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                                        EXHIBIT 23.1, ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
                                            FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
                                                   COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-3671





                          GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



           As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation of our report incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2000, into the company's previously filed
Registration Statements File Numbers 33-23448, 2-23904, 2-23032, 2-28952,
2-50980, 2-24270, 33-42799, 33-80213 and 33-81051.



                                          /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                          -----------------------
                                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Vienna, Virginia
March 29, 2001