstanding shares of Common Stock or  the
average  weekly trading volume  of the shares  of Common Stock  on all exchanges
and/or  reported  through  the  automated  quotation  system  of  a   registered
securities  association during  the four  calendar weeks  preceding the  date on
which notice of the  sale is filed with  the Securities and Exchange  Commission
(the   "Commission").  Sales  under  Rule  144   are  also  subject  to  certain
restrictions  relating  to   manner  of  sale,   notice  requirements  and   the
availability  of current  public information about  the Company.  If three years
have elapsed since  the later of  the date of  acquisition of restricted  shares
from  the Company  or from  any affiliate  of the  Company, and  the acquiror or
subsequent holder thereof is deemed not to have been an affiliate of the Company
at any time during the 90 days  preceding a sale, such person would be  entitled
to sell such shares in the public market under Rule 144(k) without regard to the
volume  limitations, manner of sale  provisions, public information requirements
or notice  requirements. The  Commission has  proposed amendments  to Rule  144,
including amendments to reduce the Rule 144 holding period from two years to one
year  and the  Rule 144(k)  holding period  from three  years to  two years. The
Company cannot predict whether  or when any of  the proposed amendments will  be
adopted.  As defined in Rule  144, an "affiliate" of an  issuer is a person that
directly or indirectly  controls, or is  controlled by, or  is under the  common
control with, such issuer.
 
    The  Company has agreed, during  the period beginning from  the date of this
Prospectus and continuing to and including the  date 180 days after the date  of
this  Prospectus, not to offer, sell, contract  to sell or otherwise dispose of,
or file a registration  statement (other than a  registration statement on  Form
S-8 with respect to an employee benefit plan) with respect to, any Common Stock,
or  any securities of the Company (other  than pursuant to employee stock option
and incentive plans and agreements,  upon conversion of outstanding  convertible
securities  or grants of options to  directors), which are substantially similar
to  the  Common  Stock  or  any  other  securities  which  are  exercisable   or
exchangeable  for, convertible  into or  whose exercise  or settlement  price is
derivable from the price of, Common  Stock or any such securities  substantially
similar  to  the  Common  Stock,  without  the  prior  written  consent  of  the
representatives of the Underwriters.
 
    The Selling Stockholders have agreed not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose
of any Common Stock for a period of  180 days after the date of this  Prospectus
without  the prior written  consent of the  representatives of the Underwriters,
except for certain transfers to immediate family members, trusts for the benefit
of  the  Selling  Stockholder  and  his  or  her  immediate  family,  charitable
foundations and controlled entities so long as the transferee agrees to be bound
by the foregoing restrictions.
 
    Pursuant  to Rule 144 and after giving effect to the agreements described in
the immediately preceding paragraph, the 36,160,707 shares held by the Forstmann
Little Partnerships will be eligible for sale in the public market beginning 180
days after  the  date  of this  Prospectus,  subject  to the  volume  and  other
limitations under Rule 144 described above.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
    Pursuant   to  the  Registration  Rights  Agreement,  the  Forstmann  Little
Partnerships have the right, under certain circumstances and subject to  certain
conditions,  to require the Company to effect  up to six registrations under the
Securities Act covering all or a portion  of the shares of Common Stock held  by
them. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will pay all expenses
(other  than  underwriting discounts  and commissions)  in connection  with such
registrations made  at the  request  of the  Forstmann Little  Partnerships.  In
addition,  whenever the Company proposes to register any of its securities under
the Securities Act, the Forstmann Little Partnerships have the right to  include
all  or a portion of their shares in such registration. The Company will pay all
expenses  in  connection  with  such  registrations.  The  Registration   Rights
Agreement  also provides  that the Company  will indemnify  the Forstmann Little
Partnerships  against  certain  liabilities,  including  liabilities  under  the
Securities  Act, incurred in  connection with such  registrations. The Forstmann
Little Partnerships  have  informed  the  Company  that  they  have  no  present
intention  of exercising their registration rights after the Offerings, and they
have agreed not to exercise such rights for a period of 180 days after the  date
of this Prospectus.
 
    None  of the  Company's other stockholders  or optionees  has an independent
right to  require the  Company to  register  shares of  Common Stock  under  the
Securities  Act. Pursuant to agreements between  the holders of stock or options
and the Company, such holders have, subject to certain conditions, the right  to
participate  in sales, including through  registered public offerings, of shares
of Common Stock by the Forstmann Little Partnerships (and to have their expenses
paid on the same  basis as the expenses  of the Forstmann Little  Partnerships).
See  "Management  --  Stock  Options  --  Stock  Option  Plan  --  Stockholder's
Agreement".
 
    Prior to  the Offerings,  there has  been no  public market  for the  Common
Stock.  Trading  of  the Common  Stock  is  expected to  commence  following the
consummation of the Offerings. No  prediction can be made  as to the effect,  if
any, that future sales of shares, or the availability of shares for future sale,
will  have on the market  price prevailing from time  to time. However, sales by
the Forstmann Little Partnerships of substantial amounts of Common Stock, or the
perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market
prices of the  Common Stock  and could impair  the Company's  future ability  to
raise capital through an offering of its equity securities.
 
                            VALIDITY OF COMMON STOCK
 
    The  validity of the  shares of Common  Stock offered hereby  will be passed
upon for the Company by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (a  partnership
including  professional corporations),  One New York  Plaza, New  York, New York
10004-1980, and for the Underwriters by  Sullivan & Cromwell, 125 Broad  Street,
New  York, New York 10004-2498. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson renders
legal services to Forstmann Little on a regular basis.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The financial statements as of  December 31, 1994 and  1995 and for each  of
the  three  years  in  the  period ended  December  31,  1995  included  in this
Prospectus and the related financial  statement schedules included elsewhere  in
the  Registration  Statement  have  been  audited  by  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports appearing herein and  elsewhere
in  the Registration Statement, and  have been so included  in reliance upon the
reports of such  firm given upon  their authority as  experts in accounting  and
auditing.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    The  Company has filed  with the Commission  a Registration Statement (which
term shall  encompass any  amendments  thereto) under  the Securities  Act  with
respect  to the securities offered hereby.  This Prospectus does not contain all
the information set  forth in the  Registration Statement and  the exhibits  and
schedules  thereto, to which  reference is hereby made.  Statements made in this
Prospectus as to the
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
contents of  any contract,  agreement  or other  document  referred to  are  not
necessarily  complete; with  respect to each  such contract,  agreement or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made to
the exhibit for  a more complete  description of the  matter involved, and  each
such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
    Upon  completion  of  the Offerings,  the  Company  will be  subject  to the
informational requirements of  the Exchange Act,  and, in accordance  therewith,
will  file reports and  other information with  the Commission. The Registration
Statement, the exhibits and schedules forming a part thereof and the reports and
other information filed by  the Company with the  Commission in accordance  with
the  Exchange Act may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission  at Room 1024, Judiciary  Plaza, 450 Fifth  Street,
N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549  and will  also be  available for  inspection and
copying at the regional offices of  the Commission located at Seven World  Trade
Center,  13th Floor, New York,  New York 10048 and  at Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street,  Suite  1400,  Chicago,  Illinois  60661-2511.  Copies  of  such
material  may  also  be  obtained  from  the  Public  Reference  Section  of the
Commission at  450 Fifth  Street,  N.W., Washington,  D.C. 20549  at  prescribed
rates.  Copies of  such material  will also be  available for  inspection at the
offices of the  New York Stock  Exchange, 20  Broad Street, New  York, New  York
10005.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                PAGE
                                                                                                                -----
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Independent Auditors' Report...............................................................................         F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and (Unaudited) June 30, 1996.................         F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and (Unaudited)
 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 1995 and 1996....................................................         F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and
 (Unaudited) for the six-month period ended June 30, 1996..................................................         F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and (Unaudited)
 for the six-months periods ended June 30, 1995 and 1996...................................................         F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................         F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation:
 
