GENERAL DYNAMICS CORP
10-Q, 1997-05-09
SHIP & BOAT BUILDING & REPAIRING
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                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                       Washington, D. C.  20549

                              FORM 10-Q

           (Mark One)
         X  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

            For the quarterly period ended March 30, 1997

                                  OR

          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                    Commission File Number 1-3671

                     GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION
        (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                   Delaware                         13-1673581
          (State or other jurisdiction             (I.R.S. Employer
               of incorporation                   Identification No.)
               or organization)                        


       3190 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 22042-4523
             (Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)


                           (703)  876-3000
        Registrant's telephone number, including area code


     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed  all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has  been
subject  to  such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes   X
No       .

     Indicate  the  number  of  shares outstanding  of  each  of  the
issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
<PAGE>

     Common Stock, $1 par value - May 2, 1997             62,444,820



                     GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION

                                INDEX


PART I -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION                             PAGE

Item 1 -  Consolidated Financial Statements

       Consolidated Balance Sheet                             2

       Consolidated Statement of Earnings                     3

       Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows                   4

       Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements   5

Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis                11

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 - Legal Proceedings                                   16

Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                    16

SIGNATURE                                                    16

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
                                PART I
                     GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION

                      CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                             (UNAUDITED)

                        (Dollars in millions)
<CAPTION>

<S>                                     <C>                <C>
                                        March 30           December 31
                                         1997                1996
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and equivalents                    $    65             $   516
Marketable securities                       304                 378
                                            369                 894
Accounts receivable                         144                  97
Contracts in process                        726                 558
Other current assets                        301                 309
Total Current Assets                      1,540               1,858

NONCURRENT ASSETS:
Marketable securities                       296                 261
Leases receivable - finance operations      204                 204
Real estate held for development            149                 147
Property, plant and equipment, net          517                 441
Intangible assets                           481                 165
Other assets                                257                 223
Total Noncurrent Assets                   1,904               1,441
                                        $ 3,444             $ 3,299

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable                        $   183             $   182
Other current liabilities                   734                 651
Total Current Liabilities                   917                 833

NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt                               40                  38
Long-term debt - finance operations         115                 118
Other liabilities                           628                 596
Commitments and contingencies (See Note G)
Total Noncurrent Liabilities                783                 752

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, including surplus (shares
   issued 84,387,336)                       118                 109
Retained earnings                         2,299               2,254
Treasury stock (shares held 1997, 
  21,474,563; 1996, 21,285,157)            (672)               (650)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments        (1)                  1
Total Shareholders' Equity                1,744               1,714
                                        $ 3,444             $ 3,299

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of this statement.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
                     GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION

                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

                             (UNAUDITED)

           (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
<CAPTION>
<S>                                    <C>                  <C>
                                            Three Months Ended
                                        March 30           March 31
                                         1997                 1996

NET SALES                               $   941             $   893

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES                839                 810
<PAGE>

OPERATING EARNINGS                          102                  83

Interest, net                                 9                  13
Other income (expense), net                  (3)                  2

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                108                  98

Provision for income taxes                   37                  33

NET EARNINGS                            $    71             $    65

NET EARNINGS PER SHARE                  $  1.13             $  1.03

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
     OUTSTANDING (in millions)             63.1                63.2

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE                     $   .41             $   .41

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
     General and administrative expenses
       included in operating costs
       and expenses                     $    78             $    56


The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements are an integral part of this statement.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
                     GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

                             (UNAUDITED)

                        (Dollars in millions)

<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>
                                            Three Months Ended
                                        March 30            March 31
                                         1997                 1996
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings                            $    71             $    65
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings 
  to net cash provided by continuing 
  operations -
Depreciation, depletion and 
  amortization                               21                  13
Decrease (Increase) in -
     Marketable securities                  (12)                 55
     Accounts receivable                     10                 (33)
     Contracts in process                   (28)                 18
     Leases receivable-finance operations     -                   1
     Other current assets                     -                   3
Increase (Decrease) in -
     Accounts payable and other current
        liabilities                         (54)                (53)
     Current income taxes                    44                  78
     Deferred income taxes                  (7)                 (43)
Other, net                                    1                 (18)
Net cash provided by continuing 
   operations                                46                  86
Net cash used by discontinued operations    (34)                 (9)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities    12                  77

