WESTMINSTER, Md., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics Robotic Systems and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) have signed a $185 million contract for development of the Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) for ground vehicles as part of the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program. SAIC, together with Boeing (NYSE: BA - News), comprise the FCS Lead Systems Integrator team. SAIC will administer the ANS multi-year agreement with General Dynamics Robotic Systems.

FCS is a networked "system of systems," using advanced communications and technologies to link soldiers with manned and unmanned ground and air platforms and sensors to significantly enhance the Army's effectiveness and maneuverability.

Under the FCS ANS program, General Dynamics Robotic Systems will be responsible for the design, development, manufacture, integration, and testing of a system that is capable of autonomously controlling any of several vehicles designated by the Army, including the Multi-functional Utility Logistics Equipment platform, the Armed Reconnaissance Vehicle, and Manned Ground Vehicles. The period of performance for the ANS program is through September 2009.

ANS will provide navigational, perception, path-planning and vehicle- following algorithms and the requisite on-board sensor package for autonomous mobility. It is a major subsystem in the FCS manned combat system.

"ANS will comprise field sensor and software solutions based on autonomous mobility technology that we have been developing for many years," said Mark Del Giorno, vice president of engineering at General Dynamics Robotic Systems. "The ANS system, the 'brains' of the FCS robotic vehicles, will enable the Army's vision of a lighter, faster, highly effective future force."

General Dynamics Robotic Systems is a part of General Dynamics Land Systems (Sterling Heights, Mich.), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD - News).

General Dynamics Corporation, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 66,900 people worldwide and anticipates 2003 revenues of $16.1 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.generaldynamics.com.