$55 Million Opportunity as Airbus Selects Smiths for A400M

Business Wire, Nov 30, 2005

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Airbus has selected Smiths Aerospace to supply the Video Distribution and Processing (ViDP) system on the A400M aircraft generating more than $55 million through the year 2023. The main portion of the system will be basic equipment on the launch base of 180 aircraft, plus additional export, forecasted to be built throughout the lifetime of the program. The A400M aircraft will complete initial certification and enter service in 2009.

"We see a growing use of video in aviation for better situational awareness by crewmembers," commented Dr. John Ferrie, President, Smiths Aerospace. "We are committed to a long and successful relationship with Airbus as a first tier supplier on the A400M and other programs."

The ViDP system performs switching and video processing to permit display of various video functions and format on the primary cockpit displays and loadmaster work station. Inputs include refueling and cargo video cameras and several computer-generated video images. Smiths Aerospace is currently supplying similar type systems for the C-130 AMP and A380. The ViDP system will be designed and manufactured at the Smiths facilities in Michigan and Florida.

Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group, is a leading transatlantic aerospace equipment and systems company, with more than 10,000 staff and $2 billion sales in Europe and North America. The company holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in digital, electrical and mechanical systems, engine components and customer services.