Under the cost-reimbursable contract General Dynamics will provide all required material, services, personnel and facilities to complete the design and development of the AAAV, manufacture and test nine new prototypes, refurbish three early development prototypes, support the Marine Corps initial operational test and evaluation, and prepare for the production phase of the program.

"The AAAV will be a tremendously capable weapons system, focused on the Marine Corps most challenging mission: amphibious assault," said John Wosina, vice president, General Dynamics Land Systems. "This contract is the result of our continuing partnership with the Marine Corps to provide the right technology at an affordable price."

The contract begins the next phase in the development of the world's most advanced amphibious assault vehicle, which started with award of a $200 million-plus demonstration/validation (more) contract to General Dynamics Land Systems in June 1996.

Over 500 General Dynamics and contract employees, Marines and naval personnel in Woodbridge, Virginia, will do engineering and assembly of the nine new prototype vehicles.

The Marines plan to buy 1,013 vehicles through FY-15 to replace the 30 year-old and less capable AAV7s. The newer system will weigh 76,000 pounds when loaded with a crew of three and 17 combat-ready Marines and be capable of speeds up to 45 mph on land and 25 mph in rough seas. Low rate initial production is scheduled to begin in 2004 followed by full rate production of the AAAV in 2006. Its next major event is the service-led early operational assessment this fall.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 46,000 people worldwide and anticipates 2001 sales of approximately $11.5 billion. The company has leading market positions in business aviation, information systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and land and amphibious combat systems. More information about General Dynamics can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.generaldynamics.com.

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