26 August 2003

The On Board Inert Gas Generating System will provide a solution to reduce the flammability of fuel tanks to improve the safety of aircraft. Installing the OBIGGS system is an approach that can be taken by aeroplane manufacturers to comply with SFAR 88 requirements (reduction of flammability in aeroplane fuel tanks). The OBIGGS can be used in conjunction with Smiths' Transient Suppression technology to provide a total SFAR 88 solution.

About the On Board Inert Gas Generating System:

The system will provide a supply of Nitrogen Enriched Air (NEA) into the fuel tanks throughout its operation. The introduction of this gas will reduce the oxygen content in fuel vapors inside the tank and therefore lower the flammability of the fuel tanks.

About SFAR 88:

SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88) is an FAA ruling that has been designed to improve Fuel System Safety on aircraft by minimising flammability and reducing ignition sources into the tank. The SFAR applies to "the holders of type certificates (TC), and STCs that may affect the airplane fuel tank system. The airplane has either a maximum type certificated passenger capacity of 30 or more, or a maximum type certificated payload capacity of 7,500 pounds or more."

About Smiths:

Smiths Aerospace is the leading transatlantic aerospace equipment company, with its 12,000 staff and $2 billion revenues split equally between Europe and North America. The company holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and are world-leaders in electronic and mechanical systems, as well as engine components.

About Shaw:

Shaw Aero Devices, Inc. is a fully integrated design, engineering, and manufacturing company that develops, tests, qualifies, and markets a wide range of fuel, oil, and water/waste components for aircraft. These products include oil/hydraulic reservoirs complete with all related components, LIGHTNING SAFE ® products including fuel filler caps and drain valves, fuel shut-off valves, flame arrestors and fuel tank inerting products for fuel system safety.