14 June 2003

Smiths TRAS experience :

This award puts Smiths in a strong position to support future derivatives of the ACAC ARJ21 and GEAE's CF34-10 engine family. The win also strengthens Smiths industry leadership position in TRAS, adding to awards in the past 3 years including the A318 (PW6000), ERJ 170 (CF34-8E), ERJ 190 (CF34-10E), Challenger 300 (AS907), Falcon 2000 EX (PW308) and Falcon F7X (PW307). This is the second major TRAS program for which Smiths has been chosen by MRAS. Smiths experience and the successful partnership of the two companies on the existing thrust reverser program, the CF34-10E for the Embraer ERJ190, was a strong contributor to winning the -10A.

About the ARJ21:

The demand for low-cost regional jets in the People's Republic of China has convinced the state owned Aviation Industries of China and AVIC 1 Commercial Aircraft Company (ACAC) to launch the development of a 79 to 105-seat RJ known as the ARJ21. The concept, first unveiled at the 2001 Beijing Air Show, represents China's most comprehensive effort to build an international supplier base for an indigenous aircraft. First flight of the ARJ21 is expected in mid 2006, aircraft certification in mid 2007, and entry into service by end of 2007.