STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a contract worth $198 million to build 140 M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness) tanks for Iraq.

The SA enhancements to the M1A1 for Iraq include a second-generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermal sight, a driver's vision-enhancer thermal viewer and Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK) improvements, which provide better crew protection in urban warfare environments. In addition, engines developed through the Army's Total Integrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) program will be installed and pulse-jet filter cleaning systems added to improve performance while reducing maintenance requirements and costs.

Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio; Scranton, Pa.; Anniston, Ala.; and Tallahassee, Fla. The completion date for the contract is May 31, 2011.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,300 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 General Dynamics is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics Land Systems