BAE SYSTEMS To Supply Digital Flight Control Computer Equipment for Indian Light Combat Aircraft

Business Wire, Nov 4, 2002

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 2002

BAE SYSTEMS will supply digital flight control computer equipment for the integrated flight control system on India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The contract was awarded by India's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).

BAE SYSTEMS Controls, which performed development work on the aircraft's flight control system during the 1990s, will supply six sets of actuators and sensors, each consisting of 28 line-replaceable units. The company also has been contracted to complete qualification testing on actuator hardware being flown on two LCA development aircraft. The work is valued at about $20 million.

Moog Inc. is a major subcontractor and will produce the system's actuation hardware.

"BAE SYSTEMS Controls enjoyed a productive relationship with ADE in designing the flight control system for the Light Combat Aircraft, and we are extremely pleased to have this opportunity to participate again as the aircraft continues in its next phase," said James Scanlon, Controls president. "LCA is an impressive undertaking, and we are proud to be a part of this program."

The LCA made its inaugural flight in January 2001, and two demonstration aircraft have since completed more than 30 successful sorties. Three or four additional development aircraft are planned.

ADE is one of several government agencies working with India's Aeronautical Development Agency on development of the LCA, the world's smallest, lightest supersonic multirole combat aircraft. The Light Combat Aircraft has been designed as the Indian Air Force's frontline tactical aircraft.

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.