<PAGE>

                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                       Washington, D.C. 20549

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               FORM S-8
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                UNDER
                      THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

                    ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
         (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


             MISSOURI                              43-1313242
   (State or other jurisdiction                 (I.R.S. Employer
 of incorporation or organization)           Identification Number)

                            201 Evans Lane
                      St. Louis, Missouri 63121
                            (314) 553-4000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
             of Registrant's principal executive offices)

                   ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                        2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                         (Full Title of Plan)

                        DAVID DOUGLASS MATTERN
                            201 Evans Lane
                      St. Louis, Missouri 63121
                            (314) 553-4984

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
                      code, of agent for service)


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



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


                              PROSPECTUS

                   ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                        2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                           1,150,000 Shares
                   Engineered Support Systems Inc.
                             Common Stock
                            $.01 Par Value

     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED
        UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY
         REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

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

     Engineered Support Systems, Inc., by this prospectus, offers to
eligible employees and consultants of the Company, upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this prospectus, the possibility of receiving
awards of, or options to purchase, no more than 1,150,000 shares of
common stock of the Company.

     No person has been authorized to give any information or to make
any representations, other than as contained herein, in connection with
the offer contained in this prospectus, and if given or made, such
information or representations must not be relied upon.  This prospectus
does not constitute an offer of any securities other than the registered
securities to which it relates or an offer to any person in any state
where such an offer would be unlawful.

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

              THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS AUGUST 9, 2002
                              
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

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

<CAPTION>
Title of Each Class     Amount to      Proposed       Proposed       Amount of
of Securities to be     be             Maximum        Maximum        Registration
Registered              Registered     Offering       Assessment     Fee
                                       Price          Price
                                       Per
                                       Share (1)

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

<S>                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Common Stock $.01       1,150,000      $47.59         $54,728,500    $5,035.02
Par Value

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

<FN>
         (1)  Represents the closing price as reported on August 2, 2002.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                        ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                              Cross-Reference Sheet
                   Pursuant to Item 501 (b) of Regulation S-K

1.  Forepart of Registration Statement             Outside Front Cover
    and Outside Front Cover Page of
    Prospectus

2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover            Inside Front and Outside
    Pages of Prospectus                            Back Cover Pages

3.  Summary Information and Risk Factors           Incorporation of Certain
                                                   Documents by Reference;
                                                   Engineered Support
                                                   Systems, Inc.

4.  General Information Regarding                  Creation, Duration,
    the Plan                                       Purposes and Securities
                                                   to be Offered; Tax
                                                   Effects

5.  Securities to be Offered and                   Eligibility, Creation,
    Employees Who May Participate                  Duration, Purpose and
    in the Plan                                    Securities to be Offered

6.  Purchase of Securities Pursuant                Awards
    to the Plan

7.  Payment for Securities Offered                 Awards

8.  Contributions Under the Plan                   Not Applicable

9.  Withdrawal from the Plan -                     Assignment; Forfeiture
    Assignment of Interest                         of Awards

10. Defaults Under the Plan                        Forfeiture of Awards

11. Administration of the Plan                     Administration

12. Investment of Funds                            Not Applicable

13. Charges and Deductions and Liens Therefore     Not Applicable

14. Description of Registrant's                    Description of Common
    Securities                                     Stock

15. Incorporation of Certain                       Incorporation of Certain
    Documents by Reference                         Documents by Reference

16. Additional Information                         Not Applicable

17. Interest of Named Experts                      Legal Opinion

18. Disclosure of Commission                       Indemnification of
    Position on Indemnification                    Directors and
    for Securities Act Liabilities                 Officers






<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                        AVAILABLE INFORMATION
                        ---------------------

     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in accordance therewith files
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.  Information as of a particular date, concerning
the directors and officers, their remuneration, options granted to them,
principal holders of securities and any information of material interest
of such persons in transactions with the Company, is set forth in proxy
statements distributed to the shareholders and filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.  Such reports, proxy statements and other
information can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates.  This
information may also be inspected at the offices of Engineered Support
Systems, Inc., 201 Evans Lane, St. Louis, Missouri 63121.  The Company
will supply a copy of any and all such information (exclusive of any
exhibits) without charge upon request of Gary C. Gerhardt, Vice
Chairman-Administration and Chief Financial Officer, 201 Evans Lane,
St. Louis, Missouri 63121, telephone number (314) 553-4000.


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                          TABLE OF CONTENTS
                          -----------------

                                                                    Page
                                                                    ----

STOCK OPTION PLAN

      Creation, Duration, Purpose and
      Securities to be Offered                                      3

      Amendments                                                    4

      Admissions                                                    4

      Eligibility                                                   4

      Awards                                                        4

      Death of Recipient                                            5

      Forfeiture of Awards                                          5

      Assignment                                                    5

TAX EFFECTS

      Stock Options                                                 6

OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES                                      7

      Description of Common Stock                                   7

LEGAL OPINION                                                       8

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS                           8

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE                     8



<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                   ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                   --------------------------------


     Engineered Support Systems, Inc. was incorporated under the laws
of the State of Missouri in December 1983.  Engineered Support Systems,
Inc. has eight wholly-owned subsidiaries:  Engineered Air Systems, Inc.,
which was incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri on
December 24, 1981 and acquired the assets of the Defense Systems
Division of Allis-Chalmers Corporation on March 30, 1982; Engineered
Specialty Plastics, Inc., which was acquired on March 9, 1993;
Engineered Coil Company, d/b/a Marlo Coil, which acquired substantially
all of the net assets of Nuclear Cooling, Inc. effective February 1,
1998; Keco Industries, Inc. which was acquired on June 24, 1998;
Engineered Electric Company, d/b/a Fermont, which acquired substantially
all of the net assets of the Fermont division of Dynamics Corporation of
America on February 22, 1999; Systems & Electronics Inc., which was
acquired on September 30, 1999; Radian, Inc., which was acquired on
May 10, 2002; and, Universal Power Systems, Inc., which was acquired on
June 27, 2002.  Unless the context otherwise requires, the term "Company"
refers to Engineered Support Systems, Inc. and to Engineered Air
Systems, Inc., Engineered Specialty Plastics, Inc., Engineered Coil
Company, Keco Industries, Inc., Engineered Electric Company, Systems
& Electronics Inc., Radian, Inc. and Universal Power Systems, Inc. The
Company's headquarters are located at 201 Evans Lane, St. Louis, Missouri
63121 and its telephone number is (314) 553-4000. This offering relates
to the Company's 2002 Stock Option Plan.  Any proceeds will be added to
the general funds of the Company and used for its corporate purposes as
determined by the Board of Directors.


                          STOCK OPTION PLAN
                          -----------------


Creation, Duration, Purpose and Securities to be Offered
--------------------------------------------------------

     The Engineered Support Systems, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan (the
"Plan") was approved by the Board of Directors and by the shareholders
of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. on June 4, 2002.  The purpose of the
Plan is to enhance the profitability and value of the Company for the
benefit of its shareholders by providing stock options to attract,
retain and motivate officers, other key employees and consultants of
Engineered Support Systems, Inc.  The Plan has made available 1,150,000
shares of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. $.01 par value common stock
for purposes of making awards under the Plan.  The shares available for
use will consist of authorized but unissued shares of the common stock.
The number of shares available for awards under the Plan will be adjusted
to reflect any stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification
of shares of stock or consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company.  Any awards made under the Plan will
likewise be adjusted upon the occurrence of any of those events.  The Plan
terminates on October 31, 2007 for the purpose of granting awards thereunder,
but is deemed to continue for administration of the awards granted prior to
termination of the Plan. The Plan is not qualified under Section 401(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code and is not subject to any provision of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

<PAGE>
<PAGE>

Amendments
----------

     The Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time amend,
suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part, and if terminated may
reinstate any and all of the provisions of the Plan, except that (1) no
amendment, suspension or termination may apply to the terms of any award
(contingent or otherwise) granted prior to the effective date of such
amendment, suspension or termination without the recipient's consent;
(2) no amendment may withdraw the authority from the Plan Administrator
to administer the Plan; (3) no amendment may change the persons who may
be eligible; (4) no amendment may change the restrictions in the
Plan against the transferability of awards; and, (5) any material increase
in benefits under the Plan must be approved by shareholders.