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Business acquisitions                      (450)                (55)
Purchases of available-for-sale 
   securities                              (243)                  -
Sales/maturities of available-for-sale 
   securities                               292                   2
Capital expenditures                        (10)                (10)
Other                                        (2)                  -
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities      (413)                (63)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of debt - 
   finance operations                         -                 150
Repayment of debt - finance operations       (3)               (146)
Dividends paid                              (26)                (23)
Purchase of common stock                    (26)                  -
Other                                         5                  (5)
Net Cash Used by Financing Activities       (50)                (24)

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS       (451)                (10)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF 
   PERIOD                                   516                 215
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD   $    65             $   205

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Cash payments for interest (including 
   finance operations)                  $     2             $     4

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements are an integral part of this statement.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                     GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION

              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                             (UNAUDITED)

           (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

(A)  Basis of Preparation

      The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein
have  been  prepared  pursuant to the rules and  regulations  of  the
Securities and Exchange Commission.  Although certain information and
footnote   disclosures  normally  included  in  financial  statements
prepared  in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
have   been   condensed  or  omitted  pursuant  to  such  rules   and
regulations,  the  company  believes that  the  disclosures  included
herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
Operating  results for the three month period ended March  30,  1997,
are  not  necessarily indicative of the results that may be  expected
for  the  year ended December 31, 1997.  These unaudited consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements  and  the notes thereto included in the  company's  Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.

      In  the  opinion  of  the  company, the unaudited  consolidated
financial  statements  contain all adjustments  (consisting  only  of
normal  recurring  accruals) necessary for a fair  statement  of  the
results  for the three month periods ended March 30, 1997  and  March
31, 1996.

 (B) Acquisitions

      Effective March 29, 1996, the company purchased the  assets  of
Teledyne Vehicle Systems (Muskegon Operations), formerly an operating
unit of Teledyne Inc., for approximately $55 in cash. The transaction
has  been  accounted  for under the purchase  method  of  accounting.
Operating results of  the Muskegon Operations are included with those
of the company from the closing date.

      Effective January 1, 1997, the company purchased the assets  of
Defense  Systems  and Armament Systems, formerly operating  units  of
Lockheed Martin Corporation, for approximately $450 in cash.  Defense
Systems  builds light vehicles, turrets and transmissions for  combat
vehicles, as well as missile guidance and naval fire control systems.
Armament  Systems  designs,  develops  and  produces  advanced   gun,
ammunition handling and air defense systems, and is a leader  in  the
production of ammunition and ordnance products.  The transaction  has
been   accounted  for  under  the  purchase  method  of   accounting.
Operating  results  of  Defense  Systems  and  Armament  Systems  are
included   with   those  of  the  company  from  the  closing   date.
Approximately  $320,  the  excess of  the  purchase  price  over  the
estimated  fair value of the net tangible assets acquired,  has  been
recorded  as  intangible  assets related to  contracts  and  programs
acquired and goodwill.  The intangible assets are being amortized  on
a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 30 to 40 years.  This
allocation was based on preliminary estimates and may be revised at a
later date.
<PAGE>

 (C) Intangible Assets

     Intangible assets consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>               <C>
                                         March 30          December 31
                                         1997                1996
Intangible assets related to contracts
  and programs acquired                 $   370             $   149
Goodwill                                    111                  16
                                        $   481             $   165
</TABLE>

Intangible  assets are shown net of accumulated amortization  of  $14
and  $10  at  March  30,  1997 and December 31,  1996,  respectively.
Intangible assets related to all contracts and programs acquired  are
amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 25 to 40
years.   Costs  in  excess  of  net  assets  acquired  (goodwill)  is
amortized ratably over 40 years.