    We  have audited the accompanying  consolidated balance sheets of Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994 and 1995  and
the  related consolidated  statements of  operations, stockholders'  equity, and
cash flows for each of  the three years in the  period ended December 31,  1995.
These  consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is  to express an  opinion on these  consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We  conducted  our audits  in  accordance with  generally  accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also  includes
assessing  the  accounting principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In  our opinion, such  consolidated financial statements  present fairly, in
all  material  respects,  the  financial   position  of  the  Company  and   its
subsidiaries  at December 31, 1994 and 1995  and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for  each of the three years  in the period ended  December
31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 2, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,            JUNE 30,
                                                                      ----------------------------      1996
                                                                          1994           1995       -------------
                                                                      ------------  --------------   (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                                      (NOTE 1)
<S>                                                                   <C>           <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents...........................................  $     23,605   $    223,312   $     213,268
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts:-- $1,312,
  $3,437 and $3,521)................................................       176,936         82,613          99,247
Inventories.........................................................       289,331        393,125         567,706
Prepaids and other assets...........................................         3,130          2,362           2,496
                                                                      ------------  --------------  -------------
    Total current assets............................................       493,002        701,412         882,717
Property and equipment, net.........................................       117,621        127,151         126,118
Tooling.............................................................        20,719         46,412          47,311
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization:--$5,166, $6,244 and
  $6,783............................................................        37,956         36,877          36,339
Other intangible assets, net........................................        65,699         60,628          58,092
Other assets and deferred charges...................................        10,764          8,773           8,794
                                                                      ------------  --------------  -------------
Total Assets........................................................  $    745,761   $    981,253   $   1,159,371
                                                                      ------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                      ------------  --------------  -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt...................................  $     31,814   $     53,065   $      39,798
Accounts payable....................................................        56,153         58,191          62,528
Accrued liabilities.................................................        69,974         79,911          87,420
Customer deposits--current portion..................................        33,148        153,269         460,463
                                                                      ------------  --------------  -------------
    Total current liabilities.......................................       191,089        344,436         650,209
Long-term debt......................................................       146,331         93,266          80,000
Accrued postretirement benefit cost.................................        95,626        102,021         105,341
Customer deposits--long-term........................................        60,512        158,325         136,400
Other long-term liabilities.........................................        63,253         65,665          64,318
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, Series A, 7%--cumulative; par value $.01; shares
  authorized: 10,000,000; shares issued: 100 in 1994 and 1995 and 96
  in 1996; Liquidation preference, $546,282,058 in 1995 and
  $450,000,000 in 1996..............................................       468,938        468,938         450,000
Common stock, Class A, Series A-1 and A-2, par value $.01; shares
  authorized: 93,493,000; shares issued: 41,345,833 in 1994,
  41,347,833 in 1995 and 41,360,333 in 1996.........................           413            413             414
Common stock, Class B, par value $.01; shares authorized:
  15,780,000; shares issued: 11,045,833.............................           110            110             110
Additional paid-in capital..........................................       210,621        210,631         219,751
Accumulated deficit.................................................      (439,507)      (410,613)       (491,390)
Minimum pension liability...........................................        (1,136)        (1,450)         (1,450)
Unamortized stock plan expense......................................                                       (3,843)
Treasury stock, Common stock, Class A, Series A-2, 8,220,833
  shares............................................................       (50,489)       (50,489)        (50,489)
                                                                      ------------  --------------  -------------
    Total stockholders' equity......................................       188,950        217,540         123,103
                                                                      ------------  --------------  -------------
        Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity..................  $    745,761   $    981,253   $   1,159,371
                                                                      ------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                      ------------  --------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    30,
                                               ---------------------------------------  ------------------------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
                                                  1993         1994          1995          1995         1996
                                               -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                              (UNAUDITED)
Net Revenues.................................  $   887,113  $   901,638  $   1,041,514  $   474,884  $   458,672
Costs and Expenses
  Cost of sales..............................      737,361      710,554        835,547      378,022      354,841
  Selling and administrative.................       97,011       82,180         93,239       42,651       45,190
  Stock option compensation expense..........                                                              5,200
  Research and development...................       47,990       57,438         63,098       34,076       34,746
  Amortization of intangibles and deferred
    charges..................................       27,613        7,583          7,540        3,777        3,763
  Restructuring charge.......................      203,911
                                               -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
    Total Costs and Expenses.................    1,113,886      857,755        999,424      458,526      443,740
                                               -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
        Income (Loss) From Operations........     (226,773)      43,883         42,090       16,358       14,932
Interest income..............................          486          367          5,508        1,426        7,593
Interest expense.............................      (48,940)     (20,686)       (18,704)      (9,945)      (7,166)
                                               -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
        Net Income (Loss)....................  $  (275,227) $    23,564  $      28,894  $     7,839  $    15,359
                                               -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
                                               -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Pro forma, for 1996 recapitalization and
  offerings, net income (loss) per share
  (Unaudited) (Note 1).......................                            $         .18  $      (.02) $       .08
                                                                         -------------  -----------  -----------
                                                                         -------------  -----------  -----------
Pro forma, for 1996 recapitalization and
  offerings, common shares outstanding
  (Unaudited) (Note 1).......................                                   78,414       78,414       78,414
                                                                         -------------  -----------  -----------
                                                                         -------------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      COMMON STOCK
                                                            --------------------------------  ADDITIONAL
                                          PREFERRED STOCK         CLASS A                       PAID-IN     ACCUMULATED
                                              SERIES A       SERIES A-1 & A-2      CLASS B      CAPITAL       DEFICIT
                                          ----------------  -------------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                       <C>               <C>                  <C>          <C>          <C>
BALANCE AS OF JANUARY 1, 1993...........                         $     413                     $ 210,621    $  (187,734)
Net Loss................................                                                                       (275,227)
Issuance of common stock................                                          $     110                        (110)
Purchase of treasury stock..............
Issuance of preferred stock.............     $  468,938
Minimum pension liability adjustment....
                                          ----------------           -----            -----   -----------  -------------
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1993.........        468,938                413              110      210,621       (463,071)
Net Income..............................                                                                         23,564
Minimum pension liability adjustment....
                                          ----------------           -----            -----   -----------  -------------
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1994.........        468,938                413              110      210,621       (439,507)
Net Income..............................                                                                         28,894
Minimum pension liability adjustment....
Issuance of stock pursuant to stock
  options...............................                                                              10
                                          ----------------           -----            -----   -----------  -------------
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995.........        468,938                413              110      210,631       (410,613)
Net Income (Unaudited)..................                                                                         15,359
Issuance of stock pursuant to stock
  options (Unaudited)...................                                 1                            77
Repurchase of preferred stock
  (Unaudited)...........................        (18,938)
Preferred stock dividend (Unaudited)....                                                                        (96,136)
Issuance of compensatory common stock
  options (Unaudited)...................                                                           9,043
 ........................................
                                          ----------------           -----            -----   -----------  -------------
BALANCE AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
  (UNAUDITED)...........................     $  450,000          $     414        $     110    $ 219,751    $  (491,390)
                                          ----------------           -----            -----   -----------  -------------
                                          ----------------           -----            -----   -----------  -------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                            MINIMUM     UNAMORTIZED                    TOTAL
                                            PENSION     STOCK PLAN     TREASURY    STOCKHOLDERS'
                                           LIABILITY      EXPENSE        STOCK         EQUITY
                                          -----------  -------------  -----------  --------------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
BALANCE AS OF JANUARY 1, 1993...........                               $ (50,000)    $  (26,700)
Net Loss................................                                               (275,227)
Issuance of common stock................                                                      0
Purchase of treasury stock..............                                    (489)          (489)
Issuance of preferred stock.............                                                468,938
Minimum pension liability adjustment....   $  (2,127)                                    (2,127)
                                          -----------  -------------  -----------  --------------
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1993.........      (2,127)            0       (50,489)       164,395
Net Income..............................                                                 23,564
Minimum pension liability adjustment....         991                                        991
                                          -----------  -------------  -----------  --------------
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1994.........      (1,136)            0       (50,489)       188,950
Net Income..............................                                                 28,894
Minimum pension liability adjustment....        (314)                                      (314)
Issuance of stock pursuant to stock
  options...............................                                                     10
                                          -----------  -------------  -----------  --------------
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995.........      (1,450)            0       (50,489)       217,540
Net Income (Unaudited)..................                                                 15,359
Issuance of stock pursuant to stock
  options (Unaudited)...................                                                     78
Repurchase of preferred stock
  (Unaudited)...........................                                                (18,938)
Preferred stock dividend (Unaudited)....                                                (96,136)
Issuance of compensatory common stock
  options (Unaudited)...................                 $  (3,843)                       5,200
 ........................................                                                      0
                                          -----------  -------------  -----------  --------------
BALANCE AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
  (UNAUDITED)...........................   $  (1,450)    $  (3,843)    $ (50,489)    $  123,103
                                          -----------  -------------  -----------  --------------
                                          -----------  -------------  -----------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,            JUNE 30,
                                                          -------------------------------  --------------------
                                                            1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss).......................................  $(275,227) $  23,564  $  28,894  $   7,839  $  15,359
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
  by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization.........................     47,866     24,151     23,094     11,530     12,242
  Postretirement benefit cost...........................     17,086      6,624      6,395      3,220      3,320
  Provision for loss on pre-owned aircraft..............      6,100        208      2,050      1,450        800
  Restructuring charge..................................    203,911
  Non-cash stock option compensation expense............                                                  5,200
  All other operating activities........................     (1,652)       453      2,277        133        201
  Change in assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable.................................     (9,443)   (84,613)    91,817      5,945    (16,784)
    Inventories.........................................    (24,131)   155,009   (105,844)    (6,868)  (175,381)
    Prepaids and other assets...........................        689        (48)       768     (1,288)      (134)
    Other assets and deferred charges...................     (3,670)     1,179        600        360       (710)
    Notes payable.......................................    (10,490)   (29,682)
    Accounts payable....................................     38,784    (32,303)     2,038     (2,704)     4,337
    Accrued liabilities.................................    (10,382)     2,099      9,937      5,586      7,508
    Customer deposits...................................     48,688     (3,109)   217,934     76,232    285,269
    Other long-term liabilities.........................      9,557      5,506      2,412     (6,791)    (1,347)
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES...............     37,686     69,038    282,372     94,644    139,880
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property and equipment.....................    (10,685)    (9,946)   (25,186)    (5,884)    (7,518)
Dispositions of property and equipment..................         79        447         18         19         22
Additions to tooling....................................     (4,560)   (17,265)   (25,693)   (19,875)      (899)
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES...................    (15,166)   (26,764)   (50,861)   (25,740)    (8,395)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of common stock..................                               10                    78
Repurchase of preferred stock...........................                                                (18,938)
Purchase of common stock................................       (489)
Proceeds from term loans................................     80,000
Repayment of term loans.................................   (114,113)              (31,814)    (5,282)   (26,533)
Payment of dividends on preferred stock.................                                                (96,136)
Proceeds from revolving credit loans....................    612,000    432,000
Payments on revolving credit loans......................   (592,000)  (460,000)
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES...................    (14,602)   (28,000)   (31,804)    (5,282)  (141,529)
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents...................      7,918     14,274    199,707     63,622    (10,044)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year............      1,413      9,331     23,605     23,605    223,312
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year..................  $   9,331  $  23,605  $ 223,312  $  87,227  $ 213,268
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    BUSINESS
 
    Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (the "Company") is primarily engaged in the
design,  development, production, and  sale of large  business jet aircraft. The
Company is also engaged  in a number of  related businesses, including:  product
support  and  services for  customer-owned  aircraft, which  include maintenance
services and  replacement parts  for the  Company's world-wide  fleet;  aircraft
completion  services, which involve the installation of customized interiors and
optional avionics  as well  as  exterior painting;  and  the sale  of  pre-owned
aircraft.  The  majority of  the  Company's aircraft  are  sold to  domestic and
multinational corporations and domestic and foreign governments.
 
    PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    The consolidated financial  statements include the  accounts of the  Company
and   its  subsidiaries,  all   of  which  are   wholly-owned.  All  significant
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires management  to  make  assumptions and
estimates  that  directly  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  consolidated
financial  statements. Significant estimates for which  changes in the near term
are considered reasonably possible  and that may have  a material effect on  the
financial  statements are addressed in these notes to the consolidated financial
statements.
 
    REVENUE RECOGNITION POLICY
 
    Contracts for  new aircraft  are segmented  between the  manufacture of  the
"green"  aircraft (i.e., before  exterior painting and  installation of customer
selected interiors  and optional  avionics)  and its  completion. Sales  of  new
Gulfstream  green aircraft are  recorded as deliveries are  made to the customer
prior to  the  aircraft entering  the  completion process.  In  connection  with
recorded  sales of  new aircraft, at  December 31,  1995, and June  30, 1996 the
Company has agreed to accept pre-owned aircraft totaling $19.4 million and $47.3
million, respectively. With respect to completed aircraft, any costs related  to
parts to be installed and services to be performed under the contract, after the
delivery  of the aircraft,  which are not  significant, are included  as cost of
sales at the time of the sale of  the new aircraft. Sales of all other  products
and services, including pre-owned aircraft, are recognized when delivered or the
service is performed.
 
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    Cash  and cash  equivalents consist  of highly  liquid financial instruments
which have maturities of less than three months upon purchase.
 
    INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories of work in process and finished goods for aircraft are stated at
the lower of cost (based on estimated average unit costs of the number of  units
in a production lot) or market. Raw materials, material components of other work
in  process and substantially all purchased  parts inventories are stated at the
lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.
 
    Pre-owned aircraft acquired in connection with the sale of new aircraft  are
recorded at the lower of the trade-in value or estimated net realizable value.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property   and  equipment  are  stated  at   cost  and  depreciated  by  the
straight-line method over  their estimated useful  lives ranging from  15 to  25
years  for buildings and improvements  and 4 to 12  years for all other property
and equipment. The cost of maintenance  and repairs is charged to operations  as
incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.
 
    TOOLING
 
    Tooling  is  stated  at  cost and  represents  primarily  production tooling
relating to  the Gulfstream  V  aircraft program.  Tooling associated  with  the
Gulfstream  V will be amortized to cost of  sales on a unit basis over the first
200 units of the Gulfstream V program.
 
    INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS
 
    Goodwill is being amortized  on a straight-line basis  over 40 years.  Other
intangible  assets consisting of after market service and product support (i.e.,
customer lists) are being amortized on  a straight-line basis over the  expected
useful  lives which range from 10 to 21 years. The Company periodically assesses
the  recoverability  of  intangibles  based   on  its  expectations  of   future
profitability  and  undiscounted  cash  flow of  the  related  operations. These
factors, along  with  management's plans  with  respect to  the  operations  are
considered  in  assessing the  recoverability  of goodwill  and  other purchased
intangibles.
 
    The costs of obtaining bank financing have been included in other assets and
deferred charges and  are being  amortized over the  lives of  the related  bank
borrowings.
 
    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
    Research  and  development expenses  are charged  directly to  operations as
incurred.
 
    PRODUCT WARRANTIES
 
    Product warranty expense is  recorded as aircraft  are delivered based  upon
the estimated aggregate future warranty costs relating to the aircraft.
 
    CUSTOMER DEPOSITS
 
    Substantially  all  customer  deposits represent  advance  payments  for new
aircraft purchases. The deposits on aircraft  that are expected to be  delivered
in the following year are classified as current in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets.
 
    CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT
 
    Financial   instruments  which  may  potentially   subject  the  Company  to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash  investments
and  trade  and  contract receivables.  The  Company places  its  temporary cash
investments with high credit  quality financial institutions. Concentrations  of
credit  risk with respect to  trade and contract receivables  are limited due to
the Company's  large  number  of  customers and  their  dispersion  across  many
industries and geographic regions.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
109,  Accounting for Income Taxes,  effective January 1, 1993.  SFAS No. 109 was
adopted on  a  prospective  basis  and prior  periods  were  not  restated.  The
cumulative  effect at the  date of adoption  was not material  to the results of
operations or the financial position of the Company.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    The Company  provides for  deferred  income taxes  based on  the  difference
between  the financial  statement and  the tax  basis of  assets and liabilities
using enacted tax  rates in effect  in the  years in which  the differences  are
expected  to reverse.  A valuation  allowance is  provided against  deferred tax
assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109.
 
    NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 121,
ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS  TO
BE  DISPOSED OF. SFAS  No. 121 addresses issues  surrounding the measurement and
recognition of losses when  the value of  certain assets has  been deemed to  be
permanently  impaired. The Company  adopted the Statement as  of January 1, 1996
and there  was  no material  effect  on its  financial  position or  results  of
operations from adoption.
 
    In  October 1995, the  Financial Accounting Standards  Board issued SFAS No.
123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. SFAS No. 123 establishes a  method
of accounting for stock compensation plans based on fair value of employee stock
options  and  similar equity  instruments. Adoption  of a  fair value  method of
accounting is not  required and  the Company  plans to  continue accounting  for
stock-based  compensation using  the method  set forth  in Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR  STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES, which is  based
on  the intrinsic value  of equity instruments. However,  beginning in 1996, the
new Statement requires disclosure  in annual financial  statements of pro  forma
net income and earnings per share as if a fair value method included in SFAS No.
123 had been used to measure compensation cost.
 
    UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The  financial statements as of  June 30, 1996 and  for the six months ended
June 30,  1995  and  1996  were  prepared on  the  same  basis  as  the  audited
consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, include all
adjustments,  consisting only of  normal recurring adjustments,  necessary for a
fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for  these
periods.  Operating  results for  the interim  periods  included herein  are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
 
    PRO FORMA PER SHARE INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
    Pro forma  net income  (loss)  per share  amounts  are calculated  for  1996
recapitalization  and offerings (as  discussed in Note 16)  based upon pro forma
net income,  after giving  effect to  the 1996  recapitalization and  offerings,
divided by the pro forma weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares  outstanding  assuming that  all options  to  purchase common  stock were
exercised (applying  the  treasury  stock  method  assuming  an  initial  public
offering   price  of   $24.00  per  share)   and  assuming   the  proposed  1996
recapitalization and the sale of shares  in the offerings were completed at  the
beginning  of all periods. Options to purchase common stock issued or granted in
the twelve  months ended  June 30,  1996  were treated  as outstanding  for  all
periods  reported. Historical net income (loss) per common and common equivalent
share is not presented as it is not relevant.
 
NOTE 2.  RESTRUCTURING
 
    During  1993,  the  Company   recorded  a  $203.9   million  charge  for   a
restructuring  plan based upon  the Company's reassessment  of its business plan
and its products from which it expected improved operating efficiencies, reduced
costs, and overall increased profitability of the Company. This charge included,
among other  items, payments  for severance  or early  retirement of  employees,
acceleration  of  certain  employee  benefit  programs,  costs  associated  with
re-aligning manufacturing capacity through
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 2.  RESTRUCTURING (CONTINUED)
selected outsourcing, lease terminations  of administrative facilities, and  the
accelerated  amortization of aircraft design  intangibles and related Gulfstream
IV aircraft tooling.  The charge, determined  in part based  on expected  future
cash  flows  and  net  realizable  values, is  comprised  of  $146.2  million of
accelerated amortization for aircraft design and related tooling, $24.8  million
of special termination benefits and $32.9 million of other items.
 
NOTE 3.  INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories consisted of the following at:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31,          JUNE 30,
                                                                       ------------------------      1996
                                                                          1994         1995      (UNAUDITED)
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
Finished goods.......................................................  $    60,800  $    17,996   $   33,146
Pre-owned aircraft...................................................       11,750       57,750       91,700
Work in process......................................................       77,473      173,756      253,790
Raw materials........................................................       72,975       75,768       85,859
Vendor progress payments.............................................       66,333       67,855      103,211
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                       $   289,331  $   393,125   $  567,706
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    During  December 1994, the Company amended the payment provisions pertaining
to one of its major supplier contracts. The amendment canceled $36.8 million  of
notes  payable  associated with  vendor  progress payments.  The  Company leases
pre-owned aircraft under agreements which are short-term in nature to  customers
who are purchasers of Gulfstream IV aircraft.
 
NOTE 4.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    The  major categories of  property and equipment  consisted of the following
at:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31,          JUNE 30,
                                                                       ------------------------      1996
                                                                          1994         1995      (UNAUDITED)
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
Land.................................................................  $     4,109  $     4,109   $    4,109
Buildings and improvements...........................................       76,926       78,445       94,369
Machinery and equipment..............................................       86,337       97,405      101,685
Furniture and fixtures...............................................        9,653        9,729       10,296
Construction in progress.............................................        2,915       14,862        1,314
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
Total................................................................      179,940      204,550      211,773
Less accumulated depreciation........................................      (62,319)     (77,399)     (85,655)
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                       $   117,621  $   127,151   $  126,118
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 5.  OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    Other intangible assets are comprised of the following at:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31,         JUNE 30,
                                                                        ----------------------      1996
                                                                           1994        1995     (UNAUDITED)
                                                                        ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
After market--Service Center..........................................  $   15,000  $   15,000   $   15,000
After market--Product Support.........................................      75,000      75,000       75,000
                                                                        ----------  ----------  ------------
Total.................................................................      90,000      90,000       90,000
Less accumulated amortization.........................................     (24,301)    (29,372)     (31,908)
                                                                        ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                        $   65,699  $   60,628   $   58,092
                                                                        ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                        ----------  ----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6.  ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
    Accrued liabilities are comprised of the following at:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,           JUNE 30,
                                                                    -------------------------      1996
                                                                      1994          1995       (UNAUDITED)
                                                                    ---------  --------------  ------------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>             <C>
Employee compensation and benefits................................  $  18,373    $   18,732     $   22,777
Uncompleted work on delivered aircraft............................      8,645        12,655         19,685
Accrued warranty..................................................      9,086         9,637         10,225
Deferred income...................................................      7,504        19,945         13,801
Other.............................................................     26,366        18,942         20,932
                                                                    ---------  --------------  ------------
                                                                    $  69,974    $   79,911     $   87,420
                                                                    ---------  --------------  ------------
                                                                    ---------  --------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 7.  LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    Long-term debt consisted of the following at:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31,          JUNE 30,
                                                                       ------------------------      1996
                                                                          1994         1995      (UNAUDITED)
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
Term loans...........................................................  $   178,145  $   146,331   $  119,798
Less current portion.................................................      (31,814)     (53,065)     (39,798)
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                       $   146,331  $    93,266   $   80,000
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                       -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    As of December 31, 1995  and June 30, 1996,  the Company operated under  two
credit  agreements with  a consortium of  lenders. The  initial credit agreement
provided the Company with  term loans of $385.0  million and a revolving  credit
commitment  of up to $265.0 million including  letters of credit. The term loans
are payable in quarterly installments in increasing amounts through March  1997.
The  revolving credit loans  are payable the  earlier of March  31, 1998, or one
year following the date the  term loans are paid  in full. The credit  agreement
provides  for a commitment fee of 1/2 of 1% per year on the average daily amount
of unused revolving credit commitment. The revolving credit commitment available
at December 31, 1995 and  June 30, 1996 was  $240.6 million and $251.3  million,
respectively.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 7.  LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
    The  initial  credit  agreement,  as amended,  generally  provides  that the
revolving credit loans and the term loans  can be comprised of a combination  of
domestic-sourced  borrowings and  Eurodollar borrowings.  The interest  rate for
domestic-sourced borrowings  is 1%  plus  the greater  of  (i) the  lead  bank's
reference  rate and (ii) the Federal funds rate plus 1/2%, and the interest rate
for Eurodollar  borrowings  is the  Eurodollar  Rate  plus 2%.  The  Company  is
required to enter into interest rate protection arrangements during periods when
certain  interest rate  environments exist.  At December  31, 1995  and June 30,
1996,  the  rate  environments  were  such  that  no  interest  rate  protection
agreements were required.
 
    In  November 1993, the Company entered into an additional $80 million credit
agreement, with maturities of $40 million on September 30, 1997 and $40  million
on March 31, 1998. The proceeds of this credit agreement were used to prepay the
term  loans under  the initial  credit agreement  in the  stated order  of their
scheduled maturities.
 
    The new credit agreement generally follows the same covenants,  restrictions
and  composition  as  the  initial  credit  agreement.  The  interest  rate  for
domestic-sourced borrowings  is 2%  plus  the greater  of  (i) the  lead  bank's
reference  rate and (ii) the Federal funds rate plus 1/2%, and the interest rate
for Eurodollar borrowings is the Eurodollar Rate plus 3%.
 
    Both credit agreements include restrictions  as to, among other things,  the
amount  of  additional indebtedness,  capitalized lease  obligations, contingent
obligations, capital  expenditures,  foreign exchange  contracts  and  dividends
which  can be incurred or paid by the Company. At December 31, 1995 and June 30,
1996, the Company and its subsidiaries  were not permitted to pay any  dividends
without  the  permission  of  the  banks.  The  credit  agreements  also require
maintenance of minimum levels  of net worth,  interest coverage, and  liquidity;
some of which are increasing minimum levels. Also, the net proceeds in excess of
$10 million received from sales of assets and businesses approved by the lending
banks  (other than  certain permitted  sales) must  be used  to prepay  the term
loans.
 
    The common  stock  of  the Company  and  its  subsidiaries, as  well  as  an
intercompany  note between the Company and  one of its subsidiaries, are pledged
as collateral for the  borrowings under the credit  agreements. The Company  has
also guaranteed the obligations of its subsidiaries under the credit agreements.
 
