================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-K



[x]       ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
          EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.

                                       or

[_]       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
          EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (No Fee Required) For the transition period from
          ___________ to ___________

                         Commission file number: 1-4252


                          UNITED INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


           DELAWARE                                       95-2081809
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (State or Other Jurisdiction              (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of Incorporation or Organization)


                              570 LEXINGTON AVENUE
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
                                 (212) 752-8787
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
        Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                          Name of Each Exchange
    Title of Each Class                                    on Which Registered
    -------------------                                    -------------------

COMMON STOCK, $1.00 PAR VALUE                            NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                      NONE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Title of Class)

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 (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [_]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statement
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K [x].



                            [Cover page 1 of 2 pages]


NYFS11...:\95\78495\0001\1708\FRM3208N.37B

Aggregate market value of the voting stock (which consists solely of shares of
Common Stock) held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 24, 1998,
computed by reference to the closing sale price of the registrant's Common Stock
on the New York Stock Exchange on such date: $137,246,395.

On March 24, 1998, the registrant had outstanding 12,257,759 shares of Common
Stock, par value $1.00 per share, which is the registrant's only class of common
stock.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

1.       Certain portions of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for
         the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 are incorporated by reference
         into Parts I and II of this report.

2.       Certain portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be
         filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of
         1934, as amended, in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
         of the registrant to be held on May 12, 1998 are incorporated by
         reference into Part III of this report.






                           [Cover page 2 of 2 pages]

                                     PART I

ITEM  1.  BUSINESS

United Industrial Corporation ("United" or the "Company") was incorporated under
the laws of the State of Delaware on September 14, 1959 under the name Topp
Industries Corporation. On December 31, 1959, the name of the corporation was
changed to United Industrial Corporation.

At December 31, 1997, the operations of United consist of two principal industry
segments: defense and energy systems, conducted through three wholly-owned
subsidiaries. Through September 1997, the Company also operated a plastics
segment operated through a wholly owned subsidiary of which substantially all of
the operating assets were sold during 1997 (see Recent Developments below).

Forward Looking Information
- ---------------------------

This Annual Report contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking
statements are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections and
assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans,"
"believes," "estimates," and 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. These forward looking statements are subject to risks
and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results or performance
to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. These
risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the
Company's successful execution of internal performance plans; performance issues
with key suppliers, subcontractors and business partners; legal proceedings;
product demand and market acceptance risks; the effect of economic conditions;
the impact of competitive products and pricing; product development,
commercialization and technological difficulties; capacity and supply
constraints or difficulties; legislative or regulatory actions impacting the
Company's energy segment and transportation business; changing priorities or
reductions in the U.S. government defense budget; contract continuation and
future contract awards; and U.S. and international military budget constraints
and determinations.

Recent Developments
- -------------------

On August 28, 1997, the Company consummated the sale of substantially all of the
assets, subject to liabilities, of its Neo Products Co. ("Neo") subsidiary to a
group of private investors. The purchase price was approximately $587,000 in
cash, $853,000 in notes and a contingent price based on Neo's earnings over the
next five years. Excluded from the sale was Neo's cash and a portion of its real
estate. Neo was engaged in the plastic products business.


                                       2

On October 3, 1997, the Company completed the sale of all of the capital stock
of AAI Systems Management, Inc. ("SMI"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company, to All Weather, Inc. (the "Purchaser"), a holding company formed by
Ridge Capital, Northstar Capital and the management team of SMI. SMI was
directly owned by the Company's AAI Corporation subsidiary. The purchase price
was $18.5 million in cash and a five-year subordinated note in the principal
amount of $2.375 million. SMI was primarily engaged in the automated weather and
environmental reporting systems business.