Administration
--------------

     The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors of Engineered Support Systems, Inc., subject to the
approval of the Chairman of the Board.  The business address of the Plan
Administrator is 201 Evans Lane, St. Louis, Missouri 63121.  The Plan
Administrator has full power to grant awards, construe and interpret the
Plan, establish rules and regulations and perform all other acts the
Plan Administrator believes reasonable and proper including the power to
delegate related responsibilities.  Any Plan participant requiring
additional information regarding the Plan should contact Mr. Gary C.
Gerhardt, Vice Chairman-Administration and Chief Financial Officer, at
201 Evans Lane, St. Louis, Missouri 63121 or by telephone at (314) 553-
4000.


Eligibility
-----------

     Any employee or consultant shall be eligible to participate in the
Plan.  As of the date of this prospectus, options on 1,150,000 shares of
common stock have been granted under the Plan.


Awards
------

     The terms and conditions of a grant of any stock option must be set
forth in a written notice consistent with the provisions of the Plan.
The option price of shares subject to any stock option shall be the
closing price of the stock on the date the option is granted and may not
be repriced at any time.  No stock options may be exercised more than
five years after the date the stock option is granted.  The purchase
price of any shares exercised under any stock options must be made in
full upon such exercise.  The payment shall be made in such form, which
may be in cash or stock, as the Plan Administrator may determine.

<PAGE>
<PAGE>

Death of Recipient
------------------

     In the event of the death of a stock option recipient, the option,
to the extent exercisable on the date of the recipient's death, may be
exercised by the recipient's personal representative or the person or
persons entitled thereto by will or in accordance with the laws of
descent and distribution at any time within six (6) months after the
recipient's death, but not after the expiration of the term of the
option.


Forfeiture of Awards
--------------------

     Unless the Plan Administrator determines otherwise, the recipient
of an award shall forfeit all amounts not payable or rights not
exercisable if he is (1) discharged for cause (2) voluntarily terminates
his employment other than by Normal Retirement as defined in the
Engineered Support Systems, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (3)
engages in competition with the Company or any affiliate or (4) engages
in any activity or conduct contrary to the best interest of the Company
or any affiliate.


Assignment
----------

     No recipient of an award under the Plan, or any person claiming
by, under or through him, has any right with respect to the Plan or in
the shares reserved or in any award thereof, contingent or otherwise,
unless and until such award or written notice of such award has been
delivered to the recipient, and all the terms and provisions of the Plan
have been complied with.  Hence, no assignment or hypothecation of any
employee or consultant expectation of receiving any award under the Plan
may be made except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

TAX EFFECTS
-----------

     In the opinion of David Douglass Mattern, General Counsel for the
Company, the federal income tax consequences to the Company and the
employee of the grant and exercise of stock options under the Plan under
the now applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as
amended (the "Code") and the regulations thereunder are substantially as
follows:

Stock Options
-------------

     The stock options to be issued under the Plan will be treated as
non-statutory options and will be taxed in accordance with the
provisions of Code Section 83.  The stock options will have the
following tax consequences:

1.   The optionee (person exercising the option) will have ordinary
     income at the time the option is exercised in an amount equal to
     the excess of the fair market value at the date of exercise over
     the option price of the common stock;

2.   The Company will have a deductible expense in an amount equal to
     the ordinary income of the optionee;

3.   No amount other than the price paid under the option shall be
     considered as received by the Company for shares so transferred;

4.   Any gain from the subsequent sale of the shares for an amount in
     excess of fair market value on the date the option is exercised
     will be capital gain and any loss will be capital loss; and,

5.   Upon the exercise of the option, the optionee will be required to
     pay withholding for federal and state income tax for the ordinary
     income recognized.  The ordinary income will be included in the
     optionee's W-2 in the year of exercise.

     This brief summary of applicable tax provisions is furnished for
     the information of recipients, who are cautioned to review the tax
     laws carefully and consider the need for professional assistance
     before determining their actions under this Plan.


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES
------------------------------

     There are 1,150,000 shares of common stock issuable under
outstanding options granted under the terms of the Plan as of the date
of this prospectus.  Updated information regarding options to purchase
securities under the Plan will be contained in the Company's annual
report to shareholders and proxy statement which will be delivered to
Plan participants annually.


Description of Common Stock
---------------------------

     The authorized common stock of the Company consists of 30,000,000
shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share.  There are, as of
April 30, 2002, 10,407,305 shares of common stock validly issued,
outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable.  The common stock offered
hereby for the account of the Company, when issued and sold as
contemplated by this prospectus, will be validly issued, outstanding,
fully paid and non-assessable.

     Holders of common stock, except at elections of directors, are
entitled to cast one vote for each share held of record on all matters
presented to the shareholders.  At all elections of directors, each
shareholder is entitled to as many votes as equals the number of his
shares of common stock multiplied by the number of directors to be
elected, and he may cast all of such votes for a single director or may
distribute them among any two or more directors as he may see fit.  The
common stock of the Company has equal rights to participate in dividends
declared by the Board of Directors out of such funds legally available
therefore and to participate, in the event of liquidation of the
Company, in the distribution of the net assets of the Company legally
available therefore.  There are no pre-emptive rights with respect to
the common stock.

     The Company's transfer agent and registrar is Mellon Investor
Services, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri.

<PAGE>
<PAGE>

LEGAL OPINION
-------------

     The legality of the common stock offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by David Douglass Mattern, General Counsel for the
Company.


               INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
               -----------------------------------------

     Under the Company's by-laws, the Company may indemnify any person
who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or
is or was serving, at the request of the Company, as a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with any civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative action, suit, proceeding or claim to the
full extent and in the manner permitted by law.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or
persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.


            INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
            -----------------------------------------------

     The documents listed below of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. and
all such documents subsequently filed by it pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the
filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities
have been sold or which de-registers all securities then remaining
unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and be deemed to be a part thereof from the date of filing of
such documents.

     1.   Engineered Support Systems, Inc. Form 10-K Annual Report for
          the fiscal year ended October 31, 2001 and Form 10-Q for the
          quarters ended January 31, 2002 and April 30, 2002 filed
          pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934.

     2.   Engineered Support Systems, Inc. proxy statement dated May 1,
          2002 filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange
          Act of 1934 in connection with the special meeting of
          shareholders held June 4, 2002.

     3.   Engineered Support Systems, Inc. Form 8-K dated May 10, 2002
          filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934.


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                               PART II
                               -------

                INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
                --------------------------------------


Item 6.   Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
          ------------------------------------------

     Section 351.355 of the General and Business Corporation Law of
Missouri authorizes a corporation, under certain circumstances, to
indemnify its officers, directors and others.  The By-Laws of the
Registrant authorize indemnification of officers and directors to the
full extent permitted by the above-mentioned Missouri statute.

     In addition, the Registrant maintains officers' and directors'
liability insurance for the benefit of its officers and directors.

Item 8.   Exhibits.
          ---------

     See Exhibit Index on Page II-2.

