8 October 2004

"The hard work of the entire team has allowed us to take one step closer to transforming how maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces will train, operate and deploy in the future," said Tony Parasida Boeing vice president for maritime systems. The review, which as jointly led by the U.S. Navy and Boeing, ensured the team had properly allocated program requirements at the system level.

The Boeing-led team, which includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC], Raytheon [NYSE: RTN], and Smiths Aerospace [LSE: SMIN.L] will produce five test aircraft during the program's System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase. Plans call for up to 108 aircraft to be purchased by the Navy to replace its aging fleet of P-3 aircraft.

"Boeing and the Navy are following the right principles and practices to ensure successful delivery of this weapon system to the warfighter," said CDR Joe Rixey, MMA Deputy Program Manager. "The minimal action items generated during the SRR bolsters our confidence and readily proves that we're on the right track."

CFM International will provide the CFM56-7 engines that will power the Boeing 737 MMA. Northrop Grumman will provide the electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, the directional infrared countermeasures system, and the electronic support measures system. Raytheon will provide an upgraded APS-137 Maritime Surveillance Radar and Signals Intelligence solutions. Smiths Aerospace will supply both the Flight Management and Stores Management systems.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.