(D)  Liabilities

      A summary of significant liabilities, by balance sheet caption,
follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>
                                         March 30           December 31
                                          1997                  1996
Workers' compensation                   $   236             $   239
Retirement benefits                         183                 179
Salaries and wages                           76                  68
Other                                       239                 165
     Other Current Liabilities          $   734             $   651

Accrued costs on disposed businesses    $   219             $   256
Retirement benefits                         126                 111
Coal mining related liabilities              77                  77
Other                                       206                 152
     Other Liabilities                  $   628             $   596

</TABLE>


(E)  Income Taxes

      The  company had a net deferred tax asset of $277 and  $270  at
March  30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, the current portion  of  which
was  $219  and $231, respectively, and was included in other  current
assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  No valuation allowance was
required for the company's deferred tax assets at March 30, 1997  and
December 31, 1996.
<PAGE>

      Certain  issues  related  to the IRS  audit  of  the  company's
consolidated  federal income tax returns for the years  1977  through
1986 were not resolved at the administrative level.  Accordingly,  in
July 1994, the company received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency from
the  IRS which the company is contesting in the U.S. Tax Court.   The
company  has  accrued an amount which is expected to be  adequate  to
cover  any liability arising from this matter.  Also, as part of  the
Tax  Court litigation, the company is contesting the disallowance  by
the   IRS   of   its  refund  claim  for  additional   research   and
experimentation  tax credits for the years 1981  through  1986.   The
company's position is that it is entitled to a tax credit for certain
research performed pursuant to fixed price government contracts.  The
company  believes  that  its position has been  strengthened  by  the
recent decision in Fairchild Industries v. United States, which  held
for  the  taxpayer on this issue.  The resolution of  the  Tax  Court
litigation is expected to take several years.

 (F) Earnings Per Share

      As  there  is no material dilution, net earnings per  share  is
based  upon  the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during each period.

(G)  Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

     Claims made by and against the company regarding the development
of the Navy's A-12 aircraft are discussed in Note H.
     
     On May 1, 1997, a jury in San Diego County rendered a verdict of
$101 against the company in favor of 97 former Convair employees.  In
this  lawsuit,  Argo,  et  al. v. General  Dynamics,  the  plaintiffs
alleged  that  the  company interfered with their right  to  join  an
earlier  class action lawsuit and concealed its plans  to  close  its
Convair division.  The jury awarded the plaintiffs a total of $1.8 in
actual  damages,  and $99 in punitive damages.  The company  believes
the jury verdict is not supported by the facts or the applicable law.
The  company will, therefore, ask the judge to enter judgment for the
company  notwithstanding the verdict, or, in the alternative order  a
new trial.  The company will also ask the trial judge to exercise his
discretion  to substantially reduce or eliminate the punitive  damage
award.  While the company is unable to assess the ultimate outcome of
this  matter,  management  currently believes  it  will  not  have  a
material impact on its results of operations or financial condition.
  
     General  Dynamics Corporation was served with a complaint  filed
in  the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, titled Hunt,  et
al.  v.  General Dynamics and Lloyd Thompson, seeking  a  declaratory
judgment  and  rescission of certain excess loss insurance  contracts
covering the company's self-insured workers' compensation program  at
its  Electric Boat division for the period July 1, 1988 to  June  30,
1992. The insurance contracts cover losses of up to $30 in excess  of
a  $40  attachment point in each of the four policy years. The  named
plaintiff, Paul Hunt, is an individual suing on behalf of himself and
other individuals who are members of the Lloyd's of London syndicates
and  other  British  insurers who have underwritten  the  risk.   The
company  does not expect that the matter will have a material  impact
on the company's results of operations or financial condition.
<PAGE>
     
     Hughes  Missile  Systems Company (HMSC)  has  filed  an  amended
complaint   against   the  company  alleging  breaches   of   certain
representations  and  warranties  contained  in  the  Asset  Purchase
Agreement  dated  May 8, 1992, for the sale of the company's  missile
business.   The  amended complaint which was filed  in  the  Superior
Court  of the State of California, seeks $42 in damages.  The company
does  not expect that the lawsuit will have a material impact on  the
company's results of operations or financial condition.

