Description of General Dynamics's Business Segments
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
The Information Systems and Technology group is a leading integrator of secure
communications systems and networks; command, control and intelligence systems;
special purpose computing; and surveillance and reconnaissance systems for the
U.S. military, the U.S. intelligence community and allied nations. The group
supplies products, infrastructure and integration services that are used to
gather, process and disseminate information rapidly and accurately. The group
provides a full spectrum of information and communications technologies, including:
' Ruggedized computing and communications systems to support battlefield command-and-control
and information processing;
' Specialized radio technologies that enable communication among strategic,
theater and tactical assets;
' A variety of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)'products,
systems and support services for defense and intelligence agencies;
' Networking capabilities;
' Processors, communications devices and ground support for space operations;
and
' Highly skilled technical personnel who frequently are embedded in military
and intelligence operations around the world to support sophisticated national
security systems.
The group is a key participant in transformational initiatives that use digital
information technologies to provide defense assets with secure, on-demand access
to mission-critical information, assisting warfighters to prevail on today's
battlefields as well as the battlefields of the future.
The Information Systems and Technology group was created through acquisitions
starting in 1997.'This growth reflects the increasing importance of digital,
network-centric C4ISR and information-sharing technologies in the defense and
intelligence communities. As the armed services seek information superiority
to improve the agility, responsiveness, lethality and survivability of their
forces, there are significant opportunities for companies that can provide robust
combat platforms integrated with mission-critical information systems.
COMBAT SYSTEMS
As a leading provider of tracked and wheeled armored combat vehicles, armament
systems and ammunition in North America, Europe and the South Pacific, and the
only producer of America's main battle tanks, the Combat Systems group delivers
key products and technologies to U.S. and allied military forces.
The group is one of the preferred suppliers of land and expeditionary combat
system development, production and support around the world. Combat Systems
conceives, engineers, manufactures and supports product lines that include a
full spectrum of armored vehicles, trucks and light wheeled vehicles, bridges,
suspensions, engines, transmissions, guns and ammunition handling systems, turret
and turret-drive systems, reactive armor, chemical and biohazard detection products,
ammunition and ordnance, and composite manufacturing.
MARINE SYSTEMS
The Marine Systems group has three shipyards with a long, proud history of providing
the Navy with ships and submarines used to project the United States' presence
around the globe. Electric Boat manufactured the Navy's first submarine more
than 100'years ago. The company's two other shipyards have demonstrated decades
of innovation in developing destroyers and auxiliary ships for the Navy. Today,
the group is on the cutting edge of shipbuilding as it participates in the design,
development, manufacture and integration of the complex platforms that are central
to Seapower 21, the Navy's transformation vision.
With its experience and expertise in the development of surface, sub-surface
and support platforms, Marine Systems is a key partner with the Navy. Marine
Systems is leading the development of the new Virginia-class submarines, for
which it received the largest submarine order in U.S. history. Construction
work on the Virginia-class submarine is shared equally with the company's teaming
partner. The Virginia Class will provide the Navy a key platform with stealth,
firepower and endurance, networked for communication with strategic and surface
forces, in its pursuit of undersea superiority. Complementing this platform
will be the Trident SSGN submarines, which the group is developing through the
conversion of four Trident ballistic-missile submarines. The Trident SSGNs will
be multi-mission submarines optimized for tactical strike and special operations
support, key capabilities for future engagements around the world.
The group is the lead designer and producer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile
destroyers, one of the most advanced surface combatants in the world. It is
also one of three competitors developing preliminary designs for the Navy's
Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The LCS platform is intended for defense against
terrorist swarm boats, mines and submarine threats in coastal areas.
