- SECOND AAAV PROTOTYPE HULL DELIVERED TO MARINES -

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - Today General Dynamics Land Systems delivered the second Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) prototype hull structure to the AAAV Technology Center in Woodbridge, Virginia.

The prototype hull structure was machined and had appurtenances installed at the Lima [Ohio] Army Tank Plant, a General Dynamics operated facility, after fabrication at Lockheed Martin's Y12 facility in Oakridge, Tennessee.

At the AAAV Technology Center, General Dynamics employees will complete integration of hardware and software components, testing and final assembly of three prototype vehicles. Assembly of the first vehicle formally began on December 9, 1998, with torquing of the first bolt on the AAAV turret structure. Its prototype hull structure was delivered to the AAAV Technology Center in Woodbridge, Virginia, December 29, 1998. The Marine Corps unveiled the first prototype AAAV June 23, 1999, at Quantico [Virginia] Marine Base.

The AAAV is the United States Marine Corps next generation amphibious vehicle capable of transporting 18 marines and a crew of three over water at speeds in excess of 20 knots. Once on land, where it assumes the role of a fast and agile personnel carrier, the AAAV can achieve speeds up to 45 mph with the mobility of an M1A1 Abrams tank.

General Dynamics is providing the design, virtual prototyping, systems integration, fabrication and testing of three prototype vehicles for the Marines under a $200 million-plus program definition risk reduction contract awarded in 1996. Full rate production of the AAAV is scheduled to begin in 2005. More than 1,000 vehicles will be fielded to the Marine Corps between 2006 and 2012. With the potential for international sales, the total program value may exceed $5 billion.

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.

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LS-99-6
6-24-99