Defense
- -------

AAI Corporation

AAI Corporation ("AAI") is engaged in engineering, development and manufacture
in the following major areas: (1) training and simulation systems; (2) automatic
test equipment for electronic systems and components; (3) unmanned air vehicle
systems; (4) ordnance systems; (5) mechanical support systems for industrial,
military, and marine applications; and (6) transportation systems. Since its
inception, AAI's business has been primarily in support of the U.S. Department
of Defense ("DOD"). Since 1990, the Company has emphasized diversification into
other markets to reduce its dependence on the DOD. The United States defense
budget has been significantly reduced in recent years and this trend is expected
to continue. In 1997 approximately 57% of the sales volume of AAI consisted of
research, development and production of military items under domestic defense
contracts compared to 62% in 1996. Certain of the contracts currently being
worked on by AAI involve testing systems for U.S. Navy aircraft, training
equipment for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, and weapons handling systems for
the U.S. Army. International defense contracts accounted for 15% of sales in
1997 as compared to 10% in 1996. These contracts generally related to unmanned
air vehicle systems and weapon training systems for foreign governments. The
balance of AAI's business consists of work performed in the non-defense markets.
These areas include hydraulic test equipment and transportation equipment.

Because of the variety of its activities, it is not possible to state precisely
the competitive position of AAI with respect to each of its product lines. In
the area of training and simulation systems, AAI is one of approximately ten
leading organizations developing equipment for the U.S. Government. AAI's
ability to obtain orders for training and simulation systems is dependent
principally on the ability, expertise and training of its employees and the
level of funding by the DOD and foreign military users. A number of large and
small companies produce automatic test equipment that compete with AAI for
market share. In the area of weapons and munitions, AAI ranks among
approximately ten leading companies engaged in development work. However, AAI's
production activity in this field is less significant. AAI began development in
the Unmanned Air Vehicle ("UAV") business in 1986. The Company produces the
highly successful Pioneer Unmanned Air Vehicle employed by the United States
during Operation Desert Storm, and in conflicts in Somalia and Bosnia. In
addition, AAI has other UAV systems and products which it markets
internationally. AAI is one of several large and small competitors in this
field.

                                       3

AAI's administrative offices and its principal manufacturing and engineering
facilities are located in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

Symtron Systems, Inc.

Symtron Systems, Inc. ("Symtron") is a world leader in the development and sale
of advanced, computer controlled, gas fueled, live fire, firefighter training
systems for public and private industry. Symtron started development of its
computer controlled, live fire, firefighter training systems under an initial
contract with the U.S. Army in 1978. It was purchased by United in 1994.
Contingent purchase price amounts are payable if certain pretax profits, as
defined in the purchase agreement, are earned for each of the years in the five
year period ending December 31, 1998. Included in general and administrative
expenses in 1997 and 1996 are such contingent payments totaling $680,000 and
254,000, respectively. Furthermore, in 1995 the Company recorded a $1,000,000
contingent payment based on profits on contracts existing at the acquisition
date and the net worth of Symtron at specified dates which was likewise
classified as general and administrative expense. Symtron's 1997 sales consisted
of production primarily for commercial customers. The main office and plant of
Symtron are located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. The recent withdrawal of Symtron's
principal direct competitor from the marketplace as a result of Symtron's
successful defense of its intellectual property rights, has fortified its
position in that marketplace. In the international markets, Symtron is faced
with significant competition from several small firms.

Energy Systems
- --------------

Detroit Stoker Company

Detroit Stoker Company ("Detroit Stoker") is engaged in the design, manufacture
and sale of industrial stokers, gas/oil burners, municipal solid waste
combustion systems for waste to energy plants, rotary seal feeders for the
metering of fuel to fluidized bed combustors and handling of granular materials,
replacement parts, construction services and aftermarket services. Its products
are used for the generation of process steam and electric power in a wide range
of industrial and municipal applications. Principal customers include pulp and
paper mills, public utilities, independent power producers (non-utility
generators), industrial manufacturing plants, universities and sugar mills. Its
waste to energy technology is used extensively in both public and private plants
which generate steam and power from municipal waste. Its solid fuel combustion
technologies are particularly well suited to the burning of biomass fuels. The
primary raw materials used by Detroit Stoker are iron and steel which are
available from many sources. The main office and plant of Detroit Stoker are
located in Monroe, Michigan.

The products of Detroit Stoker compete with those of several other
manufacturers. Detroit Stoker is presently marketing a liquid and gaseous fuel
burning product line with low emissions for the power industry, primarily for
boiler applications. Potential customers for these products consist of original
boiler manufacturers as well as all major industrial and institutional energy


                                       4

consumers. Competition is based on several factors including price, features and
performance.