      In  March 1996, the company received a judgment for $26 against
the  government  in General Dynamics v. U.S., a case  tried  in  U.S.
District  Court for the Central District of California.  The  company
sued  the government under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleging that
the  Defense  Contract Audit Agency negligently audited the  Division
Air  Defense contract, which led to the company's indictment in 1985.
The  indictment was later dropped.  The government has  appealed  the
1996 judgment.  HMSC will receive 30 percent of the net recovery as a
result  of  its purchase of the company's missile business  in  1992.
The company has not recognized any claim revenue from this matter.

     The  company  has  been  sued as the  "alter  ego"  of  Asbestos
Corporation Ltd., a Canadian company, in which General Dynamics owned
shares  between 1969 and 1982.  The company, along with more than  50
other  defendants, has been sued in several thousand cases  filed  in
Texas  by  plaintiffs  alleging exposure to asbestos.   Although  the
gross  claims  attributable to the plaintiffs  cannot  be  estimated,
including the share of the company or any other defendant, any losses
arising   from  these  matters  are  largely  covered  by  insurance.
Therefore, the company does not believe that these matters will  have
a material impact on the company's results of operations or financial
condition.
     
      The  company is a defendant in tort cases pending in state  and
federal  court  in Arizona, as well as a Comprehensive  Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act case.  The litigation arises
out of groundwater and soil contamination at the Tucson airport.  The
company's  predecessor  in interest, Consolidated  Aircraft  Company,
operated a modification center at the site during World War II.   The
company  has  defenses to the claims, as well as a claim against  the
government  for indemnification.  The company is unable  to  estimate
its  share of any liability arising from these claims.  However,  the
company  believes it is entitled to indemnity from the U.S.  for  any
liability.   Therefore, the company does not believe  the  litigation
will  have  a  material  adverse impact on the company's  results  of
operations or financial condition.

     The company is also a defendant in other lawsuits and claims and
in  other investigations of varying nature. The company believes  its
liabilities in these proceedings, in the aggregate, are not  material
to the company's results of operations or financial condition.
     
Environmental

      The company adopted the provisions of the Statement of Position
(SOP) 96-1, "Environmental Remediation Liabilities" as of January  1,
1997.   SOP  96-1  provides  authoritative  guidance  regarding   the
recognition,  measurement,  display and disclosure  of  environmental
remediation liabilities.  The adoption of the statement did not  have
a material impact on the company's results of operations or financial
condition.
<PAGE>
     
     The  company  is  directly or indirectly  involved  in  fourteen
Superfund  sites  in which the company, along with other  major  U.S.
corporations,  has  been designated a potentially  responsible  party
(PRP)  by  the  U.S.  Environmental  Protection  Agency  or  a  state
environmental  agency  with respect to past  shipments  of  hazardous
waste  to sites now requiring environmental cleanup. Based on a  site
by  site  analysis of the estimated quantity of waste contributed  by
the  company relative to the estimated total quantity of  waste,  the
company believes it is a small contributor and its liability  at  any
individual site is not material. The company is also involved in  the
cleanup  and remediation of various conditions at sites it  currently
or formerly owned or operated.
     
     The  company  measures  its  environmental  exposure  based   on
currently  available  facts,  existing  technologies,  and  presently
enacted   laws  and  regulations.  Where  a  reasonable   basis   for
apportionment exists with other PRPs, the company has considered only
its  share  of the liability. The company considers the  solvency  of
other  PRPs,  whether  responsibility  is  being  disputed,  and  its
experience  in similar matters in determining its share. Based  on  a
site  by  site analysis, the company has recorded an amount which  it
believes  will  be adequate to cover any liability arising  from  the
sites.
     
Other

       The  company  was  contingently  liable  for  debt  and  lease
guarantees and other arrangements of approximately $90 at  March  30,
1997.

