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General Dynamics C4 Systems to Develop Wearable, Fuel-Cell Driven Tablet Computers for U.S. Air Force Fuel Cell Technology to Reduce Air Force Reliance on Batteries and Battery Chargers SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), announced today it has been awarded a contract by the United States Air Force (USAF) to develop and deliver 10 prototype tablet computers powered by direct liquid fuel cells for evaluation as a potential replacement for the department's current ground air traffic control computers. The program will combine commercial-off-the-shelf computer equipment with privately-developed fuel cell technology, and could enable extended field operations that will reduce the USAF's reliance on centrally-located recharging apparatus and spare batteries. As a subcontractor to SRA International, Inc. (NYSE:SRX) on the USAF program, General Dynamics will be responsible for overall systems engineering, program management and subcontract management, and will deliver 10 prototype Itronix GoBook(TM) tablet computers and five prototype fuel cell power packs and associated refueling cartridges. The fuel cell systems will be supplied by Medis Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ:MDTL) of New York, whose direct liquid fuel cell system has been previously demonstrated to operate portable electronic devices. The system will then be field tested and evaluated by the Air Force Research Lab at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. "This science and technology initiative will equip the U.S. Air Force with an enhanced Battlefield Air Operations kit, including an advanced computing platform with increased endurance for dismounted missions in an overall lighter, wearable and more deployable package," said Chris Marzilli, a senior vice president and deputy general manager for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "The prototype also could have implications for multiple Department of Defense instruments and applications, including, among other candidate products, powering the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Cluster 5 family of handheld and embedded software-defined radios." The wearable computer power demonstrator project is valued at $1.3 million. The results of the project are expected to be released in a final report to the USAF approximately 13 months after project start. The project also will evaluate potential modifications to the Itronix GoBook that would enable compatibility with night vision goggles, allow for increased daylight readability, enable the computer to boot in "stealth" mode without audio or video detection, operate with a passive touch screen and other enhancements. Itronix is a world-class developer of wireless, rugged computing solutions for mobile workers, which distinguishes itself in the market through its superior implementation capabilities and supporting services. Itronix has a full range of wireless field computing systems, from handhelds, to laptops to tablet PCs, in addition to providing award-winning iCare Implementation Services that range from project planning and management to first line help desk support. Itronix is a privately held company with worldwide headquarters located in Spokane, Washington. Additional information is available on Itronix's web site at http://www.itronix.com/. Medis Technologies is involved in the development of highly advanced proprietary technology products primarily related to sources of clean energy for the 21st Century. Medis' primary focus is on direct liquid fuel cell technology. Additional information is available on Medis' web site at http://www.medisel.com/ General Dynamics C4 Systems, headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more than 7,600 employees worldwide, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the U.S. and abroad. General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 69,400 people worldwide and anticipates 2004 revenue of $19 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company can be found at http://www.generaldynamics.com/. DATASOURCE: General Dynamics C4 Systems CONTACT: Carol Smith of General Dynamics C4 Systems, +1-480-441-0342, fax: +1-480-441-5067, or Web site: http://www.generaldynamics.com/ http://www.itronix.com/ http://www.medisel.com/ http://www.gdc4s.com/

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