Talk:General Dynamics

Updating the history content section, 1899-1975

@Thewellman and I discussed my proposed updates to the General Dynamics History content 1899-1975 on my talk page. I've copied his thoughts here for visibility:

"I greatly admire the history section of your General Dynamics sandbox article. I have just a few comments about the last paragraph of the 1941-1960 section. Aside from the misspelling of General, I seem to remember the first Polaris boats were modifications of Skipjack-class attack submarines under construction with contract modification separating bow and stern sections to insert the missile tube compartment to hasten availability of the weapon system. If so, I think that might be worthy of mention."

Since then, I made the recommended updates to the content so it's ready for inclusion on the Wikipedia article. The proposed content is in the collapsed section since it's so long.--Chefmikesf (talk) 18:16, 13 September 2025 (UTC)

@Grand'mere Eugene, I recently re-worked the history content 1899-1980 because it was out of chronological order and was missing some key facts and dates. In my proposed draft below, I have added new subsections for 40-year eras, incorporated additional historical references, and included more key facts about the company, all while preserving as much of the existing content as possible. I recognize that if the draft is implemented, we will need to rename some reference names that are on my sandbox. Any thoughts on the history draft?--Chefmikesf (talk) 20:31, 15 September 2025 (UTC)

I got stuck verifying info from the first 2 citations-- the Duffy Daugherty doi and jstor links don't work. The text using the Funding Universe source doesn't accurately reflect the text from the source, so I added a quote parameter to encourage re-phrasing that bit. Will return to this project another day... Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 23:12, 18 September 2025 (UTC)

Also having trouble verifying Electric Boat's sale of the first USS Holland for $300,000: This source may be helpful, stating, "Holland made some alterations and after a final test in March 1900 the U.S. Government bought the Holland No. 6 on April 12, 1900 for $150,000 - a bargain price, as it had cost twice as much to produce. It was commissioned on October 12, 1900, the first submarine of the American Navy." Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 23:10, 19 September 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Grand'mere Eugene, Yes that looks like a good source. if you think it passes notability. Also, I went down to the library today and took out a few of the books about the company. I'm going to add and replace the missing sources this weekend to make the sources easier for your review.--Chefmikesf (talk) 23:33, 19 September 2025 (UTC)

Hi Chefmikesf, Thanks, I'll check back next Wednesday— will be at the beach for a few days, so should have time to look at it then. Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 04:08, 20 September 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Grand'mere Eugene, I added more references to fill in some of the gaps. Just for context, some of the unsourced narrative is from existing content in the existing history section. I tried to keep as much of the existing content in my proposed updated History section. If you think it needs references too, I'll add what I can from there books in my possession. please let me know where else to add better sourcing. --Chefmikesf (talk) 22:26, 24 September 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Grand'mere Eugene I wanted to check if you had a chance to review the new references. Let me know if I need to add some more!--Chefmikesf (talk) 17:59, 6 October 2025 (UTC)

I made a start... it occurs to me this section would benefit from some vintage photos-- the older ones that have been published don't carry copyright before 1930... Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 02:52, 7 October 2025 (UTC)

About 3/4 done checking sources-- reminds me of grading piles of students' research papers at the end of term...

I really enjoyed the section on Erik Nitsche's posters. Any chance you might get approval to include any of them as images to illustrate the GD article? Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 23:29, 7 October 2025 (UTC)

Chefmikesf, I finished checking the last section today. I assumed good faith for book sources, though using the quote parameter would be a good idea if we're being picky. I added a couple of sources where other WP articles (and sources) were touched on in the text. Let me know if you need help deciphering my comments. Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 21:39, 8 October 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Grand'mere Eugene, I appreciate the thoroughness of the review. Much of the unsourced content was and still is existing content on the current General Dynamics Wikipedia article that I integrated into my draft. I will make another pass to add as many sources as possible, as requested. I have some of the books with me from the library, so I'll add some of the quote parameters to the sources.

