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General Dynamics Antennas and Radio Equipment Selected for German Military SATCOM Program

VertexRSI antennas, radio equipment and installation services to support SATCOMBw Step 2

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been selected by ND SatCom Defence GmbH of Friedrichshafen, Germany, to supply strategic and tactical antennas and radio support equipment to the German Armed Forces SATCOMBw Step 2 Program. The total value of the contract if all options are exercised through 2014 is approximately $30 million.

SATCOMBw Step 2 will create a complete satellite communications infrastructure under the control of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The program comprises a fleet of geosynchronous satellites, tactical (mobile) satellite communications terminals, strategic communications ground stations, a network control system and the expansion of existing satellite anchor stations. The system is scheduled to be implemented incrementally beginning this year with full operation expected in 2009.

Under terms of the contract, General Dynamics will provide 2.4-meter tactical antennas, 4.6-meter tactical antennas and fixed antenna installations ranging in size from 6.3-meters to 13.1-meters. The company will also supply radio support equipment.

“The Bundeswehr SATCOMBw Step 2 program requires products that can be easily integrated into systems to perform well in a wide variety of tactical environments. VertexRSI antennas and radio products have a well-established record of performance to meet this requirement,” said Jeff Porter, general manager of satcom technologies for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “General Dynamics is in a unique position to supply the tactical and strategic antennas and RF components to this program.”

The VertexRSI 2.4-meter and 4.6-meter tactical antennas are designed to provide worldwide transmit and receive operation in C, X and Ku-bands. These portable antennas will support the Bundeswehr’s use of broadband services including video, Internet and Intranet access.

The program’s strategic ground stations will consist of 6.3-meter Ku-band antennas, 11.1-meter X-band antennas and 13.1-meter C band antennas. These larger, NATO-compatible, fixed ground stations will support telephony over satellite, radio relay services, Internet access and video conferences. The stations will also serve as nodes for local mobile and fixed data networks in the theater of operations.

General Dynamics C4 Systems is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more than 11,000 employees worldwide, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, space systems, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 81,000 people worldwide and had 2006 revenues of $24.1 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.

January 31, 2007
Contact: Chris Snapp
Tel: (508) 880-1636
Email: Chris.Snapp@gdc4s.com