 (H) Termination of A-12 Program

      The A-12 contract was a fixed-price incentive contract for  the
full-scale  development  and initial production  of  the  Navy's  new
carrier-based  Advanced Tactical Aircraft.  The Navy  terminated  the
company's  A-12 aircraft contract for default.  Both the company  and
McDonnell Douglas (the contractors) were parties to the contract with
the  Navy,  each had full responsibility to the Navy for  performance
under  the  contract, and both are jointly and severally  liable  for
potential liabilities arising from the termination.  As a consequence
of   the  termination  for  default,  the  Navy  demanded  that   the
contractors  repay  $1,352  in unliquidated  progress  payments,  but
agreed  to defer collection of the amount pending a decision  by  the
U.S.  Court  of  Federal  Claims on the contractors'  appeal  of  the
termination for default, or a negotiated settlement.

     The  contractors filed a complaint on June 7, 1991, in the  U.S.
Court  of  Federal  Claims contesting the default  termination.   The
suit,  in effect, seeks to convert the termination for default  to  a
termination  for convenience of the U.S. government and  seeks  other
legal  and equitable relief.  A trial on Count XVII of the complaint,
which  relates to the propriety of the termination for  default,  was
concluded  in  October 1993.  In December 1994, the court  issued  an
order  vacating the termination for default.  On December  19,  1995,
following a trial on the merits, the court issued an order converting
the termination for default to a termination of convenience.
  
     The  parties continue to litigate quantum issues.  Although  the
parties  signed a stipulation on damages totaling $1,071,  the  court
has  now  ruled  that  the plaintiffs may be entitled  to  additional
amounts.   Further  proceedings are required to establish  the  final
amount  of  damages.   Final resolution of the A-12  litigation  will
depend  on  the  entry  of final judgment, the  outcome  of  expected
appeals,  and further litigation or negotiation with the  government.
The company has not recognized any claim revenue from the Navy.
<PAGE>
     
     The  company has fully reserved the contracts in process balance
associated  with  the  A-12  program and has  accrued  the  company's
estimated termination liabilities, and the liability associated  with
pursuing  the litigation through trial.   In the unlikely event  that
the  court's decision converting the termination to a termination for
convenience is reversed on appeal, and the contractors are ultimately
found to be in default of the A-12 contract and are required to repay
all   unliquidated   progress   payments,   additional   losses    of
approximately $675, plus interest, may be recognized by the  company.
This result is considered remote.

<PAGE>
                GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION
                              
            MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                              
    OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                              
                       March 30, 1997
                              
       (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
                              

Forward-Looking Statements

       Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  the  Results   of
Operations   and   Financial   Condition   contains   forward-looking
statements  that  are based on management's expectations,  estimates,
projections and assumptions.  Words such as "expects," "anticipates,"
"plans,"  "believes,"  "estimates,"  variations  of  such  words  and
similar  expressions  are intended to identify  such  forward-looking
statements  which  include  but are not  limited  to  projections  of
revenues,  earnings,  segment performance, cash  flows  and  contract
awards.   Such  forward-looking statements are made pursuant  to  the
safe  harbor  provisions of the Private Securities Litigation  Reform
Act   of  1995.   These  statements  are  not  guarantees  of  future
performance  and  involve certain risks and uncertainties  which  are
difficult  to predict.  Therefore, actual future results  and  trends
may  differ  materially  from  what is  forecast  in  forward-looking
statements  due  to  a  variety of factors  including  the  company's
successful  execution  of  internal  performance  plans;  performance
issues  with  key  suppliers and subcontractors; labor  negotiations;
changing  priorities  or  reductions in the U.S.  government  defense
budget;  and  termination of government contracts due  to  unilateral
government action.