Midwest Metallurgical Laboratory, Inc. ("Midwest"), a subsidiary of Detroit
Stoker, is a foundry engaged in the manufacture of grey and ductile iron,
stainless steel and special alloy iron castings. The majority of the sales of
Midwest are to Detroit Stoker. Midwest's plant and offices are located in
Marshall, Michigan.

For additional information concerning United's subsidiaries reference is made to
information set forth in the Letter to Shareholders contained in United's 1997
Annual Report to Shareholders (the "Annual Report"), which letter is
incorporated herein by reference.

General
- -------

Employees

As of March 1, 1998 United and its subsidiaries had approximately 1,800
employees. Approximately 150 of these employees are represented by several
unions under contracts expiring between July 2000 and January 2001. United
considers its employee relationships to be satisfactory.

Patents

United and its subsidiaries own more than 100 United States patents relating to
various products, including stokers, marine equipment, ordnance and electronic
equipment, and firefighter trainers. In addition, United has numerous pending
applications for patents. There is no assurance as to how many patents will be
issued pursuant to these pending applications. The applications relate to a wide
variety of fields, including automation control systems, ordnance devices, and
electronic developments. No patent is considered to be of material importance to
United.

Research and Development

During 1997, 1996 and 1995 the subsidiaries of United (exclusive of AAI)
expended approximately $144,000, $639,000 and $194,000, respectively, on the
development of new products and the improvement of existing products. All of the
programs and the funds to support such programs are sponsored by the subsidiary
involved. In addition to the above amount, AAI is engaged in research and
development primarily for the U.S. Government.



                                       5

Backlog

The backlog of orders by industry segment at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was as
follows:

                                     1997                   1996
                                     ----                   ----

Defense                         $179,200,000           $150,888,000
Energy Systems                     9,016,000              6,871,000
Plastic Products                         -0-                941,000

The increase in backlog for the defense segment was generally due to a new
contract to support the delivery of 250 electric trolley buses to the City and
County of San Francisco partially offset by a decrease related to the sale of
SMI (see Recent Developments above). The increase in backlog for energy systems
was due to the increased level of new contracts being awarded.

Except for approximately $55,000,000, substantially all of the backlog orders at
December 31, 1997 are expected to be filled in 1998. The Company exited the
plastic products business during 1997 (see Recent Developments above).

Government Contracts

No single customer other than the U.S. Government, principally the Department of
Defense, accounted for 10% or more of net sales during the year. Sales to the
U.S. Government normally carry a lesser margin of profit than commercial sales
and may be subject to price redetermination under certain circumstances.
Contracts for such sales can be terminated for the convenience of the U.S.
Government.

Financial Information Relating to Industry Segments

For financial information with respect to industry segments of United, reference
is made to the information set forth in Note 13 of the Notes to Financial
Statements included in Item 8 of this Report, which Note is incorporated herein
by reference.

Foreign Operations and Export Sales

United and its subsidiaries have no significant foreign operations. During 1997
and 1996 export sales by United and its subsidiaries amounted to approximately
$40,322,000 and $26,491,000, respectively. Export sales in 1995 amounted to less
than 10% of net sales.


                                       6

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

On or about April 27, 1998, upon termination of its current lease, United will
relocate its executive and administrative offices from 18 East 48th Street, New
York, N.Y., to leased premises at 570 Lexington Avenue, New York, N.Y., which
lease expires in August 2008. The following is a tabulation of the principal
properties owned or leased by United's subsidiaries as at March 25, 1998.



                                                                          Approximate Area            Owned
Location                           Principal Use                           in Square Feet           or Leased
- --------                           -------------                           --------------           ---------
                                                                                          
1510 East First Street             Machine shop, steel fabrication,        194,910 floor space      Owned in fee 
Monroe, MI                         engineering and sales facilities of     on 14.4 acres of
                                   Detroit Stoker                          land (East Building)

1426 East First Street             Assembly, shipping and administrative   101,000 floor space      Owned in fee 
Monroe, MI                         facilities of Detroit Stoker            on 2.2 acres of land
                                                                           (West Building)

15290 Fifteen Mile Road            Foundry,                                59,386 floor space       Owned in fee
Marshall, MI                       Midwest Metallurgical                   on 28.4 acres of land