    At  December 31,  1995, aggregate annual  maturities for  all long-term debt
maturing by calendar year were as  follows (in thousands): 1996, $53.1  million;
1997, $53.3 million; 1998, $40 million.
 
    The  weighted average interest rates on  both the revolving credit loans and
term loans at December 31, 1994 and 1995 were 8.64% and 8.42%, respectively, and
at June 30, 1995 and 1996 were 8.94% and 8.32%, respectively. Interest  payments
were  $41.8 million, $19.0 million,  $19.4 million for 1993,  1994 and 1995, and
$10.6 million and $7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995 and  1996,
respectively.
 
    During  November 1993, pursuant to a  recapitalization of the Company, newly
issued shares of its 7% Cumulative Preferred Stock and Class B Common Stock were
exchanged for  all of  the $450  million of  subordinated debentures,  including
accrued interest of $18.9 million.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 8.  INCOME TAXES
 
    The  tax  effects of  significant  items comprising  the  Company's deferred
income taxes are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                1993          1994          1995
                                                                            ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                         <C>           <C>           <C>
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Net operating loss carryforwards..........................................  $     64,673  $     61,066  $     54,985
Postretirement benefits...................................................        28,928        35,037        37,381
Intangible assets.........................................................        30,780        24,789        18,764
Pension and other benefits................................................         6,894        13,763         8,670
Inventory.................................................................         3,825         3,010         2,525
Restructuring charges.....................................................        11,175         2,238           811
Other.....................................................................         6,663         7,778        11,031
                                                                            ------------  ------------  ------------
Total.....................................................................       152,938       147,681       134,167
Less valuation allowance..................................................      (147,660)     (138,492)     (124,843)
                                                                            ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                   5,278         9,189         9,324
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY
Property and equipment, principally due to basis difference...............        (5,278)       (9,189)       (9,324)
                                                                            ------------  ------------  ------------
Net deferred tax asset....................................................  $        -0-  $        -0-  $        -0-
                                                                            ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                            ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    At December  31,  1995, the  Company  had  available a  net  operating  loss
carryforward  for  regular federal  income  tax purposes  of  approximately $150
million which will expire beginning in  2006. Although the Company recorded  net
income  during  1994  and 1995,  no  provision  for income  taxes  was recorded,
principally as a result of utilization  of net operting loss carryforwards.  The
Company has recorded a full valuation allowance for its net deferred tax assets.
In  estimating the  realizability of  its net  deferred tax  assets, the Company
considers both  positive  and negative  evidence  and gives  greater  weight  to
evidence  that is objectively verifiable. Due to the Company's cumulative losses
for federal  income  tax  purposes,  the Company  currently  believes  that  the
realization  of  its net  deferred  tax assets  is  uncertain. The  Company will
continue to monitor the realizability of such deferred tax assets on a quarterly
basis.
 
    The Company  is involved  in a  tax audit  by the  Internal Revenue  Service
covering  the years ended December 31, 1990 and 1991. The revenue agent's report
includes several  proposed adjustments  involving the  deductibility of  certain
compensation  expense and items relating to the capitalization of the Company as
well as the allocation of the purchase price in connection with the Acquisition,
including the treatment  of advance  payments with respect  to and  the cost  of
aircraft  that  were  in  backlog  at  the  time  of  the  Acquisition  and  the
amortization of amounts  allocated to  intangible assets.  The Company  believes
that  the ultimate resolution of  these issues will not  have a material adverse
effect on  its financial  statements because  the financial  statements  already
reflect  what the  Company currently  believes is  the expected  loss of benefit
arising from the resolution of these issues.
 
NOTE 9.  LEASES
    The Company has various operating leases for both real and personal property
including the Company's demonstrator aircraft. Rental expense for 1993, 1994 and
1995 was $22.4 million, $16.6
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 9.  LEASES (CONTINUED)
million and $14.9  million, respectively.  The Company  also receives  sub-lease
rental  income under  an operating  lease, which  the approximate  annual future
minimum sub-rentals are $2.5 million through November 1999. Future minimum lease
payments for  all noncancelable  operating  leases having  a remaining  term  in
excess  of one year at December 31,  1995 aggregated $51.5 million, and payments
during the next five  years are: 1996, $8.2  million; 1997, $8.0 million;  1998,
$7.5 million; 1999, $6.9 million; 2000, $3.9 million.
 
NOTE 10.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    PENSION PLANS
 
    The Company maintains three noncontributory plans covering substantially all
employees.  Benefits paid to retirees are  based primarily on age at retirement,
years of  credited  service,  and compensation  earned  during  employment.  The
Company's  funding  policy complies  with the  requirements  of Federal  law and
regulations. The Company's total pension fund contributions were $800,000,  $9.8
million  and $14.3 million  in 1993, 1994 and  1995, respectively. The Company's
contributions are made to a master trust and invested in a diversified portfolio
consisting primarily of equity and debt securities.
 
    In accordance  with  the provisions  of  Statement of  Financial  Accounting
Standards  No. 87, EMPLOYERS' ACCOUNTING FOR  PENSIONS, the Company has recorded
an additional minimum liability at December  31, 1994 and 1995 representing  the
excess  of the accumulated benefit obligation over the fair value of plan assets
and accrued  pension liability.  The  additional liability  has been  offset  by
intangible  assets to the extent of  previously unrecognized prior service cost.
Amounts in excess of previously unrecognized prior service cost are recorded  as
a  reduction  of stockholders'  equity of  $2.1 million,  $1.1 million  and $1.5
million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
    Net periodic pension cost was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1993         1994         1995
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
Service cost--benefits earned during the period.......................  $     8,290  $    10,210  $     9,232
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation.........................       10,997       12,533       13,158
Actual return on plan assets..........................................       (7,505)      (5,384)     (15,937)
Net amortization and deferral.........................................       (1,237)      (2,857)       5,570
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                        $    10,545  $    14,502  $    12,023
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Actuarial assumptions used were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1993         1994         1995
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
Discount rate.........................................................     7.50%        8.50%        8.00%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels........................     4.25%        5.00%        4.75%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets...............................     8.50%        9.00%        9.50%
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 10.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    The following table sets forth the funded status at December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1993         1994         1995
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
Actuarial present value of benefits:
  Vested..............................................................  $   128,317  $   115,424  $   136,922
  Nonvested...........................................................       12,362       12,498       16,597
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
Accumulated benefit obligaton.........................................  $   140,679  $   127,922  $   153,519
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
 
Projected benefit obligation..........................................  $   172,371  $   158,411  $   190,858
Plan assets at fair value.............................................      106,965      112,527      136,582
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.................       65,406       45,884       54,276
Unrecognized prior service cost.......................................       (1,767)      (1,627)      (4,479)
Contributions.........................................................                    (1,420)         (97)
Unamortized loss resulting from changes in plan experience and
  actuarial assumptions...............................................      (26,389)        (121)      (9,269)
Adjustment required to recognize additional minimum
  liability...........................................................        2,119        1,305        1,511
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
Accrued pension cost..................................................  $    39,369  $    44,021  $    41,942
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
    In addition to pension  benefits, the Company  provides certain health  care
insurance  benefits  to  retired  Company employees  and  their  dependents. The
Company currently funds these plans on a pay-as-you-go basis. Substantially  all
of the Company's salaried employees and certain hourly employees become eligible
for  such benefits when  they attain certain age  and service requirements while
employed by the Company.
 
    The  following  tables   set  forth  the   components  of  the   accumulated
postretirement  benefit obligation  and the net  periodic postretirement benefit
cost (in thousands):
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 10.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    Net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following at December
31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1993       1994        1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
  Retirees..............................................................  $  41,444  $  34,181  $    46,090
  Full eligible active plan participants................................      1,516      1,353        1,644
  Other active plan participants........................................     44,243     40,070       32,073
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of plan
  assets................................................................     87,203     75,604       79,807
Unrecognized prior service cost.........................................     10,927     12,080        8,496
Accrued postretirement benefit cost.....................................     (9,128)     7,942       13,718
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                          $  89,002  $  95,626  $   102,021
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Net postretirement benefit cost included the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1993       1994        1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
Service cost--benefits attributed to service during the period..........  $   3,771  $   4,413  $     3,795
Interest cost of postretirement benefit obligation......................      5,676      5,949        6,268
Other net amortization and deferral.....................................       (823)      (952)      (1,139)
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                          $   8,624  $   9,410  $     8,924
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The weighted  average  discount rate  used  in determining  the  accumulated
postretirement  benefit obligation was 7.50% in 1993, 8.50% in 1994 and 8.00% in
1995. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the  accumulated
postretirement  benefit obligation pre-age  65 is 13.0% in  1993, 10.75% in 1994
and 10.0% in 1995, declining annually .75%  to a rate of 5.5%; and for  post-age
65 is 11.0% in 1993, 8.75% in 1994 and 8.00% in 1995, declining annually .75% to
a rate of 5.0%. If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by
1%,  the accumulated postretirement  benefit obligation as  of December 31, 1995
would be increased by 14.5%. The effect of this change on the sum of the service
cost and interest cost components would be an increase of 16.6%.
 
