BAE SYSTEMS Vehicle Management Computer Hardware Marks F-35 Program's First Avionics Delivery

Business Wire, August 6, 2002

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 2002

BAE SYSTEMS Controls has delivered its first hardware for the Joint Strike Fighter's System Development and Demonstration phase.

Delivery of an F-35 Vehicle Management Computer development processor to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics represents the first avionics equipment delivered by any subcontractor as part of the program's SDD phase.

"We are proud to have achieved this significant milestone and in such a short time frame," said James Scanlon, Controls president. The development processor was designed, fabricated, tested, and integrated in seven months -- "a significant feat, given the scope of this effort."

The development processor was delivered on June 28 to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where it will be used for software development.

BAE SYSTEMS Controls is developing the F-35's Vehicle Management Computer (VMC), which performs core vehicle systems control computing functions and interfaces via a high-speed serial network with aircraft remote input/output units, sensors, actuators, utilities/subsystems equipment, and mission systems equipment.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE SYSTEMS is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE SYSTEMS employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around $18 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills.

BAE SYSTEMS designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defense products. BAE SYSTEMS is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

BAE SYSTEMS North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 22,000 Americans who live and work in 30 states and Washington, D.C. The company is dedicated to solving its customers' needs with highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.

BAE SYSTEMS Controls, an operating unit of BAE SYSTEMS North America, is a leading supplier and integrator of electronic flight and engine controls for defense and commercial aircraft and launch vehicle applications.

It also provides integrated avionics for aircraft applications and complete unmanned aerial vehicle systems and is a leader in electronic controls for the locomotive industry and the emerging heavy-duty hybrid-electric vehicle market. Controls operates facilities in Johnson City, New York; Santa Monica and Ontario, California; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Redmond, Washington.