- WOLVERINE COMPLETES CONTRACTOR TESTING -

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - General Dynamics Land Systems has completed contractor testing of the Wolverine Heavy Assault Bridge (HAB). Tests conducted included bridge launches and retrievals, limited mobility, and bridge durability.

Land Systems conducted the launch and retrieval and bridge durability tests with customer personnel present at its Sterling Heights Complex in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The mobility and bridge durability tests were conducted at the Lima Army Tank Plant in Lima, Ohio. The purpose of the tests was to collect data to verify the Wolverine HAB is ready for Production Verification Testing scheduled for this October at Aberdeen Proving Grounds by the U.S. Government program office.

The bridge launch and retrieval tests required the bridge to be lowered in five minutes or less and retrieved in ten minutes or less, 260 times. This equates to approximately one year's expected operation. The mobility test conducted at the Lima Army Tank Plant includes a 350 mile drive over a 10 day period. The test also included the 60 degree slope and side slope hills, as well as an evaluation of the powertrain, suspension, and braking system. The durability test required the bridge to withstand repeated crossings of military load class vehicles weighing up to 70 tons.

"Test results accomplished our objectives of identifying potential areas that may require more attention," said Joseph H. Mayton, Land Systems' director, Wolverine HAB Program. "Land Systems engineers are continuing to assess the test data and will make improvements as necessary to ensure the vehicle is fully ready for Production Verification Testing."

The Wolverine HAB uses the M1A2 SEP chassis and is the initial digitized system for the U.S. Army Combat Engineers. The Wolverine has a 26 meter Leguan bridge built by MAN Technologie of Germany.

The Wolverine HAB will be fielded in a combat engineer unit providing them an instride gap crossing capability for the maneuver force. It has mobility, survivability, transportability, and logistics supportability comparable to the Abrams main battle tank. It replaces the AVLB which was the old M60 based legacy system.

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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