Business Segments

      The company comprises two major business segments:  Marine  and
Combat Systems Groups, as well as miscellaneous businesses classified
as Other.  The following table sets forth the net sales and operating
earnings by business segment for the three month period ending  March
30, 1997 and March 31, 1996:

<TABLE>

  <S>                      <C>        <C>          <C>

                                                   Increase/
                           Three Month Period      (Decrease)
                            1997      1996                  
  NET SALES:                                                
  Marine Group             $559       $614           $  (55)
  Combat Systems Group      337        246               91
  Other                      45         33               12
                           $941       $893           $   48
  OPERATING EARNINGS:                                       
  Marine Group             $ 59       $ 54           $    5
  Combat Systems Group       45         33               12
  Other                      (2)        (4)               2
                           $102       $ 83           $   19

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

Marine Group

Results of Operations and Outlook

      Net  sales decreased during the three month period due to lower
submarine  construction activity, primarily on the  Trident  Program.
The  final  Trident  and first Seawolf submarines are  scheduled  for
delivery mid-year.

      Operating earnings increased during the three month  period  as
the impact of lower construction activity was more than offset by the
increase  in the earnings rates on the Trident program in  the  third
quarter of 1996 and the Seawolf program in the first quarter of 1997.
These  earnings rate increases are due to cost reduction  efforts  as
well as diminishing operating risks as the submarine programs mature.
As  a  result, operating margins of the Marine Group are expected  to
remain above 1996 levels.

Business and Market Considerations

     During  the  first  quarter, the company  entered  into  a  Team
Agreement with Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company (Newport
News)  for  the  New  Attack  Submarine  (NSSN)  program.   The  Team
Agreement provides that Electric Boat will be the prime contractor on
construction  contracts  for  the  NSSNs,  though  construction   and
assembly  work  will be equally shared with Newport  News  through  a
subcontracting  arrangement.  Electric  Boat  will  retain  the  lead
design  role.  The Team Agreement requires the approval of the  Navy,
Department  of  Defense,  and a change  in  the  existing  law  which
currently requires competition between Electric Boat and Newport News
for  construction of NSSNs after each has produced two ships.   Based
on  estimates  developed by the team, the company believes  the  Team
Agreement  will provide material cost savings to the Navy,  therefore
enhancing government support for full funding of the first four ships
and obtaining the required administrative and legislative approvals.

     Bath  Iron  Works  (BIW) is a member of a three-contractor  team
that  was selected in the fourth quarter of 1996 to design and  build
the Navy's new class of amphibious transport ships (LPD 17).  The LPD
17  award was protested by a competing contractor team led by  Litton
Industries.   In  April,  the General Accounting  Office  upheld  the
Navy's original selection of the three-contractor team.
     
     Congress  has authorized the Secretary of the Navy  to  initiate
multiyear  contracts  for the procurement of 12 Arleigh  Burke  class
destroyers  (DDG  51)  between FY98 and FY01.   In  April,  the  Navy
released  the results of the DDG Program Management Assistance  Group
(PMAG),  whose objective was to make a recommendation for a long-term
integrated  approach to the surface combatant industrial  base.   The
PMAG's  comprehensive review determined there was no industrial  base
reason  to  change  the  Navy's practice of  equally  allocating  the
procurement of the 12 destroyers between BIW and its competitor.
<PAGE>

Combat Systems Group

Results of Operations and Outlook

      Net  sales  and operating earnings increased during  the  three
month period due primarily to the acquisition of Defense Systems  and
Armament Systems.  The acquisition was immediately accretive  to  the
company's net earnings.  For a discussion of the accounting for  this
transaction  and related information, see Note B to the  Consolidated
Financial  Statements.   Defense Systems and  Armament  Systems  have
historically  earned lower operating margins than those  reported  by
the company's domestic and foreign tank programs.  These margins will
vary  from  quarter  to  quarter based on timing  of  deliveries  and
licensing  income.  First quarter results were favorably affected  by
these timing events.

      The  company believes it can maintain the operating margins  of
the  Combat  Systems segment at the current level, for at  least  the
next  several quarters,  through a combination of efforts  to  reduce
costs and increase sales.  Actions taken to achieve this goal include
the  successful completion of union negotiations at Land Systems,  as
further discussed below, and the pursuit of international sales.