Industry Lane                      Manufacturing, engineering              740,208 floor space      Owned in fee
Cockeysville, MD                   and administrative                      on 87 acres of land
                                   facilities of AAI

1701 Pollitt Drive                 Administrative, engineering and         30,000                   Leased to June 30, 2001
Fair Lawn, NJ                      manufacturing facilities                                     
                                   of Symtron

1505 East Warner Avenue            Manufacturing, engineering and          103,200                  Leased to Sept. 30, 1999
Santa Ana, CA                      administrative facilities                                    
                                   of ACL Technologies

1035 Semoran Boulevard             Sublet                                  900                      Leased to April 30, 1999
Winter Park, FL                                                                                



For information with respect to obligations for lease rentals, see Note 9 of the
Notes to Financial Statements in the Annual Report, which Note is incorporated
herein by reference. United considers its properties to be suitable and adequate
for its present needs. The properties are being substantially utilized.


                                       7

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company, along with numerous other parties, has been named in five tort
actions relating to environmental matters based on allegations partially related
to a predecessor's operation of a small facility at a site in the State of
Arizona that manufactured semi-conductors between 1959 and 1960. All such
operations of the Company were sold by 1961. These tort actions seek recovery
for personal injury and property damage among other damages. One tort claim is a
certified property and medical class action.

On February 11, 1992 a complaint was filed against the Company and ten other
named and ten unnamed entities in the Maricopa County Superior Court of Arizona
by seven individuals seeking to represent a class. A class in excess of 10,000
was originally alleged. The plaintiffs have amended their complaint to separate
the larger property damage and medical monitoring classes into smaller
subclasses based on geographic location and alleged exposure to solvents. In the
process of amendment, the overall sizes of the respective classes have been
significantly reduced. This suit alleges that the members of the class have been
exposed to contaminated groundwater in the Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona area and
suffer increased risk of disease and other physical effects. They also assert
property damages under various theories; seek to have certain scientific studies
performed concerning health risks, preventative measures and long-term effects;
and seek incidental and consequential damages, punitive damages, and an
injunction against actions causing further exposures. The property and medical
classes have been certified. The Company has joined with the other defendants
and appealed the class certification issue to the Arizona Supreme Court. The
Company intends to vigorously contest these actions and believes that the
resolution of these actions will not be material to the Company.

Four additional lawsuits were filed on April 7, 1993, December 20, 1993, June
10, 1994 and July 18, 1995 in the Maricopa County Superior Court of Arizona.
These matters allege personal injury and wrongful death by multiple plaintiffs
arising from the alleged contamination in the Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona area.
The Company intends to aggressively defend against these claims; however, at
this time, no estimate can be made as to the amount or range of potential loss,
if any, to the Company with respect to these matters.

Detroit Stoker was notified in March 1992 by the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources ("MDNR") that it is a potentially responsible party in connection with
the clean-up of a former industrial landfill located in Port of Monroe,
Michigan. MDNR is treating the Port of Monroe landfill site as a contaminated
facility within the meaning of the Michigan Environmental Response Act ("MERA").
Under MERA, if a release or a potential release of a discarded hazardous
substance is or may be injurious to the environment or to the public health,
safety, or welfare, MDNR is empowered to undertake or compel investigation and
response activities in order to alleviate any contamination threat. Detroit
Stoker intends to aggressively defend these claims. At this time, no estimate
can be made as to the amount or range of potential loss, if any, to Detroit
Stoker with respect to this action.


                                       8

The Company is involved in various other lawsuits and claims, including certain
other environmental matters, arising out of the normal course of its business.
In the opinion of management, the ultimate amount of liability, if any, under
pending litigation, including claims described above, will not have a materially
adverse effect on the Company.


ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

         None.


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Annual elections are held in May to elect officers for the ensuing year. Interim
elections are held as required. Except as otherwise indicated, each executive
officer has held his current position for the past five years.







