
<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>                                 1,540
<PP&E>                                           1,474
<DEPRECIATION>                                     957
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   3,444
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              917
<BONDS>                                             40
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           200
<OTHER-SE>                                       1,544
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     3,444
<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>                                     0.56
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.56
        


</TABLE>
