General Dynamics Delivers Littoral Combat Ship Open Data Model to Navy for inclusion in SHARE Repository

FAIR LAKES, Va. – General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), delivered the Littoral Combat Ship Open Data Model to the U.S. Navy for inclusion in the Software Hardware Asset Reuse Enterprise (SHARE) repository with unrestricted rights for re-use by any other Navy program.

The Open Data Model is a critical open architecture component of the General Dynamics LCS computing environment and is a key enabler that drives innovation and competition in the development of Navy combat systems. By using the Open Data Model, any company’s products can be integrated into the General Dynamics LCS quickly and efficiently. This feature allows the General Dynamics LCS Core Mission System team to select from the best-available, most cost-effective capabilities that industry has to offer, both during the initial design and throughout the lifecycle of the system. This continuous competitive environment increases warfighting capability and decreases system cost while preventing any contractor from forcing a customer into proprietary systems that limit alternatives.

“When we first conceptualized the Open Data Model, we envisioned an open, non-proprietary, published interface that would be designed to meet the future needs of the Navy. We have achieved that vision and continue to look for ways to increase competition and drive down cost,” said Lou Von Thaer, president, General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. “This Open Data Model is fully disclosed and enables the seamless integration of any current or future applications that comply with open architecture tenets --- and can be used by any government organization or contractor. It is a catalyst for an open business environment that fosters competition, improves warfighting capabilities and results in real savings for the U.S. Navy,” added Von Thaer.

With this delivery, the SHARE repository now provides a vehicle for any company interested in bringing their technology to the General Dynamics LCS to gain access to the Open Data Model. In addition, the Open Data Model is now available as the basis of a published open architecture solution for any other Navy programs looking to reap the benefits afforded by open architecture combined with an open business approach. “Delivering the Open Data Model to the Navy SHARE repository will significantly advance the Navy’s open architecture vision,” stated Von Thaer.

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems designs, develops, manufactures, integrates, operates and maintains mission systems for defense, space, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, homeland security and homeland defense customers. Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., the company specializes in ground systems, imagery processing, mission payloads, space vehicles; maritime subsurface, surface and airborne mission systems; and tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination programs for national intelligence. More information is available on the Internet at www.gd-ais.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 81,100 people worldwide, and expects 2006 revenues 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 can be found online at www.generaldynamics.com.

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