Business and Market Considerations

      On January 1, 1997, the company purchased the assets of Defense
Systems  and  Armament Systems, formerly operating units of  Lockheed
Martin  Corporation, for $450 in cash.  Defense Systems builds  light
vehicles, turrets and transmissions for combat vehicles, as  well  as
missile  guidance  and naval fire control systems.  Armament  Systems
designs, develops and produces advanced gun, ammunition handling  and
air  defense systems, and is a leader in the production of ammunition
and   ordnance  products.   The  acquisition  expands  the  company's
participation in armored vehicles from heavy tanks to light vehicles,
and  from  full platforms to major subsystems.  The acquisition  also
creates a presence in fire control systems and components.

      During  the  first  quarter,  Land  Systems  reached  an  early
agreement  with its employees represented by the United Auto  Workers
Union on a new collective bargaining contract.  Land Systems believes
the  terms  of the contract, which extends until October  2001,  will
provide  it  with cost savings and therefore an improved  competitive
position.

      In  April, the Army selected the company's competitor to be the
sole  source provider of the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio
System  for the final years of the program.  As the company currently
has  contracts to produce radios until late 1998, this selection will
not affect 1997 results.

Other

      Net  sales increased during the three month period due  to  the
reclassification of the aggregates business to continuing  operations
in  the  second  quarter of 1996.  Operating losses  were  marginally
lower  as the seasonal losses of the aggregates business were  offset
by slightly improved performance of the coal operations.

<PAGE>

Backlog

     The following table details the backlog of each business segment
as calculated at March 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
  <S>                                   <C>            <C>
                                        March 30       December 31
                                         1997           1996
  Marine Group                          $  7,189       $  7,566
  Combat Systems Group                     2,743          2,057
  Other                                      714            727
                                                               
  Total Backlog                         $ 10,646       $ 10,350  
  Funded Backlog                        $  6,689       $  6,161
  
</TABLE>

      Total backlog represents the estimated remaining sales value of
work  primarily performed under authorized U.S. government contracts.
Funded backlog represents the portion of total backlog that has  been
appropriated  by  Congress and funded by the procuring  agency.   The
increase in backlog at the Combat Systems Group, over the three month
period,  is  due primarily to the acquisition of Defense Systems  and
Armament  Systems.  To the extent backlog has not been funded,  there
is   no   assurance  that  congressional  appropriations  or   agency
allotments will be forthcoming.  Total backlog also includes  amounts
for long-term coal contracts.

Additional Financial Information

Interest, Net

     Interest income decreased during the three month period due to a
decline in the average cash balance resulting from the acquisition of
Defense Systems and Armament Systems on January 1, 1997.

Environmental Matters

       For   a   discussion  of  environmental  matters   and   other
contingencies,  see Note G to the Consolidated Financial  Statements.
The  company's  liability, in the aggregate, with  respect  to  these
matters,  is  not  deemed to be material to the  company's  financial
condition or results of operations.

New Accounting Standards

      The  Financial Accounting Standards Board issued  Statement  of
Financial  Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, "Earnings per  Share"
in  February 1997.  SFAS 128 requires a company to present basic  and
diluted  earnings per share amounts for net earnings on the  face  of
the  Consolidated Statement of Earnings.  The company is required  to
adopt  the  provisions of the standard during the fourth  quarter  of
1997,  and  when  adopted, will require restatement of  prior  years'
earnings per share.  The standard will not have a material impact  on
historical earnings per share reported by the company.
<PAGE>

     The Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement of
Position  (SOP)  96-1,  "Environmental  Remediation  Liabilities"  in
October   1996.   SOP  96-1  provides  benchmarks  to  aid   in   the
determination of when environmental liabilities should be recognized,
as  well  as  requirements  for  what the  accrual  of  environmental
liabilities  should include.  The company adopted the  provisions  of
the statement as of January 1, 1997, which had no material impact  on
the company's results of operations or financial condition.

