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Computing Devices Awarded $22 Million BOWMAN Development Contract

CALGARY, Alberta – Computing Devices Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a contract valued at $22 million Cdn from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for design and development work in preparation for the award of the British Army’s BOWMAN communications program. This contract, which will be performed at Computing Devices’ Calgary facility, will run until the BOWMAN program is awarded, which is expected to occur in September 2001.

The BOWMAN program, valued at £1.7 billion (approximately $4 billion Cdn.), is to deliver the British Army's next generation tactical communications system. It will comprise secure voice/data radio and intercom equipment, computers, a tactical internet and system management software to be installed in about 20,000 army vehicles, as well as designated ships and aircraft.

BOWMAN is very similar to the Canadian Army’s Iris program (approximately $1.6 billion Cdn) which Computing Devices is currently fielding across Canada. The experience gained in managing, developing and successfully delivering a large scale military communications program in Canada was a key factor in the UK MoD’s decision to select Computing Devices as a potential prime contractor for BOWMAN.

"This contract award is a very significant step toward winning the full BOWMAN implementation program, and reflects the confidence that the UK has in Computing Devices," said Larry Johnson, senior vice president for Computing Devices Canada and managing director of CDC Systems UK Ltd. "Thanks to the Canadian Iris program, Computing Devices in Calgary has built a solid base of capability in advanced military communications, which positions us for similar opportunities in the offshore markets."

The initial program will employ approximately 50 engineers who will investigate a number of development areas, including: data networking over combat net radios, system management, new radio types, updated computers and processing, security issues and vehicle installation design to address unique BOWMAN requirements. It will involve several industrial partners who are working with Computing Devices for the full implementation contract.

General Dynamics, based in Falls Church, Virginia, has leading market positions in information systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, land and amphibious combat systems, and business aviation. The company employs approximately 44,000 people worldwide and has annualized sales of approximately $10 billion.

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Any "forward-looking statements" contained in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

General Dynamics Corporation (ticker: GD, exchange: NYSE)
News Release - Thursday, November 16, 2000
Press Contact: (403) 730-1455