We will not get any permissions for the Erik Nitsche posters. I asked already. Interesting fact: Eric illustrated the annual reports during his tenure, too. I've had the privilege to see the primary source artifacts in person. So cool!

There are quite a few General Dynamics images on Commons, I'll select a few for your review and consideration.----Chefmikesf (talk) 00:18, 9 October 2025 (UTC)

I just noticed this statement on Holland Torpedo Boat Company: "Holland's next boat was the Holland VI, launched May 17, 1897, later renamed USS Holland (SS-1) after being sold to the US Navy for $150,000 (half the production cost)." Maybe check the history/sources on that page, too? Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 21:32, 20 October 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Grand'mere Eugene, I factchecked the USS Holland sentence for both articles and found it is correct in the book, The Defender. I updated the content for the USS Holland and added 15 or so references to address all your notes. I still need to find a source about John Naish succeeded Joseph McNarney so I'll keep searching for that source while you review the rest of the content.--Chefmikesf (talk) 21:22, 21 October 2025 (UTC)

@Grand'mere Eugene I realized I replaced the reference tags you added. Can you see where a replaced them with better references or should I add them back?--Chefmikesf (talk) 23:44, 27 October 2025 (UTC)

@Grand'mere Eugene Found it!-Chefmikesf (talk) 01:34, 28 October 2025 (UTC)

I think I probably inadvertently overwrote your last edit, as I was just finishing checking the sources you added earlier.

Which sections will be replaced by the new text? Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 02:39, 28 October 2025 (UTC)

@Grand'mere Eugene No problem! The proposed sections we have been working on rewrites from Electric Boat to F-16 success. Once published, I'll start researching sources for 1975-present.

I realized this was actually an important rewrite. Whoever titled the history subsections just used the outline of the book "Brotherhood of Arms" and copied the narrative of the book.

The bouncing around from topic to topic matches the book.--Chefmikesf (talk) 02:52, 28 October 2025 (UTC)

General Dynamics History 1899-1975

History

1899-1920

Isaac Leopold Rice bought the Holland Torpedo Boat Company from John Philip Holland in 1899. Holland continued to work at the company as chief engineer. The company was renamed Electric Boat Company. Electric Boat was responsible for designing and building the USS Holland, purchased by the United States Navy in 1900 for $150,000 (roughly $5.75M in 2025).

Electric Boat also sold modified Holland-class and Plunger-class submarines to the British Royal Navy through the English armaments company Vickers as well as to Japan and Russia. In 1906, Electric Boat won contracts to design C-class submarines but subcontracted the construction to the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Holland passed away in 1914. Lawrence Spear, who replaced him as chief engineer, redesigned the Holland submarine. The submarine redesign replaced the submarine's observation dome with a conning tower, a periscope, and first-of-its-kind torpedo tubes.

In 1911, Electric Boat acquired the New London Ship and Engine Company in Groton, Connecticut, to build parts for submarines, diesel engines, and commercial ships. Isaac Rice died in 1915 and was replaced by his associate Henry Carse. Carse expanded the company with the purchase of several companies, including Electro Dynamics, Elco Motor Yacht, and New London Ship & Engine of Groton, Connecticut. Following the acquisitions, the company was renamed Submarine Boat Corporation. During World War I, the company received orders from the U.S. Navy to build 85 submarines, 722 submarine chasers, and 118 surface ships.

1921-1940

In 1924, the Peruvian government ordered two submarines built at the New London Ship & Engine shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. In 1925, Carse reorganized the company, emphasized production of surface ships, and brought back the Electric Boat Company. In 1933, Electric Boat expanded its presence in Groton, Connecticut, by acquiring a second shipyard to build submarines. The USS Cuttlefish was the first submarine built at the Groton Shipyard. In the early 1930s, the U.S. government placed orders for submarines and PT (patrol/torpedo) boats from Electric Boat facilities at Groton and the Elco plant in New Jersey, respectively. Lawrence Spear retired in 1937, replaced by John Jay Hopkins. Hopkins led the company's strong re-emergence as a shipbuilder in World War II.