Item 9.   Undertakings.
          -------------

     (1)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or
          cause to be delivered with the prospectus to each employee
          or consultant to whom the prospectus is sent or given a copy
          of the registrant's annual report to shareholders for its
          last fiscal year, unless such employee or consultant
          otherwise has received a copy of such report, in which case
          the registrant shall state in the prospectus that it will
          promptly furnish, without charge, a copy of such report on
          written request of the employee or consultant.  If the last
          fiscal year of the registrant has ended within 120 days
          prior to the use of the prospectus, the annual report of the
          registrant for the preceding fiscal year may be so
          delivered, but within such 120 day period the annual report
          for the last fiscal year will be furnished to each such
          employee or consultant.

     (2)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to transmit or
          cause to be transmitted to all employees or consultants
          participating in the Plan who do not otherwise receive such
          material as shareholders of the registrant, at the time and
          in the manner such material is sent to its shareholders,
          copies of all reports, proxy statements and other
          communications distributed to its shareholders generally.


                                II-1


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

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

                                                                 Page #
                                                                 ------

4.0    Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
       2002 Stock Option Plan                                    II-3

5.0    Opinion of David Douglass Mattern                         II-6

23.0   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP                     II-8

24.0   Power of Attorney                                         II-9



                                II-2

<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                  ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                       2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                   ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

    Section 1. Purpose of Plan. The purpose of the Engineered
Support Systems, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is to
enhance the profitability and value of Engineered Support Systems,
Inc. (the "Company") and its shareholders by strengthening the
Company's ability to attract, retain and motivate officers, other
key employees, and consultants of the Company who make important
contributions to the success of the Company.

    Section 2. Definitions of Terms as Used in the Plan.

    (a) "Affiliate" means any subsidiary or parent of the Company.

    (b) "Award" means a Stock Option granted under Article II.

    (c) "Plan Administrator" means the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Engineered Support Systems, Inc.

    (d) "Company" means Engineered Support Systems, Inc.

    (e) "Consultant" shall mean such party or entity or employee of
such consultant, which has a written agreement with the Company to
provide consulting services.

    (f) "Plan" means the Engineered Support Systems, Inc. 2002 Stock
Option Plan.

    (g) "Stock" means the $.01 par value common stock of Engineered
Support Systems, Inc.

    Section 3. Authorization and Reservation. There shall be
established a reserve of 1,150,000 shares of authorized and
unissued Stock which shall be the total number of shares of Stock
that may be issued pursuant to Awards. The Board of Directors may,
from time to time, increase the number of shares allocated to the
Plan as approved by the Board of Directors. The reserve may consist
of authorized but unissued shares of Stock or of reacquired shares,
or both. Upon the cancellation or expiration of an Award, all shares
of Stock not issued thereunder shall become available for the
granting of additional Awards.

    Section 4. Administration of the Plan. The Compensation
Committee, subject to the approval of the Chairman, shall administer
the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Plan Administrator
shall have full power to grant Awards, construe and interpret the
Plan, establish rules and regulations and perform all other acts the
Plan Administrator believes reasonable and proper, including the
power to delegate responsibility to others to assist in
administering the Plan.

    Section 5. Participation in the Plan. Any officer, employee or
consultant of the Company shall be eligible to participate in the
Plan.

                     ARTICLE II. STOCK OPTIONS

    Section 1. Description. All options granted under the Plan shall
be nonstatutory options not intended to qualify under Section 422 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

    Section 2. Terms and Conditions.

    (a) Each Stock Option shall be set forth in a written Notice
containing such terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may
determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan.

    (b) The purchase price of any shares exercised under any Stock
Option must be paid in full upon such exercise. The payment shall be
made in such form, which may be in cash or stock, as the Plan
Administrator may determine.

    (c) No Stock Option may be exercised after the expiration of
five (5) years from the date such Option is granted unless such term
is extended by the Plan Administrator as evidenced in writing.

                                II-3
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

    (d) The option price of shares subject to any Stock Option shall
be the closing price of the Stock on the date that the Stock Option
is granted and may not be repriced at any time.

                 ARTICLE III. FORFEITURE OF AWARDS

    (a) The recipient of an Award shall forfeit all amounts due or
rights not exercised upon the occurrence of any of the following
events:

         (i) the recipient is discharged for cause;

        (ii) the recipient voluntarily terminates his employment
    other than by Normal Retirement as defined in the Engineered
    Support Systems, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

       (iii) the recipient engages in competition with the Company
    or any Affiliate; or,

        (iv) the recipient engages in any activity or conduct
    contrary to the best interest of the Company or Affiliate.

    (b) The Plan Administrator may include in any Award any
additional or different conditions of forfeiture he may deem
appropriate. The Plan Administrator may also, after taking into
account the relevant circumstances, waive any condition of
forfeiture stated above or in the Award.

    (c) In the event of forfeiture, the recipient shall lose all
rights in and to the Award. This provision, however, shall not be
invoked to force any recipient to return any Stock already received
or due under an Award at the time of the event of forfeiture.

    (d) Such determinations as may be necessary for application of
this section, including any grant of authority to others to make
determinations under this section, shall be at the sole discretion
of the Plan Administrator and his determinations shall be
conclusive.

                    ARTICLE IV. DEATH OF AWARDEE

    Section 1. Death of Optionee. Upon the death of an Award
recipient, a Stock Option, to the extent exercisable on the date of
his death, may be exercised at any time within six (6) months after
the recipient's death, but not after the expiration of the term of
the option, by the recipient's personal representative or the person
or persons entitled thereto by will or in accordance with the laws
of descent and distribution for the State of Missouri.

        ARTICLE V. EXERCISE OF OPTION AND ISSUANCE OF STOCK

    Section 1. Exercise of Option. The holder of an Award shall
exercise their right to acquire the Stock pursuant to the Award by
written notice to the Secretary of the Company at 201 Evans Lane,
St. Louis, Missouri 63121. Written notice shall set forth the
number of shares for which the exercise is applicable together with
a check for the purchase price for the Stock. If the holder of the
Award exercises his option for less than the total number of Shares
awarded, he will execute such documents as required by the Corporate
Secretary for the remaining number of shares subject to the Award.

    Section 2. Endorsement on Stock Certificates.

    (a) The Stock issued pursuant to an Award shall be restricted
before Stock is issued until the Plan is registered in accordance
with the provisions of the applicable Securities Act and the
provisions of applicable state securities laws or until the Stock
may be transferred in accordance with an exemption from
registration.

    (b) Until registered, the certificate or certificates
representing the shares issued by the Company to any of the parties
hereto shall have endorsed upon them the following legend:

    "The shares represented by this certificate have not been
    registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1934 or the
    Missouri Uniform Securities Act, and therefore are "restricted
    securities" within the meaning of the Act. These shares have
    been acquired for investment and not with a view to
    distribution or resale and may not be made subject to a
    security interest, pledge, hypothecation, or otherwise
    transferred without an effective registration statement for
    such shares under the Securities Act of 1934 or

                                II-4


 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

    the Missouri Uniform Securities Act or an opinion of counsel for
    the corporation that registration is not required under the Acts."

               ARTICLE VI. OTHER GOVERNING PROVISIONS

    Section 1. Transferability. No Award shall be transferable other
than by will or the laws of descent and distribution as set out in
Article V, and any right granted under an Award may be exercised
during the lifetime of the holder thereof only by him or at his
death by his legal representative within six (6) months after such
date.

    Section 2. Rights as a Shareholder. A recipient of an Award
shall, unless the terms of the Award provide otherwise, have no
rights as a shareholder with respect to any options or shares which
may be issued in connection with the Award until the issuance of a
Stock certificate for such shares, and no adjustment shall be made
for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to
the issuance of such stock certificate.

