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                                                                      EXHIBIT 99




                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




                          GENCORP DISCUSSING POSSIBLE
                            PROPULSION JOINT VENTURE


        FAIRLAWN, OHIO, August, 12, 1999 (NYSE: GY) - GenCorp announced today
that it is in preliminary discussions with another defense company regarding a
possible joint venture with its Aerojet segment's propulsion operations in
Sacramento, California. Discussions involve the formation of a new joint venture
entity that would combine a significant portion of Aerojet's rocket propulsion,
missile, and other energetic product operations (about one-third of the
segment's net sales for the first six months of 1999, ended May 31) with similar
operations of the other company. Both companies would hold a near equal
ownership in this new joint venture entity, with Aerojet's potential joint
venture partner having a majority interest. It is also expected that each owner
would indemnify the new entity against certain liabilities, including
environmental, relating to the operations contributed by that owner.
        "Aerojet's decision to consider joint venturing its propulsion business
is the result of an extensive strategic evaluation over the past year to address
the clear need for consolidation in an industry that suffers from excess
capacity," said Bob

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Wolfe, President of Aerojet. "If successful, a joint venture could
revitalize our existing business, enhance our position to that of a true leader
in the propulsion industry, and assure a much healthier future in propulsion,"
he said.
         Because discussions are preliminary and dependent upon negotiations, no
assurance can be given that this transaction will be completed, or what the
timing and final terms will be. Any transaction is subject to, among other
things, due diligence and negotiations, approval by the boards of both
companies, clearance of a Hart-Scott-Rodino filing, and consent by the U.S.
Department of Defense.



         In addition to the major role it plays in propulsion, Aerojet is a
leader in advanced space electronics with expertise in satellite payloads
used for remote sensing and surveillance, and ground systems hardware and
software and a major producer of smart munitions. Aerojet is a segment of
GenCorp, a technology-based manufacturer with leading positions in numerous
polymer product markets and the automotive industry, in addition to aerospace
and defense.

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