General Dynamics Awarded $30 Million for Abrams Tank-Related Work

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – The U.S. TACOM Lifecycle Management Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), two Abrams main battle tank-related contracts with a total value of $30.4 million.

The first contract, awarded Jan.15, provides initial funding of $12.4 million for parts to upgrade 435 M1A1 Abrams tanks to the M1A2 Systems Enhancement Package Version Two configuration. The “M1A2 SEP V2” is the most technologically advanced digital tank. It includes improved displays, sights, power and a tank-infantry phone, and is compatible with the U.S. Army’s Future Combat Systems. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio.

The second contract, announced Jan. 22, provides $18 million in additional funds to purchase long-lead materials for the reset of 204 M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management tanks. The reset process restores used equipment to combat-level capability. The upgraded tanks will feature technology that improves crew situational awareness, including second-generation Forward-Looking Infrared, Far Target Locate, a tank-infantry phone and driver's vision enhancement. The modifications increase the M1A1 Abrams tank's fighting capability by providing soldiers with an electronic graphic of the battlefield that features icons identifying friendly and enemy forces and provides a tank commander’s thermal sight for the .50 caliber machine gun.

Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala., Sterling Heights, Mich., and Lima, Ohio, by existing General Dynamics employees, and will be completed by April 1.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 83,500 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.