    Section 3. General Conditions of Awards. No employee or other
person shall have any right with respect to this Plan, in the shares
reserved, or in any Award, contingent or otherwise, until written
evidence of the Award shall have been delivered to the recipient and
all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan applicable to
such recipient have been met.

    Section 4. Limitation as to Service. Neither the Plan, nor the
granting of an option, nor any other action taken pursuant to the
Plan shall constitute or be evidence of any agreement or
understanding, express or implied, that an eligible participant has
a right to continue as an employee or consultant for any period of
time or at any particular rate of compensation.

    Section 5. Acceleration. The Plan Administrator may in its sole
discretion accelerate the date of exercise of any Award.

    Section 6. Adjustments. Upon any Stock split, Stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of shares of Stock, or
consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company, appropriate adjustments shall be made to the
shares reserved under Article I of the Plan and the terms of the
outstanding Awards.

    Section 7. Withholding of Taxes. The Company shall deduct from
any payment, or otherwise collect from the recipient, any taxes
required to be withheld by federal, state or local governments in
connection with any Award.

    Section 8. No Warranty of Tax Effect. Except as may be contained
in the terms of any Award, no opinion is expressed nor warranties
made as to the effect for federal, state, or local tax purposes of
any Awards.

    Section 9. Amendment of Plan. The Board of Directors of the
Company may from time to time amend, suspend or terminate the Plan,
in whole or in part, and if terminated may reinstate any or all of
the provisions of the Plan, except that (1) no amendment, suspension
or termination may apply to the terms of any Award (contingent or
otherwise) granted prior to the effective date of such amendment,
suspension or termination without the recipient's consent; (2) no
amendment may withdraw the authority from the Plan Administrator to
administer the Plan; (3) no amendment may change the persons who may
be eligible; (4) no amendment may change the restrictions in the
Plan against the transferability of Awards; and, (5) any material
increase in benefits under the Plan must be approved by shareholders.

    Section 10. Construction of Plan. The place of administration of
the Plan shall be in the State of Missouri, and the validity,
construction, interpretation, administration and effect of the Plan
and of its rules and regulations, and rights relating to the Plan,
shall be determined solely in accordance with the laws of the State
of Missouri.

                ARTICLE VII. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM

    This Plan shall be effective upon approval by the shareholders
of the Company. The Plan shall continue until October 31, 2007
unless extended by the Board of Directors, when it shall terminate.
Any balances in the Share Reserve shall be canceled, and no Awards
shall be granted under the Plan thereafter. The Plan shall continue
in effect, however, insofar as is necessary to complete all of the
Company's obligations under outstanding Awards and to conclude the
administration.

                                II-5


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                          DAVID DOUGLASS MATTERN
                     ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                      SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                             201 EVANS LANE
                        ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63121

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


                              AUGUST 8, 2002

Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
201 Evans Lane
St. Louis, Missouri 63121

     Re: Registration of Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
         2002 Stock Option Plan

To Whom It May Concern:

     I have assisted in the preparation and filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 ("Registration
Statement"), relating to 1,150,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per
share ("Common Stock") of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. ("Company") to be
offered pursuant to the Engineered Support Systems, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan.

     I have examined the Company's Article of Incorporation, and all
amendments thereto, which have been duly certified by the Secretary of the State
of Missouri, the By-laws of the Company, and all amendments thereto, which have
been duly certified by the Secretary of the Company, and have examined and
relied upon the originals or copies, duly certified to my satisfaction, of such
records of meetings of the directors and shareholders of the Company, and such
other documents and other instruments as in my judgment are necessary or
appropriate to enable me to render the opinions expressed below.

     Based upon the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

     1.  The Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing
         under the laws of the State of Missouri, with corporate power
         and authority adequate for the conduct of its business as described
         in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus constituting a part
         thereof.

     2.  The shares of Common Stock to be offered to the Plan on behalf of
         the Company have been duly authorized for issuance and, upon
         issuance of the certificates by the Company, the shares will be
         validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable.


                                II-6


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

     3.  The section of the Prospectus entitled "Tax Effects" describes the
         current federal income tax consequences to the Company and the
         recipient of a grant.

     I hereby consent to the use of my name in the Registration Statement and
under the caption "Legal Opinion" in the related Prospectus and consent to the
filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

                               Respectfully submitted,




                                       /s/ David Douglass Mattern
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                       David Douglass Mattern, Esq.



                                II-7


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                   ----------------------------------

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated December 7, 2001 relating to
the financial statements, which appears in the 2001 Annual Report to
Shareholders of Engineered Support Systems, Inc., which is incorporated
by reference in Engineered Support Systems, Inc.'s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2001. We also consent to the
incorporation by reference of our report dated December 7, 2001 relating
to the financial statement schedules, which appears in such Annual Report
on Form 10-K.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Saint Louis, Missouri
August 9, 2002


                                II-8


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                              SIGNATURES
                              ----------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
meets all of the requirements for filing of Form S-8 and has duly caused
this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the County of St. Louis and
State of Missouri on August 8, 2002.

                            ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.

                            By  /s/ Michael F. Shanahan Sr.
                               ----------------------------
                                 Michael F. Shanahan Sr.
                                Chairman of the Board and
                                 Chief Executive Officer

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed below on August 8, 2002 by the
following persons in the capacities indicated.

     Each of the persons whose signature appears below authorizes
Michael F. Shanahan Sr., Gary C. Gerhardt and David D. Mattern, or any
one of them, as Attorney-In-Fact to sign on his behalf individually and
in each capacity stated below, and to file any amendments, including
post-effective amendments to registration statements.

                                  Capacity in Which Signed
                                  ------------------------
/s/ Michael F. Shanahan, Sr.      Chairman of the Board and
------------------------------    Chief Executive Officer
MICHAEL F. SHANAHAN, SR.

/s/ Gerald A. Potthoff            Director, President
------------------------------    and Chief Operating Officer
GERALD A. POTTHOFF

/s/ Gary C. Gerhardt              Director, Vice Chairman-Administration
------------------------------    and Chief Financial Officer
GARY C. GERHARDT

/s/ William H. T. Bush            Director
------------------------------
WILLIAM H. T. BUSH

/s/ Michael P.C. Carns            Director
------------------------------
MICHAEL P.C. CARNS

/s/ Timothy B. Fleischer          Director
------------------------------
TIMOTHY B. FLEISCHER

/s/ George E. Friel               Director
------------------------------
GEORGE E. FRIEL

/s/ Thomas J. Guilfoil            Director
------------------------------
THOMAS J. GUILFOIL

/s/ S. Lee Kling                  Director
------------------------------
S. LEE KLING

/s/ Kenneth E. Lewi               Director
------------------------------
KENNETH E. LEWI

/s/ Charles T. Robertson, Jr.     Director
------------------------------
CHARLES T. ROBERTSON, JR.

Crosbie E. Saint                  Director
------------------------------
CROSBIE E. SAINT

/s/ Michael F. Shanahan, Jr.      Director
------------------------------
MICHAEL F. SHANAHAN, JR.

/s/ Earl W. Wims                  Director
------------------------------
EARL W. WIMS

                                II-9
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Plan Administrator has duly caused this registration statement to be
signed, thereunto duly authorized in the County of St. Louis, State of
Missouri on August 8, 2002.