    INVESTMENT PLAN
 
    The Company sponsors a voluntary 401(k) investment plan designed to  enhance
existing  retirement plans. The Company contributes  amounts equal to 50% of the
employee's contributions, up to a maximum  of 4% of the employee's base  salary.
Total  expense for the plan was $2.0  million, $1.9 million and $2.1 million for
1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
    OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
 
    The Company has supplemental benefit plans covering certain key  executives.
These  plans  provide  for  benefits  which  supplement  those  provided  by the
Company's other retirement  plans. The Supplemental  Executive Retirement  Plans
are  unfunded plans of  deferred compensation for  certain key executives. These
supplemental plans are non-qualified  and are being provided  for by charges  to
operations  sufficient to meet  the projected benefit  obligation. The Executive
Insurance Plan provides additional
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 10.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
death benefits to certain  key executives. The  Company acquired life  insurance
policies  or annuity contracts to provide funding of the benefits. The costs for
these plans are based on substantially  the same actuarial methods and  economic
assumptions  as those used for the  defined benefit pension plans. The Company's
expense for these plans was $1.4 million in both 1993 and 1994 and $1.3  million
in  1995.  The accumulated  benefit obligation  related  to these  plans totaled
approximately $3.9 million, $4.1 million and $4.4 million at December 31,  1993,
1994 and 1995, respectively, and is recorded in other long-term liabilities.
 
    The   Company  has  an  Incentive  Compensation  Plan  administered  by  the
Compensation Committee of the Board of  Directors which provides for payment  of
cash  awards to  officers and key  employees based upon  achievement of specific
goals by the Company and the participating employees. For the years ended  1993,
1994  and 1995, provisions of approximately  $1.5 million, $4.0 million and $4.5
million, respectively, were charged against income related to the plan.  Payouts
are based entirely on achievement of financial and business objectives.
 
NOTE 11.  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    In  November  1993,  the Company  amended  and restated  its  certificate of
incorporation to authorize the issuance of  93,493,000 shares of Class A  Common
Stock,  par value $.01 per share, consisting  of 67,682,000 shares of Series A-1
and 25,811,000 shares  of Series A-2,  and 15,780,000 shares  of Class B  Common
Stock,  par value $.01 per share, and  10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par
value $.01 per share.  The Class A  and Class B Common  Stock have equal  voting
rights.  Each common share issued immediately  prior to the recapitalization was
designated as  either  Series  A-1  shares (16,250,000)  or  Series  A-2  shares
(25,095,833).
 
    In  November 1993, the Company  issued 100 shares of  7% Series A Cumulative
Preferred Stock with a par  value of $.01 per  share (Series A Preferred  Stock)
and 11,045,833 shares of Class B Common Stock with a par value of $.01 per share
(see  Note 7). Accumulated deficit was charged with the par value of the Class B
Common Stock issued of $110,458. The Series A Preferred Stock has a stated value
of $4,689,375 per share, and a liquidation preference equal to the stated  value
per  share plus all  accumulated dividends ($77.3 million  at December 31, 1995)
subsequent to October 1, 1993. The dividends are payable quarterly, when, as and
if, declared by the Company's Board of Directors. No payments in liquidation may
be made with  respect to Common  Stock unless all  accumulated dividends on  the
Series  A  Preferred  Stock  and  the liquidation  preference  on  the  Series A
Preferred Stock  have  been paid  in  full. After  provision  for the  Series  A
Preferred  Stock,  the  Class A  Common  Stock  has preference  with  respect to
dividends, other  distributions and  in liquidation  over all  other classes  of
common  stock currently outstanding in the amount of approximately $186 million.
After the  provision  for the  Preferred  Stock and  the  Class A  Common  Stock
preferences  as described above, the Class A Common Stock is entitled to 75% and
the Class  B  Common  Stock is  entitled  to  25% of  any  dividends  and  other
distributions  or in  liquidation. Under  certain circumstances,  holders of the
Series A Preferred  Stock are entitled  to limited voting  rights. In  addition,
under  certain  circumstances,  including  an  initial  public  offering  of the
Company's common stock, the Series A-2 Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock
shall be exchanged for Series A-1 Common Stock.
 
    Under a Stock Option  Plan adopted by its  stockholders effective March  20,
1990,  the Company has granted  options to purchase its  common stock to certain
Company employees with an option price which,  prior to 1996, was not less  than
the  fair value of the  stock at the date of  grant. Generally, the options vest
25% on date of issuance, 25% on or  before the first anniversary of the date  of
issuance, and
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 11.  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
25%  annually thereafter. Effective July 1, 1994, generally the vesting schedule
was changed to 33% on and after  the first anniversary of the date of  issuance,
an  additional 33% on and  after the second anniversary  of the date of issuance
and the  last 33%  after  the third  anniversary of  the  date of  issuance.  In
addition,  the Company has granted  options to purchase its  common stock to its
directors and advisors with vesting periods  up to three years. Generally,  such
options  expire ten years from date of  grant. The option price per share ranges
from approximately $5 to $6. At December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996, options for
3,811,000  shares  and  4,841,228  shares,  respectively,  are  exercisable  and
6,816,750 shares and 6,949,250 shares, respectively, of Class A Common Stock are
reserved  for issuance upon the  exercise of the options  under the Stock Option
Plan  and  to  the  Company's  directors  and  advisors.  The  Company  recorded
compensation  expense related to stock option  grants of $5.2 million during the
six months ended June 30, 1996.
 
    The Company's stock option transactions were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  GRANTS TO DIRECTORS
                                          STOCK OPTION PLAN          AND ADVISORS
                                          -----------------   ---------------------------
                                              NUMBER OF                NUMBER OF
                                               SHARES                   SHARES
                                          -----------------   ---------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>
Balance at January 1, 1993..............      2,570,350                  587,500
Granted.................................         11,750                  318,750
Canceled or expired.....................       (779,100)
                                          -----------------           ----------
Balance at December 31, 1993............      1,803,000                  906,250
Granted.................................      2,180,875                  450,000
Canceled or expired.....................        (37,500)
                                          -----------------           ----------
Balance at December 31, 1994............      3,946,375                1,356,250
Granted.................................      1,160,000
Exercised...............................         (2,000)
Canceled or expired.....................       (618,000)                 (37,500)
                                          -----------------           ----------
Balance at December 31, 1995............      4,486,375                1,318,750
Granted (Unaudited).....................        535,000                  145,000
Exercised (Unaudited)...................                                 (12,500)
Canceled or expired (Unaudited).........        (10,000)
                                          -----------------           ----------
Balance at June 30, 1996 (Unaudited)          5,011,375                1,451,250
                                          -----------------           ----------
                                          -----------------           ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company has granted stock appreciation rights (SARs) to certain officers
and key employees. There were 22,312 and 14,312 SARs outstanding as of  December
31,  1995  and June  30,  1996, respectively,  with  a base  price  ranging from
approximately $5 to  $6. The  Company recorded compensation  expense related  to
SARs  of $165,000 during the six months ended June 30, 1996. These SARs vest 50%
on the first anniversary date of issuance, and 25% annually thereafter.
 
NOTE 12.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    Entities related to  Forstmann Little &  Co. ("Forstmann Little")  currently
beneficially  own substantially all of the Company's common stock. Under a usage
agreement, the Company pays an affiliate of
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 12.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
Forstmann Little for the use of a Gulfstream IV. Total expenses associated  with
this  agreement totalled  $4.6 million  for 1993 and  $2.3 million  for 1994 and
1995. This aircraft  is utilized as  a demonstrator aircraft.  The Company  also
procures certain inventory items from another Forstmann Little affiliate engaged
in  the aircraft industry. During 1994, the Company sold three aircraft totaling
$58.6 million to two corporations whose presidents are directors of the  Company
and  also sold  a Gulfstream  II to  an affiliate  of Forstmann  Little for $6.7
million. Additionally, the  Company leased  from one of  its directors,  through
August  1993, an  aircraft used  for sales  demonstration, and  customer support
purposes. Total  expense for  the year  ended December  31, 1993  was  $834,000.
Management  believes all  these transactions with  related parties  are on terms
similar to those of other customers and vendors.
 