Financial Condition

Operating Activities

      Cash flows from continuing operations decreased this year  over
last  year  due  primarily to the change in the  amount  the  company
invested in marketable securities classified as trading per SFAS 115,
"Accounting  for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity  Securities."
Cash flows from discontinued operations decreased this year over last
year due to payments for disposition related liabilities.  Cash flows
from  discontinued operations are still expected to improve  for  the
full  year  1997 over 1996, due primarily to lower allocated  federal
income tax payments.

Investing Activities

      As  discussed  in Note B, the company acquired  the  assets  of
Defense  Systems  and  Armament  Systems  on  January  1,  1997,  for
approximately $450 in cash.

Financing Activities

       In   1994,   the  company's  Board  of  Directors  reconfirmed
management's  authority  to repurchase at its  discretion,  up  to  3
million shares of the company's common stock.  As of March 30,  1997,
the   company  had  repurchased  approximately  1.3  million  shares,
including  approximately 0.4 million shares during the first  quarter
of  1997.  In addition, the company repurchased 0.5 million shares in
April 1997.

     The company expects to generate sufficient funds from operations
to  meet  both  its  short-term and long-term  liquidity  needs.   In
addition,  the company has the capacity for long-term borrowings  and
currently has a committed, short-term $600 line of credit.  The  line
of  credit  expires in May 1997 at which time the company anticipates
renewing the line.

<PAGE>
                               PART II

                     GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION

                          OTHER INFORMATION

                            March 30, 1997

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

        Reference is made to Note G, Commitments and Contingencies,
to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, for a statement
relevant to activities in the quarter covering certain litigation to
which the company is a party.


Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)       Exhibits

          Exhibit 11, Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings

(b)       Reports on Form 8-K

          On January 15, 1997, the company reported to the Securities
          and Exchange Commission under Item 2, Acquisition or
          Disposition of Assets, that on January 1, 1997, the company
          had acquired, through two newly formed subsidiaries, the
          assets of the Defense Systems and Armament Systems business
          units from Lockheed Martin Corporation.  Included in the
          filing was the Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement.
          
          
                              SIGNATURE


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                              GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION



                              by /s/John W. Schwartz
                                 John W. Schwartz
                                 Staff Vice President and Controller
                                 (Principal Accounting Officer)

Dated   May 9, 1997




                                         Exhibit 11, 1st Quarter 1997
                                           Form 10-Q, Commission File
                                                        Number 1-3671
<TABLE>
                              
                GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION
                              
       STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
                              
                         (UNAUDITED)
                              
        (Dollars in millions, except per share data)
                              
                              
                              
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>
                                              First Quarter
                                         1997                1996

NET EARNINGS                            $    71             $    65

Weighted average common shares 
  outstanding                           63,077,336          63,217,801


NET EARNINGS PER SHARE - PRIMARY        $  1.12             $  1.02

Common Shares from above                63,077,336          63,217,801
Assumed exercise of options (treasury 
   stock method)                           332,475             373,458
                                        63,409,811          63,591,259


NET EARNINGS PER SHARE - FULLY DILUTED  $  1.12             $  1.02

Common shares from above                63,077,336          63,217,801
Assumed exercise of options (treasury 
  stock method)                            332,475             373,458
                                        63,409,811          63,591,259


</TABLE>


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary information extracted from the General Dynamics
Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 30, 1997, and the related
consolidated Statement of Earnings for the three months ended March 30, 1997 and
is qualified in its entirety to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-30-1997
<CASH>                                              65
<SECURITIES>                                       304
<RECEIVABLES>                                      144
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                        726
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                  1540
<PP&E>                                            1624
<DEPRECIATION>                                    1107
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                    3444
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              917
<BONDS>                                             40
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           118
<OTHER-SE>                                        1626
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                      3444
<SALES>                                            941
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                   941
<CGS>                                              839
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                      839
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   1
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    108
<INCOME-TAX>                                        37
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                 71
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                        71
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.12
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.12
        

</TABLE>


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