                              ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                              2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN


                              By:  /s/ Michael F. Shanahan, Sr.
                                 -------------------------------------
                                   Michael F. Shanahan, Sr.
                                   Plan Administrator


                                II-10
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "s8.txt", "description": "ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC. FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 45470}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS INC", "cik": "0000772891", "assigned-sic": "3585", "irs-number": "431313242", "state-of-incorporation": "MO", "fiscal-year-end": "1031"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-97859", "film-number": "02724043"}, "business-address": {"street1": "201 EVANS LN", "city": "ST LOUIS", "state": "MO", "zip": "63121", "phone": "3149935880"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "201 EVANS LN", "city": "ST LOUIS", "state": "MO", "zip": "63121"}}
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                       Washington, D.C. 20549

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               FORM S-8
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                UNDER
                      THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

                    ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
         (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

             MISSOURI                              43-1313242
   (State or other jurisdiction                 (I.R.S. Employer
 of incorporation or organization)           Identification Number)

                            201 Evans Lane
                      St. Louis, Missouri 63121
                            (314) 553-4000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
             of Registrant's principal executive offices)

                   ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                        2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                         (Full Title of Plan)

                        DAVID DOUGLASS MATTERN
                            201 Evans Lane
                      St. Louis, Missouri 63121
                            (314) 553-4984

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
                      code, of agent for service)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS

                   ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                        2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                           1,150,000 Shares
                   Engineered Support Systems Inc.
                             Common Stock
                            $.01 Par Value

     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED
        UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY
         REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

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

     Engineered Support Systems, Inc., by this prospectus, offers to
eligible employees and consultants of the Company, upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this prospectus, the possibility of receiving
awards of, or options to purchase, no more than 1,150,000 shares of
common stock of the Company.

     No person has been authorized to give any information or to make
any representations, other than as contained herein, in connection with
the offer contained in this prospectus, and if given or made, such
information or representations must not be relied upon.  This prospectus
does not constitute an offer of any securities other than the registered
securities to which it relates or an offer to any person in any state
where such an offer would be unlawful.

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

              THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS AUGUST 9, 2002
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

===================================================================================
Title of Each Class     Amount to      Proposed       Proposed       Amount of
of Securities to be     be             Maximum        Maximum        Registration
Registered              Registered     Offering       Assessment     Fee
                                       Price          Price
                                       Per
                                       Share (1)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock $.01       1,150,000      $47.59         $54,728,500    $5,035.02
Par Value

===================================================================================
(1)  Represents the closing price as reported on August 2, 2002.
ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                              Cross-Reference Sheet
                   Pursuant to Item 501 (b) of Regulation S-K

1.  Forepart of Registration Statement             Outside Front Cover
    and Outside Front Cover Page of
    Prospectus

2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover            Inside Front and Outside
    Pages of Prospectus                            Back Cover Pages

3.  Summary Information and Risk Factors           Incorporation of Certain
                                                   Documents by Reference;
                                                   Engineered Support
                                                   Systems, Inc.

4.  General Information Regarding                  Creation, Duration,
    the Plan                                       Purposes and Securities
                                                   to be Offered; Tax
                                                   Effects

5.  Securities to be Offered and                   Eligibility, Creation,
    Employees Who May Participate                  Duration, Purpose and
    in the Plan                                    Securities to be Offered

6.  Purchase of Securities Pursuant                Awards
    to the Plan

7.  Payment for Securities Offered                 Awards

8.  Contributions Under the Plan                   Not Applicable

9.  Withdrawal from the Plan -                     Assignment; Forfeiture
    Assignment of Interest                         of Awards

10. Defaults Under the Plan                        Forfeiture of Awards

11. Administration of the Plan                     Administration

12. Investment of Funds                            Not Applicable

13. Charges and Deductions and Liens Therefore     Not Applicable

14. Description of Registrant's                    Description of Common
    Securities                                     Stock

15. Incorporation of Certain                       Incorporation of Certain
    Documents by Reference                         Documents by Reference

16. Additional Information                         Not Applicable

17. Interest of Named Experts                      Legal Opinion

18. Disclosure of Commission                       Indemnification of
    Position on Indemnification                    Directors and
    for Securities Act Liabilities                 Officers
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
                        ---------------------

     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in accordance therewith files
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.  Information as of a particular date, concerning
the directors and officers, their remuneration, options granted to them,
principal holders of securities and any information of material interest
of such persons in transactions with the Company, is set forth in proxy
statements distributed to the shareholders and filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.  Such reports, proxy statements and other
information can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates.  This
information may also be inspected at the offices of Engineered Support
Systems, Inc., 201 Evans Lane, St. Louis, Missouri 63121.  The Company
will supply a copy of any and all such information (exclusive of any
exhibits) without charge upon request of Gary C. Gerhardt, Vice
Chairman-Administration and Chief Financial Officer, 201 Evans Lane,
St. Louis, Missouri 63121, telephone number (314) 553-4000.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
                          -----------------

                                                                    Page
                                                                    ----

STOCK OPTION PLAN

      Creation, Duration, Purpose and
      Securities to be Offered                                      3

      Amendments                                                    4

      Admissions                                                    4

      Eligibility                                                   4

      Awards                                                        4

      Death of Recipient                                            5

      Forfeiture of Awards                                          5

      Assignment                                                    5

TAX EFFECTS

      Stock Options                                                 6

OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES                                      7

      Description of Common Stock                                   7

LEGAL OPINION                                                       8

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS                           8

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE                     8
ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                   --------------------------------

     Engineered Support Systems, Inc. was incorporated under the laws
of the State of Missouri in December 1983.  Engineered Support Systems,
Inc. has eight wholly-owned subsidiaries:  Engineered Air Systems, Inc.,
which was incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri on
December 24, 1981 and acquired the assets of the Defense Systems
Division of Allis-Chalmers Corporation on March 30, 1982; Engineered
Specialty Plastics, Inc., which was acquired on March 9, 1993;
Engineered Coil Company, d/b/a Marlo Coil, which acquired substantially
all of the net assets of Nuclear Cooling, Inc. effective February 1,
1998; Keco Industries, Inc. which was acquired on June 24, 1998;
Engineered Electric Company, d/b/a Fermont, which acquired substantially
all of the net assets of the Fermont division of Dynamics Corporation of
America on February 22, 1999; Systems & Electronics Inc., which was
acquired on September 30, 1999; Radian, Inc., which was acquired on
May 10, 2002; and, Universal Power Systems, Inc., which was acquired on
June 27, 2002.  Unless the context otherwise requires, the term "Company"
refers to Engineered Support Systems, Inc. and to Engineered Air
Systems, Inc., Engineered Specialty Plastics, Inc., Engineered Coil
Company, Keco Industries, Inc., Engineered Electric Company, Systems
& Electronics Inc., Radian, Inc. and Universal Power Systems, Inc. The
Company's headquarters are located at 201 Evans Lane, St. Louis, Missouri
63121 and its telephone number is (314) 553-4000. This offering relates
to the Company's 2002 Stock Option Plan.  Any proceeds will be added to
the general funds of the Company and used for its corporate purposes as
determined by the Board of Directors.