    In August  1996, Gulfstream  entered into  agreements with  Mr. Theodore  J.
Forstmann  pursuant to which Gulfstream will  provide Mr. Forstmann with the use
of a Gulfstream  V for a  period of ten  years. Until the  Gulfstream V  becomes
available,  Gulfstream will make available to  Mr. Forstmann a Gulfstream IV (by
purchasing at fair market value, or assuming a lease at fair market value for, a
Gulfstream IV from  an affiliate of  FLC Partnership, L.P.).  Mr. Forstmann  has
agreed  to pay Gulfstream up to $1.0 million annually for non-Company use of the
aircraft. If Mr. Forstmann  is no longer  serving as a  director or official  of
Gulfstream, he has agreed to reimburse Gulfstream $1,800 per hour for all use of
the  aircraft, or other  such rate required  so as not  to exceed FAA regulatory
requirements.
 
NOTE 13.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, DISCLOSURES ABOUT  FAIR
VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, requires disclosure of the fair value of certain
financial  instruments. Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts
payable and accrued  liabilities are  reflected in the  financial statements  at
fair  value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company
estimates that  the carrying  value  of its  long-term  debt, based  on  current
interest rates and terms, approximates fair value.
 
NOTE 14.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    In the normal course of business, lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been
or  may  be  instituted or  asserted  against  the Company  relating  to various
matters, including product liability. Although the outcome of litigation  cannot
be  predicted with  certainty and  some lawsuits,  claims or  proceedings may be
disposed of unfavorably to  the Company, management has  made provision for  all
known  probable  losses related  to lawsuits  and claims  and believes  that the
disposition of  all  matters which  are  pending or  asserted  will not  have  a
material adverse effect on the financial statements of the Company.
    The  Company is currently  engaged in the monitoring  and cleanup of certain
ground water  at  its Savannah  facility  under  the oversight  of  the  Georgia
Department  of Natural  Resources. Expenses incurred  for cleanup  have not been
significant. The  Company received  in 1992,  at its  Long Beach  facility,  two
inquiries  from the  U.S. Environmental Protection  Agency and, in  1991, at its
Oklahoma facility,  a soil  contamination inquiry.  The Company  believes  other
aspects  of the Savannah  facility, as well as  other Gulfstream properties, are
being carefully  monitored  and  are  in  substantial  compliance  with  current
federal,  state and  local environmental  regulations. The  Company believes the
liabilities, if any, that will result from the above environmental matters  will
not have a material adverse effect on its financial statements.
 
    The  Company has agreements  with certain of its  suppliers to procure major
aircraft components such as engines, wings, and avionics. The agreements vary in
length from three to five years and generally provide for price and quantity  of
components    to   be    supplied.   In    connection   with    the   Gulfstream
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 14.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
V program, the  Company has  entered into  revenue sharing  agreements with  two
suppliers.  One of these  suppliers has reorganized,  and the Gulfstream revenue
sharing agreement was  assigned to  the successor corporation  which was  formed
from  the remaining business divisions. The terms of such agreements require the
supplier to  design,  manufacture  and supply  certain  aircraft  components  in
exchange  for a  fixed percentage  of the  revenues of  each Gulfstream  V sold.
Progress payments under the revenue sharing agreements are generally required to
be made on a pro rata basis concurrent with the associated deposits received  on
Gulfstream V contracts.
 
    In  connection with the sale of 28 aircraft  as of December 31, 1995, and 29
aircraft as of June 30, 1996, the Company has offered customers trade-in options
(which may or may not  be exercised) pursuant to  which the Company will  accept
trade-in  aircraft (primarily Gulfstream IVs and IV-SPs) at a guaranteed minimum
trade-in price. Management believes that the fair market value of such  aircraft
will exceed the specified trade-in value.
 
    At  December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996, the Company had outstanding letters
of credit  (which support  performance guarantees)  totaling $24.4  million  and
$13.7 million, respectively.
 
    The Company purchases its major aircraft components from a limited number of
suppliers.  Although the Company  purchases from a  limited number of suppliers,
management believes that  there are  other suppliers who  could provide  similar
components on comparable terms without significant disruption of its production.
 
    Management of the Company expects that its new Gulfstream V aircraft will be
certified  by the Federal  Aviation Administration by  the end of  1996. While a
significant  delay  in   such  certification  could   have  near  term   adverse
consequences, management believes that certification will occur on schedule.
 
NOTE 15.  EXPORT SALES
    Foreign sales by geographical area consisted of the following at:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,                 JUNE 30,
                                                         -------------------------------------      1996
                                                            1993         1994         1995      (UNAUDITED)
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Africa.................................................  $     7,512  $     5,977  $     6,773   $   49,886
Latin America and Caribbean............................       83,398       28,337       36,479       17,325
Asia...................................................       86,831       64,630      102,990       12,973
Europe.................................................       71,229       22,201       51,330       12,269
Canada.................................................          611          821       19,102          929
Other..................................................        6,013          834          358          206
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                         $   255,594  $   122,800  $   217,032   $   93,588
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
    The  Company  is  currently pursuing  an  initial public  offering  which is
expected to be effected during the fourth quarter of 1996.
 
    On August 9, 1996, the Company received  a commitment from a bank for a  new
long-term credit agreement under which the lenders who are parties to the credit
agreement would, effective upon the consummation of the initial public offering,
make    available   to   the   Company   a    $400   million   term   loan   and
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                        GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
       AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
$250 million revolving  credit facility with  substantially different terms  but
with   similar  restrictive   covenants  as   the  present   credit  agreements.
Concurrently with entering into  the credit agreement,  the Company would  repay
all  amounts outstanding under its present  credit agreements and terminate such
agreements.
 
    In connection  with the  initial  public offering,  the Company  expects  to
effect  a 1996 recapitalization immediately prior  to, or simultaneous with, the
closing of the offerings to:
 
    - repurchase all of its outstanding  7% Series A Cumulative Preferred  Stock
      for  a purchase price  of $450 million plus  approximately $7.9 million of
      unpaid dividends,
 
    - exchange all outstanding shares of Class A-2 and Class B Common Stock  for
      Class A-1 Common Stock,
 
    - redesignate Class A-1 Common Stock into Common Stock,
 
    - effect a 1.5-for-1 stock split of the Common Stock,
 
    - sell  3,218,589 shares  of Common Stock  by the Company  to certain option
      holders pursuant to existing option agreements, and
 
    - restate  the   Company's  Certificate   of  Incorporation   to   authorize
      300,000,000  shares  of  Common  Stock,  par  value  $.01  per  share, and
      20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Subject  to  the terms  and conditions  of  the Underwriting  Agreement, the
Company and the Selling  Stockholders have agreed  to sell to  each of the  U.S.
Underwriters  named below, and each of such U.S. Underwriters, for whom Goldman,
Sachs &  Co., Merrill  Lynch, Pierce,  Fenner &  Smith Incorporated  and  Morgan
Stanley  & Co. Incorporated are acting  as representatives, has severally agreed
to purchase from the Company and the Selling Stockholders the respective  number
of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite its name below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             NUMBER OF
                                                                                             SHARES OF
                                                                                              COMMON
                                       UNDERWRITER                                             STOCK
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>
Goldman, Sachs & Co......................................................................      6,635,668
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
          Incorporated...................................................................      6,635,666
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated........................................................      6,635,666
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc..................................................................        789,000
CS First Boston Corporation..............................................................        789,000
Cohig & Associates, Inc..................................................................        432,000
Cowen & Company..........................................................................        432,000
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.................................................................        789,000
Dillon, Read & Co. Inc...................................................................        789,000
EVEREN Securities, Inc...................................................................        789,000
Interstate/Johnson Lane Corporation......................................................        432,000
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P...............................................................        432,000
C.L. King & Associates, Inc..............................................................        432,000
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC..................................................................        789,000
Lehman Brothers Inc......................................................................        789,000
McDonald & Company Securities, Inc.......................................................        432,000
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc...................................................................        789,000
Wasserstein Perella Securities, Inc......................................................        789,000
                                                                                           -------------
    Total................................................................................     29,600,000
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                           -------------
</TABLE>
 
    Under  the  terms and  conditions of  the  Underwriting Agreement,  the U.S.
Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares offered hereby,
if any are taken.
 
