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General Dynamics Licenses Thor Ordnance Neutralization System

November 2, 2006
Contact: Laurie VanBrocklin
Tel: (727) 578-8187
Email: lgvanbrocklin@gd-ots.com

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has signed a licensing agreement with RAFAEL Armament Development Authority in Israel to provide Thor, a dual-mode, standoff ordnance neutralization system, to U.S. defense customers. Thor is designed for use by explosive ordnance disposal teams and military combat engineers to neutralize explosive hazards, including improvised explosive devices.

“This agreement allows General Dynamics to enhance its offerings to U.S. customers,” said Richard Davitt, vice president and general manager of Precision Systems for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. “Thor has demonstrated combat effectiveness in operational engagements bringing an additional precision-fire gun platform to the fight, while at the same time filling a unique tactical mission role.”

Controlled remotely from an operator’s station, Thor features day/night sighting sensors for 24-hour targeting and neutralization of improvised explosive devices, surface mines, and unsecured or unexploded ordnance. Thor is suitable for many mission requirements, including explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) “render safe” procedures, maneuver and convoy support, route clearance, humanitarian de-mining and range clean-up.

Thor features a high-energy laser and an M2 12.7mm machine gun secured on a stabilized weapons pedestal that can be installed on manned and unmanned ground vehicles. From a safe stand-off range, operators can use the directed energy from the laser to rapidly clear unexploded ordnance and defeat improvised explosive devices by inducing a non-explosive burning or deflagration reaction in the explosive fill. Machine gun projectiles provide kinetic energy to destroy fusing, thick-cased munitions and booby traps. The M2 machine gun can also provide direct fire against enemy forces and targets.

The General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems agreement with RAFAEL is exclusive to the U.S. market and includes a license to produce systems in the U.S. as well as to provide integration, training and product support.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a world leader in the manufacture of large, medium- and small-caliber direct and indirect-fire munitions, mortar weapons and systems, artillery projectiles, bomb bodies and BALL POWDER® Propellant. The company also manufactures precision metal components; provides explosive load, assemble and pack services for a variety of munitions, tactical missile and rocket programs; and designs and produces shaped charge warheads and control actuator systems.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 81,100 people worldwide and expects 2006 revenue of approximately $24 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.

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