30 April 2002

The trapeze actuator, supplied at 2 per shipset, is a complex unit used to extend and retract the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile trapeze launcher located in the side weapons bay of the F-22 aircraft.Improved performance, sleeker, lighter weight design, and low cost are characteristics of the system.  The F-22 Raptor is a new breed of super-fighter for the 21^st century. As the world's first stealth air-to-air fighter, the F-22 will be unseen and deadly at long range and unmatched at close-in air-to-air combat.The F-22 will replace the U.S. Air Force's aging fleet of F-15 Eagle fighters.

Smiths Aerospace is the leading transatlantic aerospace equipment company, with half its 12,000 staff and $2 billion revenues in North America. Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group plc, holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in electronic systems, actuation systems, precision components and detection & protection systems.

Jennifer Villarreal, Communications Manager

3290 Patterson Ave. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49512-1991

T. 616 241 8643

M. 616 617 7755

Heather Cox, Director of Communications

765 Finchley Road, London, NW11 8DS