                                       9



                                                                                                      Age at
       Name                              Position, Office                                       December 31, 1997
       ----                              ----------------                                       -----------------
                                                                                          
Richard R. Erkeneff*             --  President of the Company (since October 1995) and AAI              62
                                     (since November 1993); Senior Vice President of the
                                     Aerospace Group at McDonnell Douglas Corporation, an
                                     aerospace firm (October 1992 to November 1993).
Robert Worthing                  --  Vice President and General Counsel of the Company (since           52
                                     July, 1995); General Counsel of AAI (since April, 1992).
Susan Fein Zawel*                --  Vice President, Corporate Communications and Associate             43
                                     General Counsel (since June 1995), Secretary (since May
                                     1994) and Counsel (1992 to 1995) of the Company.
James H. Perry                   --  Chief Financial Officer (since October, 1995) and                  36
                                     Treasurer (since December 1994) of the Company; and
                                     Senior Manager
                                     (October 1992 to November 1994) at Ernst &
                                     Young LLP, an accounting firm.



- --------------------
* Member of the Company's Board of Directors




                                       10

                                     PART II
                                     -------


ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER 
         MATTERS

Reference is made to the information set forth in Note 15 of the Notes to
Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report concerning dividends,
stock prices, stock listing and number of record holders, which information is
incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Reference is made to the information set forth in the sections entitled
"Five-Year Financial Data" on page 46 of the Annual Report, which section is
incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Reference is made to the information set forth in the section entitled
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" commencing on page 23 of the Annual Report, which section is
incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

         Not Applicable.


ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The report of independent auditors and consolidated financial statements
included on pages 27 through 45 of the Annual Report are incorporated herein by
reference.


ITEM 9.  DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

         None.


                                       11

                                    PART III
                                    --------


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Reference is made to the information to be set forth in the section entitled
"Election of Directors" in the definitive proxy statement involving the election
of directors in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of United to
be held on May 12, 1998 (the "Proxy Statement"), which section (other than the
Compensation Committee Report and Performance Graph) is incorporated herein by
reference. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 1997, pursuant to
Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The information required with respect to executive officers is set forth in Part
I of this report under the heading "Executive Officers of the Registrant,"
pursuant to Instruction 3 to paragraph (b) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Reference is made to the information to be set forth in the section entitled
"Election of Directors" in the Proxy Statement, which section (other than the
Compensation Committee Report and Performance Graph) is incorporated herein by
reference.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Reference is made to the information to be set forth in the section entitled
"Voting Rights" and "Security Ownership of Management" in the Proxy Statement,
which sections are incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Reference is made to the information to be set forth in the section entitled
"Election of Directors" in the Proxy Statement, which section (other than the
Compensation Committee Report and Performance Graph) is incorporated herein by
reference.



                                       12

                                     PART IV
                                     -------

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)      (1) and (2) -     The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted
                           as a separate section of this report entitled "List
                           of Financial Statements and Financial Statement 
                           Schedules".

     (3)            Exhibits:

     (3)(a)-        Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United (1).

     (3)(b)-        Amended and Restated By-Laws of United (2).

     (10)(a)-       United Industrial Corporation 1994 Stock Option Plan, as
                    amended (3).

     (10)(b)-       United Industrial Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan for
                    Nonemployee Directors (4).

     (10)(c)-       Purchase Agreement, dated January 18, 1994, between United
                    and Symtron Systems, Inc. (1).

     (10)(d)-       Revolving Line of Credit Loan Agreement, Term Loan Agreement
                    and Security Agreement dated as of June 11, 1997 (amending
                    and restating Credit Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994)
                    by and among First Union Commercial Corporation and the
                    Company, AAI Corporation, AAI Engineering Support, Inc., AAI
                    Systems Management, Inc., AAI/ACL Technologies, Inc.,
                    Detroit Stoker Company, Midwest Metallurgical Laboratory,
                    Inc., Neo Products Co., Symtron Systems, Inc., UIC-Del.
                    Corporation and AAI MICROFLITE Simulation International
                    Corporation (5).

     (10)(e)-       Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994
                    by AAI in favor of the Agent (6).

     (10)(f)-       Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994
                    by the Company in favor of the Agent (6).

     (10)(g)-       Security Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994 between AAI
                    and the Agent (6).

     (10)(h)-       Security Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994 between each
                    subsidiary of AAI, certain subsidiaries of the Company and
                    the Agent (6).

     (10)(i)-       Guaranty dated as of October 13, 1994 by the Company and
                    certain of its subsidiaries and by each subsidiary of AAI in
                    favor of the Agent (6).

     (10)(j)-       Employment Agreement dated March 26, 1996, between United
                    and Richard R. Erkeneff (2).


