- TEAM CRUSADER COMPLETES FIRST CRUSADER PROTOTYPE -

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - Today Team Crusader completed the Crusader Mobility Test Bed - - the first of four Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PD/RR) prototypes which will be used for performance and reliability testing of the drive train and running gear. After initial shake down testing at General Dynamics Land Systems' Muskegon plant, the vehicle will go to the Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) for performance and technical testing. It will begin mobility testing under actual field conditions at Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) later this year. United Defense, L.P., is the prime contractor and systems integrator for Crusader, the U.S. Army's next generation cannon artillery system. According to Tony Trifiletti, General Dynamics' Crusader program director, "Design and fabrication of the first Crusader Prototype was a total team effort; government, United Defense, General Dynamics and multiple suppliers. Their commitment and dedication ensured our on time delivery."

"The main purpose for the vehicle," according to Crusader Vehicles Product Development team leader, Bill Altergott, "Is primarily to validate mobility performance versus requirements; and, secondarily, to develop reliability miles on the powerpack and suspension system." The powerpack consists of an Improved Perkins CV-12 1500 hp diesel engine with a Caterpillar HEUI electronic fuel injection system, Mitsubishi variable geometry turbochargers, and a General Dynamics HMPT 1500 hydromechanical transmission. The track (T158LL), road wheels, and final drives are similar to those used on the current Abrams Main Battle Tank with suspension provided by General Dynamics' external, hydropneumatic suspension units. The hull structure features a hybrid fiberglass/ceramic tile composite armor structure representing the Army's first major use of lightweight composites in a ground vehicle designed for production. The vehicle also features drive-by-wire capability and the software required to conduct mobility testing.

Crusader is a system of two new, state-of-the-art ground combat vehicles - a self-propelled 155-mm howitzer (SPH), and an automated ammunition resupply vehicle (RSV). Team Crusader is in its fourth year of Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PD/RR) led by United Defense, the prime contractor and system integrator. Fielding the Crusader is a top prior ity for the U.S. Army and plans call for the first Crusader unit to be fielded in 2005. This year, Team Crusader will deliver the first RSV and SPH prototypes for testing by the Army. The program is scheduled to begin Low Rate Production in 2003 with Full Rate Production commencing in 2005. Visit Team Crusader via the Internet at http://www.teamcrusader.com.

General Dynamics Land Systems, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD), is a world leader in the development, production, and support of land and amphibious combat vehicles. Its 3,500 employees operate plants and facilities in seven states and at three international locations. More information about General Dynamics Land Systems can be found on the Internet at http://www.gdls.com.

United Defense is a global leader in the design, development, and production of ground combat vehicle systems and naval weapon delivery systems for the United States and its allies. United Defense operates 12 development, manufacturing, and service sites in 10 states, and joint ventures in several foreign countries. Visit United Defense via the Internet at http://uniteddefense.com.

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LS-99-5
6-17-99