1941-1960

During World War II, Electric Boat and its Elco Yacht and Electro Dynamic subsidiaries mobilized full-capacity production. The sudden production expansion led to a labor shortage. Women filled the open jobs as welders and riveters. During World War II, Electric Boat produced 74 submarines and 398 PT boats. When the war ended in 1945, the Navy reduced its orders for new vessels. The company reduced its workforce from 13,000 to 4,000.

Electric Boat diversified at the end of WWII, so John Jay Hopkins acquired the Canadian government-owned Canadair. It was up for sale, and Hopkins bought the company for $10 million in 1946. The factory alone was worth more than $22 million, according to the Canadian government's calculations, excluding the value of the remaining contracts for planes or spare parts. However, Canadair's production line and inventory systems were in disorder when Electric Boat purchased by the company. Hopkins hired Canadian-born mass-production specialist H. Oliver West to take over the president's role and return Canadair to profitability. Shortly after the takeover, Canadair began delivering its new Canadair North Star (a version of the Douglas DC-4) and was able to deliver aircraft to Trans-Canada Airlines, Canadian Pacific Airlines, and British Overseas, and Airways Corporation (BOAC) well in advance of their contracted delivery times.

Defense spending increased with the onset of the Cold War, and Canadair went on to win many Canadian military contracts for the Royal Canadian Air Force and became a major aerospace company. These included Canadair CT-133 Silver Star trainer, the Canadair Argus long-range maritime reconnaissance and transport aircraft, and the Canadair F-86 Sabre. Between 1950 and 1958, 1,815 Sabres were built. Canadair also produced 200 CF-104 Starfighter supersonic fighter aircraft, a license-built version of the Lockheed F-104.

In 1951, the company was awarded the contract to build the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus (SSN571). The submarine was launched in 1954.

Aircraft production became increasingly important at Canadair, and Hopkins argued that the name "Electric Boat" was no longer appropriate. In 1952, Hopkins established the General Dynamics Corporation as a parent company holding Electric Boat and Canadair.

In 1953, General Dynamics (GD) purchased Convair from the Atlas Group. The sale was approved by government oversight with the provision that GD would continue to operate out of Air Force Plant 4 in Fort Worth, Texas. This factory had been set up in order to spread out strategic aircraft production and rented to Convair during the war to produce B-24 Liberator bombers. Convair worked as an independent division inside General Dynamics and, over the next decade, developed the F-106 Delta Dart interceptor, the B-58 Hustler bomber, and the Convair 880 and 990 airliners. Convair also developed the Atlas missile, the U.S.'s first operational intercontinental ballistic missile. Convair led the development of the American nuclear aircraft program, which the Pentagon enthusiastically supported. CEO Hopkins was a strong advocate of nuclear power and its numerous applications, but the nuclear airplane, or 'N-bomber,' was later found to be impractical, and the project was abandoned.

In the late 1950s, General Dynamics hired Erik Nitsche as a graphic designer to develop corporate reports and advertising material designs, including the "Atoms for Peace" series of posters for the 1955 International Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva, Switzerland. These designs have become iconic examples of the mid-century modernist graphic design style.

In 1957, Hopkins fell seriously ill and was replaced by Frank Pace later that year. John Naish succeeded Joseph McNarney as president of Convair. In the same year, General Dynamics purchased Liquid Carbonic Corporation in September 1957 and controlled it as a wholly owned subsidiary.