                                       13

     (10)(k)-       Employment Agreement, dated January 8, 1996, between United
                    and Susan Fein Zawel (2).

     (10)(l)-       Employment Agreement, dated February 9, 1996, between United
                    and James H. Perry (the "Perry Employment Agreement") (2).

     (10)(m)-       Amendment dated as of September 29, 1996, between United and
                    James H. Perry to the Perry Employment Agreement (7).

     (10)(n)-       Stock Purchase Agreement between All Weather, Inc. and AAI
                    Corporation dated September 30, 1997 (8).

     (11)-          Computation of Earnings Per Share.

     (13)-          United's 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders.

     (21)-          Subsidiaries of United.

     (23)-          Consent of Independent Auditors.

     (27)-          Financial Data Schedule.

- --------------------------

     (1)  Incorporated by reference to United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
          the year ended December 31, 1993.
     (2)  Incorporated by reference to United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
          the year ended December 31, 1995.
     (3)  Incorporated by reference to United's Registration Statement on Form
          S-8, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 10,
          1997.
     (4)  Incorporated by reference to United's Registration Statement on Form
          S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26,
          1997.
     (5)  Incorporated by reference to United's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
          for the quarter ended June 30, 1997.
     (6)  Incorporated by reference to United's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
          for the quarter ended September 30, 1994.
     (7)  Incorporated by reference to United's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
          for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
     (8)  Incorporated by reference to United's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
          on October 17, 1997.


(b) - Reports on Form 8-K - United did not file any reports on Form 8-K
      during the quarter ended December 31, 1997, except for one relating to
      the sale of the AAI Systems Management, Inc. filed on October 17, 1997.



                                       14

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

                                         UNITED INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
                                         (Registrant)

                                          By: /s/ Richard R. Erkeneff
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Richard R. Erkeneff, President


                                          Date: March 27, 1998
                                                -------------------------------


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the date indicated.

               Name                                          Date

/s/ Harold S. Gelb                                      March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------------
Harold S. Gelb,
Chairman  of the Board and Director


/s/ Howard M. Bloch                                     March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------------
Howard M. Bloch,
Vice-Chairman of the Board and Director


/s/ Richard R. Erkeneff                                 March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------------
Richard R. Erkeneff, President and
Chief Executive Officer and Director


/s/ Edward C. Aldridge, Jr.                             March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------------
Edward C. Aldridge, Jr., Director


/s/ E. Donald Shapiro                                   March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------------
E. Donald Shapiro, Director


/s/ Susan Fein Zawel                                    March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------------
Susan Fein Zawel,
Vice President and Director


/s/ James H. Perry                                      March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------------
James H. Perry,
Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)


                                       15







                           Annual Report on Form 10-K

                       Item 14(a) (1) and (2), (c) and (d)

         List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

                                Certain Exhibits

                          Financial Statement Schedules



                          Year ended December 31, 1997

                          United Industrial Corporation
                               New York, New York



Form 10-K - Item 14(a) (1) and (2)

UNITED INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules


The following consolidated financial statements of United Industrial Corporation
and subsidiaries, included in the annual report of the registrant to its
shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997, are incorporated by reference
in Item 8:


Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1997 and 1996

Consolidated Statements of Operations -
         Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
         Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

Notes to Financial Statements


The following consolidated financial statement schedule of United Industrial
Corporation and subsidiaries is included in Item 14(d):


Schedule II                Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the
related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.




                                       F-2

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We have audited the consolidated financial statements of United Industrial
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, and have issued our
report thereon dated February 24, 1998. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in item 14(a). This schedule is the responsibility of
the Company=s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on
our audits.

In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.



