General Dynamics UK Team Awarded Contract to Deliver Specialist Vehicle for British Army

LONDON, March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited has been selected by the Ministry of Defence to provide the next generation of armoured fighting vehicles to the British Army.  The MoD has chosen General Dynamics' ASCOD SV tracked vehicle as the winning design for the demonstration phase of the Specialist Vehicle competition, providing both the Scout variant and the Common Base Platform for up to 580 SV vehicles.  ASCOD SV is the latest generation of a proven European design which has been significantly redesigned by General Dynamics' UK engineering team, and will provide unparalleled military capability for the British Army over the 30 years of the vehicles' life.

"The General Dynamics UK team won this competition to provide the British Army with its next generation of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV) because it is the best vehicle for the British troops," commented Dr. Sandy Wilson, President and Managing Director of General Dynamics UK. "We offered the best integrated solution, the best growth potential over the 30-year life of the vehicle, the best value for money for the British taxpayer and the best deal for the UK Industrial base.

The ASCOD SV programme is British to its bootstraps, delivering a Military off the Shelf vehicle with British design by British engineers to the British Army while safeguarding or creating 10,600 jobs for British workers."

British troops using the ASCOD SV will have the best protection available in this vehicle class, both as it is delivered and as it grows to meet future threats.  The vehicle will be immediately capable of delivering load-carrying growth potential of up to 42 tonnes thanks to a modern, proven drivetrain. This means that ASCOD SV is capable now of being equipped to meet future threats likely to appear over its entire 30 year life, without the need to upgrade its engine or transmission during that time.  Finally, 80% of ASCOD SV's full rate production will be based in the UK, securing or creating over 10,600 jobs for British workers.

These new jobs will be secured or created over the duration of the SV programme in South Wales where General Dynamics UK is based, Scotland, the North of England, the North West, the East and West Midlands, and the East and South of England. General Dynamics UK has sub-contracted Lockheed Martin UK INSYS to produce the turret of the Scout variant of ASCOD SV, and will transfer full rate production of the entire ASCOD SV programme to DSG in Donnington, ensuring 80% of ASCOD SV production happens in the UK.

Lord Peter Levene, Chairman of General Dynamics UK Limited said: "We are delighted that the MoD has selected ASCOD SV for its SV programme, a decision we believe will sustain the British tank industry for future generations.  We are confident that the decision will, most importantly, provide the best protection for British soldiers, as well as provide both the greatest long-term value and the best military capability for the UK Government and the MoD.  We look forward to delivering this contract in partnership with the MoD for the benefit of Britain's armed forces."

For images of ASCOD SV go to http://www.generaldynamics.uk.com/FRES/Image_Gallery.asp

For video footage of ASCOD SV go to http://www.generaldynamics.uk.com/FRES/video/ASCOD_Drive.avi

About ASCOD SV

ASCOD SV has been designed to a rating of 42 tonnes, and incorporates a fully proven transmission rated at 45 tonnes. This means the load carrying ability of ASCOD SV meets the full SV requirement now and won't require a major upgrade programme to deliver all proposed variants.

Based on a proven European design, it is the latest-generation vehicle developed specifically for SV by a team of General Dynamics UK's engineers in Britain and Europe. It is a low-risk choice for SV, with excellent weight and growth potential.

The vehicle offers one common-base platform which can meet the range of SV roles. Its turret is designed by Lockheed Martin UK INSYS, specifically for the British Army's scout role. ASCOD SV also offers high value to the UK Defence Industrial Base. Its Intellectual Property will be based in the UK, part of the sovereign capability available to the British Government. By value, 80% of the vehicle manufacture will be completed in the UK, with 70% of the supply chain companies UK-based. Overall, ASCOD SV will create or safeguard more than 10,500 jobs in the UK.

About General Dynamics

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is a leading player in the UK's knowledge economy and industrial base.  Established in the United Kingdom for over 40 years, it employs over 1,600 people at 10 UK and international facilities.  A prime contractor and complex systems integrator, working in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and other allies, growing key intellectual property, skills and capabilities in its UK research facilities and workforce, whilst harnessing world-leading technology.

General Dynamics UK led a key MoD Defence Technology Centre research consortium and, together with a growing C4I export programme, plays a central role manufacturing and developing technology to deliver network enabled capability and ISTAR in the battlespace.  The Company is widely recognised as a leading contender to supply and integrate the next generation of Armoured Fighting Vehicles for the British Army.  For further information visit www.generaldynamics.uk.com

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 91,700 people worldwide.  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.

SOURCE General Dynamics United Kingdom