Marine Systems also supports the far-reaching deployments of the Navy with its
auxiliary and support ships, facilitating the efficient delivery of crucial
supplies to U.S. forces around the world. It is leading the innovation of at-sea
replenishment with the T-AKE program. T-AKE is the first new Navy combat logistics
ship design in almost 20'years, using integrated electric-drive propulsion to
deliver high performance and lower cost. The group also provides commercial
ships, designing and manufacturing two roll-on/roll-off trailerships for cargo
shipping and four double-hull oil tankers.
In addition, the group provides ship repair and other services to the Navy and
commercial customers.
The shipbuilding industry is central to the Navy's Seapower 21 efforts to transform
into a more lethal, flexible, network-centric sea force of the future. The company
believes Marine Systems' leadership in the design, engineering, development
and construction of naval platforms positions it for continued partnership with
the Navy for years to come.
AEROSPACE
The Aerospace group designs, develops, manufactures, markets and supports a
fleet of world-renowned business-jet aircraft, and provides aviation services
for business-jet aircraft. The group was created in 1999 when the company acquired
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. In 2001, the group added mid-size aircraft
to its product offerings with the acquisition of Galaxy Aerospace Company, and
formed a separate aviation services unit. Gulfstream has produced more than
1,400 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958.
In 2003, the group broadened its offering of business-jet aircraft by introducing
a new aircraft and completing regulatory requirements for production of other
airframes. In addition, the group expanded its aviation services operations
to include the first Gulfstream-owned service center outside the United States
through an acquisition at the London Luton Airport in the United Kingdom.
The new large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450, introduced in 2003, is an entire
aircraft upgrade of the best-selling business jet in its class ' the Gulfstream
GIV/GIV-SP/G400. The G450 incorporates the most advanced avionics, cockpit displays,
aircraft systems, aerodynamic enhancements and flight safety features, and retains
the aesthetic design and signature windows that set Gulfstream aircraft apart
from competing models. The new G450, which is expected to receive certification
later this year, was designed for safety, performance, reliability, and passenger
comfort and productivity.
The group received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'type and production
certification for the Gulfstream G550 model on August'14, 2003. The large-cabin,
ultra-long-range G550 can fly as high as 51,000 feet and can travel at speeds
up to Mach .885 and distances up to 6,750 nautical miles ' the longest range
available in a business jet. In February'2004, the National Aeronautic Association
awarded its Collier Trophy to the G550, naming it 'the greatest achievement
in aeronautics in the United States with respect to improving performance, efficiency
or safety of air or space vehicles' in 2003.
The Aerospace group also received type certification for its state-of-the-art
PlaneView' cockpit, as well as the first production certification for the Gulfstream
Enhanced Vision System (EVS). The Gulfstream EVS significantly improves pilot
situational awareness during conditions of reduced visibility, both in flight
and on the ground.
Additionally, in February'2004, the company further expanded its product line
by introducing the Gulfstream G350 model. Very similar in design to the G450,
the new aircraft delivers the same spacious cabin, advanced avionics and cockpit
systems, exceptional performance and reliability, but with a slightly reduced
range and a lower price.
Looking beyond the commercial market, the group continued efforts to offer its
aircraft as platforms for ISR and other special mission applications by U.S.
and allied governments. It sold four G550 aircraft to the Israeli Ministry of
Defense for use as Compact Airborne Early Warning (CAEW)'platforms, which will
take full advantage of the G550's capabilities, endurance, reliability and low
operating cost. Additionally, the G450 was designated the platform of choice
by one of the two competitors in a pending U.S. military procurement for special
mission ISR applications.
The company formed General Dynamics Aviation Services in February'2001 to better
meet the maintenance needs of a variety of the most popular business-jet aircraft
available around the world. It serves a broad range of business-aircraft owners
through maintenance centers in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Westfield, Massachusetts;
West Palm Beach, Florida; Dallas, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada.
With an expanded product line, the company believes the Aerospace group is well
positioned to take advantage of an encouraging market.
RESOURCES
The Resources group includes two businesses: a coal mining operation and an
aggregates operation that mines sand, stone and gravel for use in highway and
building construction.
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