                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP


New York, New York
February 24, 1998




                                       F-3

                 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

                 United Industrial Corporation and Subsidiaries

                                December 31, 1997



          COL. A                  COL. B                       COL. C                       COL. D             COL. E

                                                         (1)                (2)
                                                      CHARGED TO         CHARGED TO                            BALANCE AT
                           BALANCE AT BEGINNING       COSTS AND       OTHER ACCOUNTS       DEDUCTIONS            END OF  
        DESCRIPTION              OF PERIOD             EXPENSES         (DESCRIBE)         (DESCRIBE)            PERIOD  
        -----------              ---------             --------         ----------         ----------            ------  
                                                                                             
Year ended December 31, 1997:
 Deducted from asset account:    
  Allowance for doubtful account $ 245,000                                                 $ 5,000(B)         $ 240,000
                                 =========                                                 ==========         =========

Product warranty liability       $ 579,000            $ 493,000                                              $1,072,000
                                 =========            =========                                              ==========

Year ended December 31, 1996:
 Deducted from asset accounts:
 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 310,000                                               $ 65,000 (A)         $ 245,000
                                 =========                                               ============         =========

Product warranty liability       $ 650,000                                               $ 71,000 (B)         $ 579,000
                                 =========                                               ============         =========

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995:
 Deducted from asset account:
 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 368,000            $ 43,000                           $ 101,000 (A)        $ 310,000
                                 =========            ========                           =============        =========

Product warranty liability       $ 525,000            $ 125,000                                               $ 650,000
                                 =========            =========                                               =========



(A) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries. 
(B) Reduction of valuation account.



                                       F-4

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
                                  -------------

    Exhibit No.                                                        
    -----------

     (3)(a)-        Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United (1).

     (3)(b)-        Amended and Restated By-Laws of United (2).

     (10)(a)-       United Industrial Corporation 1994 Stock Option Plan, as
                    amended (3).

     (10)(b)-       United Industrial Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan for
                    Nonemployee Directors (4).

     (10)(c)-       Purchase Agreement, dated January 18, 1994, between United
                    and Symtron Systems, Inc. (1).

     (10)(d)-       Revolving Line of Credit Loan Agreement, Term Loan Agreement
                    and Security Agreement dated as of June 11, 1997 (amending
                    and restating Credit Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994)
                    by and among First Union Commercial Corporation and the
                    Company, AAI Corporation, AAI Engineering Support, Inc., AAI
                    Systems Management, Inc., AAI/ACL Technologies, Inc.,
                    Detroit Stoker Company, Midwest Metallurgical Laboratory,
                    Inc., Neo Products Co., Symtron Systems, Inc., UIC-Del.
                    Corporation and AAI MICROFLITE Simulation International
                    Corporation (5).

     (10)(e)-       Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994
                    by AAI in favor of the Agent (6).

     (10)(f)-       Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994
                    by the Company in favor of the Agent (6).

     (10)(g)-       Security Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994 between AAI
                    and the Agent (6).

     (10)(h)-       Security Agreement dated as of October 13, 1994 between each
                    subsidiary of AAI, certain subsidiaries of the Company and
                    the Agent (6).

     (10)(i)-       Guaranty dated as of October 13, 1994 by the Company and
                    certain of its subsidiaries and by each subsidiary of AAI in
                    favor of the Agent (6).

     (10)(j)-       Employment Agreement dated March 26, 1996, between United
                    and Richard R. Erkeneff (2).

     (10)(k)-       Employment Agreement, dated January 8, 1996, between United
                    and Susan Fein Zawel (2).


     (10)(l)-       Employment Agreement, dated February 9, 1996, between United
                    and James H. Perry (the "Perry Employment Agreement") (2).

     (10)(m)-       Amendment dated as of September 29, 1996, between United and
                    James H. Perry to the Perry Employment Agreement (7).

     (10)(n)-       Stock Purchase Agreement between All Weather, Inc. and AAI
                    Corporation dated September 30, 1997 (8).

     (11)-          Computation of Earnings Per Share.

     (13)-          United's 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders.

     (21)-          Subsidiaries of United.

     (23)-          Consent of Independent Auditors.

     (27)-          Financial Data Schedule.

- --------------------------

     (1)  Incorporated by reference to United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
          the year ended December 31, 1993.
     (2)  Incorporated by reference to United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
          the year ended December 31, 1995.
     (3)  Incorporated by reference to United's Registration Statement on Form
          S-8, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 10,
          1997.
     (4)  Incorporated by reference to United's Registration Statement on Form
          S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26,
          1997.
     (5)  Incorporated by reference to United's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
          for the quarter ended June 30, 1997.
     (6)  Incorporated by reference to United's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
          for the quarter ended September 30, 1994.
     (7)  Incorporated by reference to United's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
          for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
     (8)  Incorporated by reference to United's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
          on October 17, 1997.