                          STOCK OPTION PLAN
                          -----------------

Creation, Duration, Purpose and Securities to be Offered
--------------------------------------------------------

     The Engineered Support Systems, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan (the
"Plan") was approved by the Board of Directors and by the shareholders
of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. on June 4, 2002.  The purpose of the
Plan is to enhance the profitability and value of the Company for the
benefit of its shareholders by providing stock options to attract,
retain and motivate officers, other key employees and consultants of
Engineered Support Systems, Inc.  The Plan has made available 1,150,000
shares of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. $.01 par value common stock
for purposes of making awards under the Plan.  The shares available for
use will consist of authorized but unissued shares of the common stock.
The number of shares available for awards under the Plan will be adjusted
to reflect any stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification
of shares of stock or consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company.  Any awards made under the Plan will
likewise be adjusted upon the occurrence of any of those events.  The Plan
terminates on October 31, 2007 for the purpose of granting awards thereunder,
but is deemed to continue for administration of the awards granted prior to
termination of the Plan. The Plan is not qualified under Section 401(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code and is not subject to any provision of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Amendments
----------

     The Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time amend,
suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part, and if terminated may
reinstate any and all of the provisions of the Plan, except that (1) no
amendment, suspension or termination may apply to the terms of any award
(contingent or otherwise) granted prior to the effective date of such
amendment, suspension or termination without the recipient's consent;
(2) no amendment may withdraw the authority from the Plan Administrator
to administer the Plan; (3) no amendment may change the persons who may
be eligible; (4) no amendment may change the restrictions in the
Plan against the transferability of awards; and, (5) any material increase
in benefits under the Plan must be approved by shareholders.

Administration
--------------

     The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors of Engineered Support Systems, Inc., subject to the
approval of the Chairman of the Board.  The business address of the Plan
Administrator is 201 Evans Lane, St. Louis, Missouri 63121.  The Plan
Administrator has full power to grant awards, construe and interpret the
Plan, establish rules and regulations and perform all other acts the
Plan Administrator believes reasonable and proper including the power to
delegate related responsibilities.  Any Plan participant requiring
additional information regarding the Plan should contact Mr. Gary C.
Gerhardt, Vice Chairman-Administration and Chief Financial Officer, at
201 Evans Lane, St. Louis, Missouri 63121 or by telephone at (314) 553-
4000.

Eligibility
-----------

     Any employee or consultant shall be eligible to participate in the
Plan.  As of the date of this prospectus, options on 1,150,000 shares of
common stock have been granted under the Plan.

Awards
------

     The terms and conditions of a grant of any stock option must be set
forth in a written notice consistent with the provisions of the Plan.
The option price of shares subject to any stock option shall be the
closing price of the stock on the date the option is granted and may not
be repriced at any time.  No stock options may be exercised more than
five years after the date the stock option is granted.  The purchase
price of any shares exercised under any stock options must be made in
full upon such exercise.  The payment shall be made in such form, which
may be in cash or stock, as the Plan Administrator may determine.
Death of Recipient
------------------

     In the event of the death of a stock option recipient, the option,
to the extent exercisable on the date of the recipient's death, may be
exercised by the recipient's personal representative or the person or
persons entitled thereto by will or in accordance with the laws of
descent and distribution at any time within six (6) months after the
recipient's death, but not after the expiration of the term of the
option.

Forfeiture of Awards
--------------------

     Unless the Plan Administrator determines otherwise, the recipient
of an award shall forfeit all amounts not payable or rights not
exercisable if he is (1) discharged for cause (2) voluntarily terminates
his employment other than by Normal Retirement as defined in the
Engineered Support Systems, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (3)
engages in competition with the Company or any affiliate or (4) engages
in any activity or conduct contrary to the best interest of the Company
or any affiliate.

Assignment
----------

     No recipient of an award under the Plan, or any person claiming
by, under or through him, has any right with respect to the Plan or in
the shares reserved or in any award thereof, contingent or otherwise,
unless and until such award or written notice of such award has been
delivered to the recipient, and all the terms and provisions of the Plan
have been complied with.  Hence, no assignment or hypothecation of any
employee or consultant expectation of receiving any award under the Plan
may be made except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
TAX EFFECTS
-----------

     In the opinion of David Douglass Mattern, General Counsel for the
Company, the federal income tax consequences to the Company and the
employee of the grant and exercise of stock options under the Plan under
the now applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as
amended (the "Code") and the regulations thereunder are substantially as
follows:

Stock Options
-------------

     The stock options to be issued under the Plan will be treated as
non-statutory options and will be taxed in accordance with the
provisions of Code Section 83.  The stock options will have the
following tax consequences:

1.   The optionee (person exercising the option) will have ordinary
     income at the time the option is exercised in an amount equal to
     the excess of the fair market value at the date of exercise over
     the option price of the common stock;

2.   The Company will have a deductible expense in an amount equal to
     the ordinary income of the optionee;

3.   No amount other than the price paid under the option shall be
     considered as received by the Company for shares so transferred;

4.   Any gain from the subsequent sale of the shares for an amount in
     excess of fair market value on the date the option is exercised
     will be capital gain and any loss will be capital loss; and,

5.   Upon the exercise of the option, the optionee will be required to
     pay withholding for federal and state income tax for the ordinary
     income recognized.  The ordinary income will be included in the
     optionee's W-2 in the year of exercise.

     This brief summary of applicable tax provisions is furnished for
     the information of recipients, who are cautioned to review the tax
     laws carefully and consider the need for professional assistance
     before determining their actions under this Plan.
OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES
------------------------------

     There are 1,150,000 shares of common stock issuable under
outstanding options granted under the terms of the Plan as of the date
of this prospectus.  Updated information regarding options to purchase
securities under the Plan will be contained in the Company's annual
report to shareholders and proxy statement which will be delivered to
Plan participants annually.

Description of Common Stock
---------------------------

     The authorized common stock of the Company consists of 30,000,000
shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share.  There are, as of
April 30, 2002, 10,407,305 shares of common stock validly issued,
outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable.  The common stock offered
hereby for the account of the Company, when issued and sold as
contemplated by this prospectus, will be validly issued, outstanding,
fully paid and non-assessable.

     Holders of common stock, except at elections of directors, are
entitled to cast one vote for each share held of record on all matters
presented to the shareholders.  At all elections of directors, each
shareholder is entitled to as many votes as equals the number of his
shares of common stock multiplied by the number of directors to be
elected, and he may cast all of such votes for a single director or may
distribute them among any two or more directors as he may see fit.  The
common stock of the Company has equal rights to participate in dividends
declared by the Board of Directors out of such funds legally available
therefore and to participate, in the event of liquidation of the
Company, in the distribution of the net assets of the Company legally
available therefore.  There are no pre-emptive rights with respect to
the common stock.

     The Company's transfer agent and registrar is Mellon Investor
Services, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri.
LEGAL OPINION
-------------

     The legality of the common stock offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by David Douglass Mattern, General Counsel for the
Company.

               INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
               -----------------------------------------

     Under the Company's by-laws, the Company may indemnify any person
who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or
is or was serving, at the request of the Company, as a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with any civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative action, suit, proceeding or claim to the
full extent and in the manner permitted by law.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or
persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.

            INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
            -----------------------------------------------

     The documents listed below of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. and
all such documents subsequently filed by it pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the
filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities
have been sold or which de-registers all securities then remaining
unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and be deemed to be a part thereof from the date of filing of
such documents.

     1.   Engineered Support Systems, Inc. Form 10-K Annual Report for
          the fiscal year ended October 31, 2001 and Form 10-Q for the
          quarters ended January 31, 2002 and April 30, 2002 filed
          pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934.

     2.   Engineered Support Systems, Inc. proxy statement dated May 1,
          2002 filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange
          Act of 1934 in connection with the special meeting of
          shareholders held June 4, 2002.

     3.   Engineered Support Systems, Inc. Form 8-K dated May 10, 2002
          filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934.
PART II
                               -------

                INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
                --------------------------------------

Item 6.   Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
          ------------------------------------------

     Section 351.355 of the General and Business Corporation Law of
Missouri authorizes a corporation, under certain circumstances, to
indemnify its officers, directors and others.  The By-Laws of the
Registrant authorize indemnification of officers and directors to the
full extent permitted by the above-mentioned Missouri statute.

     In addition, the Registrant maintains officers' and directors'
liability insurance for the benefit of its officers and directors.