In 1959, the U.S. Navy commissioned Electric Boat to design and build the first fleet ballistic-missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN598). The George Washington-class ballistic missile submarines were derived from the Skipjack-class submarine design, with a 130-foot missile compartment inserted between the control and reactor sections. The USS George Washington (SSBN-598) was initially laid down as the Skipjack-class USS Scorpion (SSN-589), but was repurposed during construction to accommodate the Polaris missile system. Materials from other planned attack submarines, including USS Sculpin (SSN-590), were also reallocated to the program.

The same year, Chicago industrialist Henry Crown became the company's largest shareholder and merged his Material Service Corporation with General Dynamics in 1959. General Dynamics subsequently reorganized into Eastern Group in New York City and Western Group in San Diego, California, with the latter taking over all of the aerospace activities and dropping the Convair brand name from its aircraft in the process. The board decided to build all future planes in Fort Worth, Texas, ending plane production at Convair's original plant in San Diego, California, but continuing with space and missile development there.

1961-1980

In 1961, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara initiated the Tactical Fighter Experimental (TFX) program to develop a single aircraft design for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. General Dynamics and Boeing were selected to submit updated designs. McNamara selected General Dynamics' proposal due to the greater commonality between its versions. The Boeing aircraft shared less than half of the major structural components. The F-111's design pioneered variable-sweep wings, after-burning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. General Dynamics continued to develop its version of the F-111 at the former Convair facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The company built 563 F-111s.

In 1962, Roger Lewis was appointed Chairman and CEO of General Dynamics. In 1963, General Dynamics purchased the Quincy Shipbuilding Works from Bethlehem Steel. In 1965, General Dynamics reorganized into 12 operating divisions based on product lines. In 1967, Electric Boat launched the USS Sturgeon (SSN637), the lead ship in the Sturgeon class of attack submarines. In 1970, the board replaced Roger Lewis with former McDonnell Douglas president David S. Lewis as Chief Executive Officer. David S. Lewis relocated the company headquarters to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1971. Later that year, Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding were awarded contracts to co-manufacture the Los Angeles-class submarines. In 1972, Electric Boat received contracts for the design and development of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine. Electric Boat developed a new modular process to build the 560-foot submarines. The process remains the industry standard. Construction of the flagship Los Angeles-class attack submarine began the same year. In 1973, General Dynamics established the Quonset Point Facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, to provide off-site manufacturing support for the Groton facility. Production began the following year.

The U.S. Air Force initiated the Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program to develop a new fighter aircraft that met the requirements of Major John Boyd's "energy-maneuverability" theory. General Dynamics organized its own version of Lockheed's Skunk Works, the Advanced Concepts Laboratory, and responded with a new aircraft design incorporating advanced technologies. General Dynamics submitted a design in 1972 for a new lightweight fighter, the YF-16. The YF-16 first flew in January 1974 and proved slightly better performance than the Northrop Grumman YF-17 in head-to-head testing. General Dynamics YF-16 was selected as the first Lightweight Fighter for the U.S. Air Force. It entered production as the F-16 Fighting Falcon in January 1975 with an initial order of 650 and 1,388. The F-16 also won contracts worldwide, beating the F-17 in foreign competition. General Dynamics built an aircraft production factory in Fort Worth, Texas to fulfill the contracts. F-16 orders eventually totaled more than 4,600, making it the company's largest aircraft program.

In 1975, General Dynamics Electric Boat broke ground on a land-level submarine construction facility in Groton, Connecticut.

 Sources reviewed, Oct 27, 2025. Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 27 October 2025

In 1999 the company acquired Gulfstream Aerospace. Here, a Gulfstream G650 departs Bristol Airport, England, in 2014.

Chefmikesf (talk) 18:16, 13 September 2025 (UTC)

Chefmikesf, I moved the above revision to the main article, substituting the History through 1980. Let me know if it needs modification. Grand'mere Eugene (talk) 06:04, 28 October 2025 (UTC)

Thanks @Grand'mere Eugene, I'll review today and see if I have any suggestions. --Chefmikesf (talk) 15:06, 29 October 2025 (UTC)