- GENERAL DYNAMICS AND ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT COMPLETE
FIRST AIM XXI M1A1 TANK -

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. -- The first Abrams Integrated Management M1A1 tank for the twenty-first century (AIM XXI) was accepted today in a joint industry and depot ceremony at the Lima Army Tank Plant in Lima, Ohio.

The acceptance of this tank comes just six months after General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded a $4.1 million firm fixed price contract to refurbish 18 M1A1 tanks in a Proof of Principle program by the U.S. Army in a teaming arrangement with the Anniston Army Depot (ANAD).

The AIM XXI program is designed to economically rebuild and maintain the M1A1 to a "like-new" condition.

The AIM XXI program intends to improve fleet readiness and reduce sustainment costs through a service life extension program. AIM XXI integrates the original equipment manufacturer and depot support of the M1A1 Abrams tank fleet in the areas of vehicle restoration, field support, and information management.

The Program Manager for the M1A1 Abrams, the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command, General Dynamics Land Systems, and the Anniston Army Depot jointly developed and introduced the AIM XXI concept.

In his remarks at the AIM XXI Acceptance Ceremony, Major General John F. Michitsch, Program Executive Officer, Ground Combat and Support Systems, said, "AIM XXI represents a superb example for the management and sustainment of our ground combat systems – the way we must perform in the future. I take great pride in overseeing the acceptance of this great tank on behalf of the U.S. Army."

"AIM XXI is a continuation of the efforts between depot and industry, representing public and private sector of defense concerns, working together for the good of our customers," said Roger E. Tetrault, President of General Dynamics Land Systems. "With AIM XXI, we believe we can introduce a new and cost effective way of maintaining the M1A1 Abrams fleet well into the next century."

The next step in the program is user testing at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, and at the U.S. Marine Corps Base at Twenty-nine Palms, California.

Concurrent with the expected fine performance of these "like-new" tanks, the Army is planning for a full program during the current budget deliberations. The full program could include the refurbishment of up to 1,000 M1A1 tanks.

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LS-96-23
12/05/96