Item 8.   Exhibits.
          ---------

     See Exhibit Index on Page II-2.

Item 9.   Undertakings.
          -------------

     (1)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or
          cause to be delivered with the prospectus to each employee
          or consultant to whom the prospectus is sent or given a copy
          of the registrant's annual report to shareholders for its
          last fiscal year, unless such employee or consultant
          otherwise has received a copy of such report, in which case
          the registrant shall state in the prospectus that it will
          promptly furnish, without charge, a copy of such report on
          written request of the employee or consultant.  If the last
          fiscal year of the registrant has ended within 120 days
          prior to the use of the prospectus, the annual report of the
          registrant for the preceding fiscal year may be so
          delivered, but within such 120 day period the annual report
          for the last fiscal year will be furnished to each such
          employee or consultant.

     (2)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to transmit or
          cause to be transmitted to all employees or consultants
          participating in the Plan who do not otherwise receive such
          material as shareholders of the registrant, at the time and
          in the manner such material is sent to its shareholders,
          copies of all reports, proxy statements and other
          communications distributed to its shareholders generally.

                                II-1
EXHIBIT INDEX
                     -------------

                                                                 Page #
                                                                 ------

4.0    Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
       2002 Stock Option Plan                                    II-3

5.0    Opinion of David Douglass Mattern                         II-6

23.0   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP                     II-8

24.0   Power of Attorney                                         II-9

                                II-2
ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                       2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                   ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

    Section 1. Purpose of Plan. The purpose of the Engineered
Support Systems, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is to
enhance the profitability and value of Engineered Support Systems,
Inc. (the "Company") and its shareholders by strengthening the
Company's ability to attract, retain and motivate officers, other
key employees, and consultants of the Company who make important
contributions to the success of the Company.

    Section 2. Definitions of Terms as Used in the Plan.

    (a) "Affiliate" means any subsidiary or parent of the Company.

    (b) "Award" means a Stock Option granted under Article II.

    (c) "Plan Administrator" means the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Engineered Support Systems, Inc.

    (d) "Company" means Engineered Support Systems, Inc.

    (e) "Consultant" shall mean such party or entity or employee of
such consultant, which has a written agreement with the Company to
provide consulting services.

    (f) "Plan" means the Engineered Support Systems, Inc. 2002 Stock
Option Plan.

    (g) "Stock" means the $.01 par value common stock of Engineered
Support Systems, Inc.

    Section 3. Authorization and Reservation. There shall be
established a reserve of 1,150,000 shares of authorized and
unissued Stock which shall be the total number of shares of Stock
that may be issued pursuant to Awards. The Board of Directors may,
from time to time, increase the number of shares allocated to the
Plan as approved by the Board of Directors. The reserve may consist
of authorized but unissued shares of Stock or of reacquired shares,
or both. Upon the cancellation or expiration of an Award, all shares
of Stock not issued thereunder shall become available for the
granting of additional Awards.

    Section 4. Administration of the Plan. The Compensation
Committee, subject to the approval of the Chairman, shall administer
the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Plan Administrator
shall have full power to grant Awards, construe and interpret the
Plan, establish rules and regulations and perform all other acts the
Plan Administrator believes reasonable and proper, including the
power to delegate responsibility to others to assist in
administering the Plan.

    Section 5. Participation in the Plan. Any officer, employee or
consultant of the Company shall be eligible to participate in the
Plan.

                     ARTICLE II. STOCK OPTIONS

    Section 1. Description. All options granted under the Plan shall
be nonstatutory options not intended to qualify under Section 422 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

    Section 2. Terms and Conditions.

    (a) Each Stock Option shall be set forth in a written Notice
containing such terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may
determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan.

    (b) The purchase price of any shares exercised under any Stock
Option must be paid in full upon such exercise. The payment shall be
made in such form, which may be in cash or stock, as the Plan
Administrator may determine.

    (c) No Stock Option may be exercised after the expiration of
five (5) years from the date such Option is granted unless such term
is extended by the Plan Administrator as evidenced in writing.

                                II-3
(d) The option price of shares subject to any Stock Option shall
be the closing price of the Stock on the date that the Stock Option
is granted and may not be repriced at any time.

                 ARTICLE III. FORFEITURE OF AWARDS

    (a) The recipient of an Award shall forfeit all amounts due or
rights not exercised upon the occurrence of any of the following
events:

         (i) the recipient is discharged for cause;

        (ii) the recipient voluntarily terminates his employment
    other than by Normal Retirement as defined in the Engineered
    Support Systems, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

       (iii) the recipient engages in competition with the Company
    or any Affiliate; or,

        (iv) the recipient engages in any activity or conduct
    contrary to the best interest of the Company or Affiliate.

    (b) The Plan Administrator may include in any Award any
additional or different conditions of forfeiture he may deem
appropriate. The Plan Administrator may also, after taking into
account the relevant circumstances, waive any condition of
forfeiture stated above or in the Award.

    (c) In the event of forfeiture, the recipient shall lose all
rights in and to the Award. This provision, however, shall not be
invoked to force any recipient to return any Stock already received
or due under an Award at the time of the event of forfeiture.

    (d) Such determinations as may be necessary for application of
this section, including any grant of authority to others to make
determinations under this section, shall be at the sole discretion
of the Plan Administrator and his determinations shall be
conclusive.

                    ARTICLE IV. DEATH OF AWARDEE

    Section 1. Death of Optionee. Upon the death of an Award
recipient, a Stock Option, to the extent exercisable on the date of
his death, may be exercised at any time within six (6) months after
the recipient's death, but not after the expiration of the term of
the option, by the recipient's personal representative or the person
or persons entitled thereto by will or in accordance with the laws
of descent and distribution for the State of Missouri.

        ARTICLE V. EXERCISE OF OPTION AND ISSUANCE OF STOCK

    Section 1. Exercise of Option. The holder of an Award shall
exercise their right to acquire the Stock pursuant to the Award by
written notice to the Secretary of the Company at 201 Evans Lane,
St. Louis, Missouri 63121. Written notice shall set forth the
number of shares for which the exercise is applicable together with
a check for the purchase price for the Stock. If the holder of the
Award exercises his option for less than the total number of Shares
awarded, he will execute such documents as required by the Corporate
Secretary for the remaining number of shares subject to the Award.

    Section 2. Endorsement on Stock Certificates.

    (a) The Stock issued pursuant to an Award shall be restricted
before Stock is issued until the Plan is registered in accordance
with the provisions of the applicable Securities Act and the
provisions of applicable state securities laws or until the Stock
may be transferred in accordance with an exemption from
registration.

    (b) Until registered, the certificate or certificates
representing the shares issued by the Company to any of the parties
hereto shall have endorsed upon them the following legend:

    "The shares represented by this certificate have not been
    registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1934 or the
    Missouri Uniform Securities Act, and therefore are "restricted
    securities" within the meaning of the Act. These shares have
    been acquired for investment and not with a view to
    distribution or resale and may not be made subject to a
    security interest, pledge, hypothecation, or otherwise
    transferred without an effective registration statement for
    such shares under the Securities Act of 1934 or

                                II-4
the Missouri Uniform Securities Act or an opinion of counsel for
    the corporation that registration is not required under the Acts."

               ARTICLE VI. OTHER GOVERNING PROVISIONS

    Section 1. Transferability. No Award shall be transferable other
than by will or the laws of descent and distribution as set out in
Article V, and any right granted under an Award may be exercised
during the lifetime of the holder thereof only by him or at his
death by his legal representative within six (6) months after such
date.

