General Dynamics Joint Biological Point Detection System Receives Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today announced that its Joint Biological Point Detection System has earned designation and certification as a “qualified anti-terrorism technology” under the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act).

Signed into law as a provision of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the SAFETY Act promotes the development of effective anti-terrorism products, services and technologies by protecting certified companies and their customers from liability should a terrorist act occur. Additionally, as businesses apply for SAFETY Act designation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is provided early notice of valuable technologies that may warrant further attention.

“SAFETY Act certification and designation demonstrates the Department of Homeland Security’s commitment to the Joint Biological Point Detection System as an effective tool in the war on terror for both military and civilian agencies,” said General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products Senior Director of Communications John Suttle. “Liability protection under the SAFETY Act will enable General Dynamics to pursue opportunities for JBPDS in the Homeland Security market that otherwise would not be possible.”

The Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS) is a self-powered Biological Warfare Agent detection and identification instrument suite that rapidly detects and identifies biological warfare agents such as airborne viruses, bacteria and toxins. Its “biosuite” automatically collects and analyzes environmental samples and reports identifying information about agents detected, via standard communications systems, to contacts at both local and remote locations. The JBPDS is available in man-portable, shelter-based, ship-based and trailer-mounted variants, and meets all the environmental, vibration and shock requirements of its intended platforms.

JBPDS can operate either as a stand-alone unit or it can be networked with other JBPDS units to provide broad area coverage and pinpoint BWA threats. The JBPDS is a Joint Services program and is configured to meet the operational requirements of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

In August 2004, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products was awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., for the production of JBPDS. The contract has a potential value of up to $750 million for up to 1,089 systems through 2009 if all options are exercised. All work is performed at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products’ Charlotte, N.C., detection and protection production facility.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a world leader in the field of chemical and biological agent detection. The JBPDS is a core component of General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products' detection and protection business, with sales for development, testing, production, refurbishment and spares totaling more than $272 million since initial production of the unit in 2001.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, located in Charlotte, N.C., provides a broad range of system solutions for military 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, Va., employs approximately 71,900 people worldwide and had 2004 revenue of $19.2 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.

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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, November 15, 2005
Press Contact: (586) 825-4610