    The U.S. Underwriters propose  to offer the shares  of Common Stock in  part
directly  to the public  at the initial  public offering price  set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus, and in part to certain securities dealers at such
price less a concession of $.78 per share. The U.S. Underwriters may allow,  and
such  dealers  may reallow,  a concession  not in  excess of  $.10 per  share to
certain brokers and dealers. After the  shares of Common Stock are released  for
sale  to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to
time be varied by the representatives.
 
    The Company and the Selling  Stockholders have entered into an  underwriting
agreement  (the "International Underwriting Agreement") with the underwriters of
the international offering (the "International Underwriters") providing for  the
concurrent   offer  and  sale  of  7,400,000   shares  of  Common  Stock  in  an
international offering  outside  the  United  States.  The  offering  price  and
aggregate underwriting discounts and commissions per share for the two offerings
are  identical. The closing  of the offering  made hereby is  a condition to the
closing of the International  Offering, and vice  versa. The representatives  of
the  International Underwriters  are Goldman Sachs  International, Merrill Lynch
International and Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited.
 
    Pursuant to an  Agreement between  the U.S.  and International  Underwriting
Syndicates  (the "Agreement Between") relating to the two offerings, each of the
U.S. Underwriters named herein has agreed that, as a part of the distribution of
the  shares  offered  hereby  and   subject  to  certain  exceptions,  it   will
 
                                      U-1
<PAGE>
offer,  sell or deliver the shares of Common Stock, directly or indirectly, only
in the  United States  of America  (including  the States  and the  District  of
Columbia),  its  territories, its  possessions and  other  areas subject  to its
jurisdiction (the "United States") and to  U.S. persons, which term shall  mean,
for  purposes of  this paragraph: (a)  any individual  who is a  resident of the
United States or (b) any corporation,  partnership or other entity organized  in
or  under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof and
whose office most directly involved with  the purchase is located in the  United
States.  Each  of  the International  Underwriters  has agreed  pursuant  to the
Agreement Between that, as a part of the distribution of the shares offered as a
part of the international offering, and  subject to certain exceptions, it  will
(i)  not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell  or deliver shares of Common Stock
(a) in the United  States or to  any U.S. persons  or (b) to  any person who  it
believes  intends to reoffer, resell or deliver  the shares in the United States
or to any  U.S. persons,  and (ii) cause  any dealer  to whom it  may sell  such
shares at any concession to agree to observe a similar restriction.
 
    Pursuant  to  the Agreement  Between,  sales may  be  made between  the U.S.
Underwriters and  the International  Underwriters of  such number  of shares  of
Common Stock as may be mutually agreed. The price of any shares so sold shall be
the  initial public offering price, less an  amount not greater than the selling
concession.
 
    The Selling  Stockholders  have  granted the  U.S.  Underwriters  an  option
exercisable  for 30 days after the date of  this Prospectus to purchase up to an
aggregate of  4,400,000  additional  shares  of Common  Stock  solely  to  cover
over-allotments,  if any. If the U.S. Underwriters exercise their over-allotment
option,  the  U.S.  Underwriters  have  severally  agreed,  subject  to  certain
conditions,  to  purchase approximately  the  same percentage  thereof  that the
number of shares  to be purchased  by each of  them, as shown  in the  foregoing
table,  bears  to the  29,600,000 shares  of Common  Stock offered.  The Selling
Stockholders have  granted  the  International  Underwriters  a  similar  option
exercisable up to an aggregate of 1,100,000 additional shares of Common Stock.
 
    The  Company has agreed that,  during the period beginning  from the date of
this Prospectus and continuing to and including the date 180 days after the date
of this  Prospectus, it  will not  offer, sell,  contract to  sell or  otherwise
dispose of or file a registration statement (other than a registration statement
on Form S-8 with respect to an employee benefit plan) with respect to any Common
Stock,  or any securities of the Company  (other than pursuant to employee stock
option and  incentive  plans  and agreements,  upon  conversion  of  outstanding
convertible   securities  or   grants  of   options  to   directors)  which  are
substantially similar to  the Common  Stock or  any other  securities which  are
exercisable   or  exchangeable  for,  convertible  into  or  whose  exercise  or
settlement price  is  derivable from  the  price of  Common  Stock or  any  such
securities  substantially similar to the Common Stock, without the prior written
consent of the representatives of the Underwriters.
 
    The Selling Stockholders have agreed not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose
of any Common Stock  for a period of  180 days after the  date of the  Offerings
without  the prior written  consent of the  representatives of the Underwriters,
except for certain transfers to immediate family members, trusts for the benefit
of  the  Selling  Stockholder  and  his  or  her  immediate  family,  charitable
foundations and controlled entities so long as the transferee agrees to be bound
by the foregoing restrictions.
 
    The  representatives of the Underwriters have informed the Company that they
do not expect sales to discretionary accounts by the U.S. Underwriters to exceed
five percent of the total number of shares of Common Stock offered by them.
 
    Prior to the Offerings, there  has been no public  market for the shares  of
Common  Stock. The initial  public offering price has  been negotiated among the
Company,  the  Selling  Stockholders  and   the  representatives  of  the   U.S.
Underwriters and the International Underwriters. Among the factors considered in
determining  the initial public offering price  of the Common Stock, in addition
to prevailing  market conditions,  were  the Company's  historical  performance,
estimates  of the business  potential and earnings prospects  of the Company, an
assessment of  the  Company's management  and  the consideration  of  the  above
factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.
 
                                      U-2
<PAGE>
    The  Common  Stock has  been  approved for  listing  on the  New  York Stock
Exchange under the  symbol "GAC",  subject to  official notice  of issuance.  In
order  to meet one of  the requirements for listing the  Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange, the U.S. Underwriters  have undertaken to sell lots of  100
or more shares to a minimum of 2,000 beneficial holders.
 
    The  Company  and  the Selling  Stockholders  have agreed  to  indemnify the
several Underwriters against  certain liabilities,  including liabilities  under
the Securities Act.
 
    This  Prospectus may be used by  underwriters and dealers in connection with
offers and sales  of the Common  Stock, including shares  initially sold in  the
International Offering, to persons located in the United States.
 
                                      U-3
<PAGE>
                              [INSIDE BACK COVER]
 
Gulfstream   IV-SPs  and  Gulfstream  Vs   are  manufactured  simultaneously  at
Gulfstream's main production facility in Savannah, GA.
 
        [Photo of Gulfstream's main production facility in Savannah, GA]
 
Gulfstream's new state-of-the-art, 200,000 sq. ft. service center can handle  up
to 20 aircraft at one time.
 
             [Photo of Gulfstream's 200,000 sq ft. service center]
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    NO  PERSON  HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE  ANY  INFORMATION OR  TO  MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN  OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  DOES  NOT  CONSTITUTE AN  OFFER  TO  SELL  OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN  OFFER TO  BUY ANY SECURITIES  OTHER THAN  THE SECURITIES  TO
WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH
SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER
ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE  HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE  DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION  CONTAINED
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
                                 --------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        PAGE
                                                        -----
<S>                                                  <C>
Prospectus Summary.................................           3
Risk Factors.......................................           9
The Company........................................          14
Use of Proceeds....................................          14
Dividend Policy....................................          15
Capitalization.....................................          16
Dilution...........................................          17
Pro Forma Condensed Financial Information..........          18
Selected Financial Data............................          20
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
 Condition and Results of Operations...............          22
Business...........................................          30
Management.........................................          48
Principal and Selling Stockholders.................          61
Certain Transactions...............................          63
Description of Capital Stock.......................          65
Description of Credit Agreement....................          68
Shares Eligible For Future Sale....................          71
Validity of Common Stock...........................          72
Experts............................................          72
Additional Information.............................          72
Index to Financial Statements......................         F-1
Underwriting.......................................         U-1
</TABLE>
 
    THROUGH  AND INCLUDING NOVEMBER 3, 1996 (THE 25TH DAY AFTER THE DATE OF THIS
PROSPECTUS), ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK, WHETHER  OR
NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS  IS IN ADDITION TO  THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS  TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN
ACTING  AS  UNDERWRITERS  AND  WITH  RESPECT  TO  THEIR  UNSOLD  ALLOTMENTS   OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                               37,000,000 SHARES
 
                              GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE
                                  CORPORATION
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                           (PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE)
 
                                  -----------
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  -----------
 
                              GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
 
                              MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
       INCORPORATED
 
                      REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNDERWRITERS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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