    Section 2. Rights as a Shareholder. A recipient of an Award
shall, unless the terms of the Award provide otherwise, have no
rights as a shareholder with respect to any options or shares which
may be issued in connection with the Award until the issuance of a
Stock certificate for such shares, and no adjustment shall be made
for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to
the issuance of such stock certificate.

    Section 3. General Conditions of Awards. No employee or other
person shall have any right with respect to this Plan, in the shares
reserved, or in any Award, contingent or otherwise, until written
evidence of the Award shall have been delivered to the recipient and
all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan applicable to
such recipient have been met.

    Section 4. Limitation as to Service. Neither the Plan, nor the
granting of an option, nor any other action taken pursuant to the
Plan shall constitute or be evidence of any agreement or
understanding, express or implied, that an eligible participant has
a right to continue as an employee or consultant for any period of
time or at any particular rate of compensation.

    Section 5. Acceleration. The Plan Administrator may in its sole
discretion accelerate the date of exercise of any Award.

    Section 6. Adjustments. Upon any Stock split, Stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of shares of Stock, or
consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company, appropriate adjustments shall be made to the
shares reserved under Article I of the Plan and the terms of the
outstanding Awards.

    Section 7. Withholding of Taxes. The Company shall deduct from
any payment, or otherwise collect from the recipient, any taxes
required to be withheld by federal, state or local governments in
connection with any Award.

    Section 8. No Warranty of Tax Effect. Except as may be contained
in the terms of any Award, no opinion is expressed nor warranties
made as to the effect for federal, state, or local tax purposes of
any Awards.

    Section 9. Amendment of Plan. The Board of Directors of the
Company may from time to time amend, suspend or terminate the Plan,
in whole or in part, and if terminated may reinstate any or all of
the provisions of the Plan, except that (1) no amendment, suspension
or termination may apply to the terms of any Award (contingent or
otherwise) granted prior to the effective date of such amendment,
suspension or termination without the recipient's consent; (2) no
amendment may withdraw the authority from the Plan Administrator to
administer the Plan; (3) no amendment may change the persons who may
be eligible; (4) no amendment may change the restrictions in the
Plan against the transferability of Awards; and, (5) any material
increase in benefits under the Plan must be approved by shareholders.

    Section 10. Construction of Plan. The place of administration of
the Plan shall be in the State of Missouri, and the validity,
construction, interpretation, administration and effect of the Plan
and of its rules and regulations, and rights relating to the Plan,
shall be determined solely in accordance with the laws of the State
of Missouri.

                ARTICLE VII. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM

    This Plan shall be effective upon approval by the shareholders
of the Company. The Plan shall continue until October 31, 2007
unless extended by the Board of Directors, when it shall terminate.
Any balances in the Share Reserve shall be canceled, and no Awards
shall be granted under the Plan thereafter. The Plan shall continue
in effect, however, insofar as is necessary to complete all of the
Company's obligations under outstanding Awards and to conclude the
administration.

                                II-5
DAVID DOUGLASS MATTERN
                     ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                      SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                             201 EVANS LANE
                        ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63121

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

                              AUGUST 8, 2002

Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
201 Evans Lane
St. Louis, Missouri 63121

     Re: Registration of Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
         2002 Stock Option Plan

To Whom It May Concern:

     I have assisted in the preparation and filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 ("Registration
Statement"), relating to 1,150,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per
share ("Common Stock") of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. ("Company") to be
offered pursuant to the Engineered Support Systems, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan.

     I have examined the Company's Article of Incorporation, and all
amendments thereto, which have been duly certified by the Secretary of the State
of Missouri, the By-laws of the Company, and all amendments thereto, which have
been duly certified by the Secretary of the Company, and have examined and
relied upon the originals or copies, duly certified to my satisfaction, of such
records of meetings of the directors and shareholders of the Company, and such
other documents and other instruments as in my judgment are necessary or
appropriate to enable me to render the opinions expressed below.

     Based upon the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

     1.  The Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing
         under the laws of the State of Missouri, with corporate power
         and authority adequate for the conduct of its business as described
         in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus constituting a part
         thereof.

     2.  The shares of Common Stock to be offered to the Plan on behalf of
         the Company have been duly authorized for issuance and, upon
         issuance of the certificates by the Company, the shares will be
         validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable.

                                II-6
3.  The section of the Prospectus entitled "Tax Effects" describes the
         current federal income tax consequences to the Company and the
         recipient of a grant.

     I hereby consent to the use of my name in the Registration Statement and
under the caption "Legal Opinion" in the related Prospectus and consent to the
filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

                               Respectfully submitted,

                                       /s/ David Douglass Mattern
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                       David Douglass Mattern, Esq.

                                II-7
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                   ----------------------------------

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated December 7, 2001 relating to
the financial statements, which appears in the 2001 Annual Report to
Shareholders of Engineered Support Systems, Inc., which is incorporated
by reference in Engineered Support Systems, Inc.'s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2001. We also consent to the
incorporation by reference of our report dated December 7, 2001 relating
to the financial statement schedules, which appears in such Annual Report
on Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Saint Louis, Missouri
August 9, 2002

                                II-8
SIGNATURES
                              ----------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
meets all of the requirements for filing of Form S-8 and has duly caused
this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the County of St. Louis and
State of Missouri on August 8, 2002.

                            ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.

                            By  /s/ Michael F. Shanahan Sr.
                               ----------------------------
                                 Michael F. Shanahan Sr.
                                Chairman of the Board and
                                 Chief Executive Officer

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed below on August 8, 2002 by the
following persons in the capacities indicated.

     Each of the persons whose signature appears below authorizes
Michael F. Shanahan Sr., Gary C. Gerhardt and David D. Mattern, or any
one of them, as Attorney-In-Fact to sign on his behalf individually and
in each capacity stated below, and to file any amendments, including
post-effective amendments to registration statements.

                                  Capacity in Which Signed
                                  ------------------------
/s/ Michael F. Shanahan, Sr.      Chairman of the Board and
------------------------------    Chief Executive Officer
MICHAEL F. SHANAHAN, SR.

/s/ Gerald A. Potthoff            Director, President
------------------------------    and Chief Operating Officer
GERALD A. POTTHOFF

/s/ Gary C. Gerhardt              Director, Vice Chairman-Administration
------------------------------    and Chief Financial Officer
GARY C. GERHARDT

/s/ William H. T. Bush            Director
------------------------------
WILLIAM H. T. BUSH

/s/ Michael P.C. Carns            Director
------------------------------
MICHAEL P.C. CARNS

/s/ Timothy B. Fleischer          Director
------------------------------
TIMOTHY B. FLEISCHER

/s/ George E. Friel               Director
------------------------------
GEORGE E. FRIEL

/s/ Thomas J. Guilfoil            Director
------------------------------
THOMAS J. GUILFOIL

/s/ S. Lee Kling                  Director
------------------------------
S. LEE KLING

/s/ Kenneth E. Lewi               Director
------------------------------
KENNETH E. LEWI

/s/ Charles T. Robertson, Jr.     Director
------------------------------
CHARLES T. ROBERTSON, JR.

Crosbie E. Saint                  Director
------------------------------
CROSBIE E. SAINT

/s/ Michael F. Shanahan, Jr.      Director
------------------------------
MICHAEL F. SHANAHAN, JR.

/s/ Earl W. Wims                  Director
------------------------------
EARL W. WIMS

                                II-9
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Plan Administrator has duly caused this registration statement to be
signed, thereunto duly authorized in the County of St. Louis, State of
Missouri on August 8, 2002.

                              ENGINEERED SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INC.
                              2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                              By:  /s/ Michael F. Shanahan, Sr.
                                 -------------------------------------
                                   Michael F. Shanahan, Sr.
                                   Plan Administrator

                                II-10