9 December 2003

Dr. John Ferrie, Group Managing Director of Smiths Aerospace commented, "Smiths were earlier selected by Boeing to design and manufacture the complete Boeing 767 Tanker refuelling system. This selection to provide the wing pylon further enhances the integrated systems capability that Smiths offers and allows Boeing to single-source the complete suite of equipment to deliver the refuelling requirement of the 767 Tanker.¨  By selecting Smiths for both the pylon and pod, it reduces overall risk with the near term beneficiaries being Italy, the UK and Australia.

The wing pylons are integral to configuring the 767 with wing aerial refuelling pod (WARP) systems. The WARP system provides a significant increase in operational flexibility and allows simultaneous refuelling of more than one receiver. The wing pylons will be manufactured at Hamble Structures, located in Southampton, England. Smiths have considerable experience in the provision of In-Flight Refuelling Systems, having manufactured the wing pylons for all variants of Hawk, Harrier, Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon. Additionally Smiths manufacture Auxiliary Fuel Tanks and In-Flight Refuelling Probes for a range of military customers.

Boeing 767 Tanker systems provided by Smiths include:

•  In-flight hose and drogue refuelling system (including the centre line hose drum unit, wing aerial refuelling pod with RAM Air Turbine, wing pylon and associated computing)

•  Mission Management System (including civil and military flight management, civil communication management, civil and military communication and navigation radio systems control)

•  Primary Power Distribution System

•  Standby Instrumentation System

•  Aerial Refuelling Boom Actuator Control System

Hamble is also manufacturing the complete structures for the Centre Line Hose Drum Unit as well as the port and starboard Wing Aerial Refuelling Pods. The manufacture of the complete Wing Aerial Refuelling Pod and Pylon assemblies by Hamble Structures permit early integration of the structural assemblies prior to installation on the aircraft.

About Smiths:

Smiths Aerospace is the leading transatlantic aerospace equipment company, with more than 9,000 employees and $1.6 billion revenues split between Europe and 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 and mechanical systems, precision components and Systems Customer Services. www.geaviationsystems.com