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General Dynamics APKWS Rocket Successfully Completes First Flight Test

BURLINGTON, Vt. – General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products today announced that the first system design and development phase flight test of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) was successful. Fired August 28 at the U.S. Army’s Yuma [Ariz.] Proving Ground, the 70mm guided rocket achieved a direct hit on a laser-designated stationary target three kilometers away.

The test proved the feasibility of the APKWS system design, increasing the likelihood of successful completion of future milestones and bringing the APKWS team one step closer to providing the warfighter with much-needed precision engagement capabilities.

The flight test was conducted by a government-industry team consisting of General Dynamics, systems prime contractor; BAE Systems, guidance and control section provider; and the U.S. Army Program Manager – Aviation, Rockets and Missiles, the customer.

“The rocket demonstrated impressive accuracy in this first fully-guided flight test of the system from launch to target. The point of impact was less than a meter from the center of the laser spot. This falls well within design specifications,” said Frank Pope, director of Rocket and Tactical Systems at General Dynamics.

The flight test demonstrated the effectiveness of the APKWS at medium ranges. Telemetry data from the launch will be used to update simulation models and adjust the guidance autopilot to support future flight-testing development.

APKWS system engineering and program management are performed at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products' Burlington, Vermont, operations. Rocket production is performed at its Camden, Arkansas, and McHenry, Mississippi, operations.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance armament systems; a full range of advanced composite-based products; biological and chemical detection systems; and mobile shelter systems. More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found on the World Wide Web at www.gdatp.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 64,600 people worldwide and estimates 2003 revenues of $15.5 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation.

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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 - Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Press Contact: (802) 657-6246