13 June 2005

Dr. John Ferrie, President of Smiths Aerospace commented, "We are delighted to be selected by Northrop Grumman to provide electromechanical actuators for their UAVs. Electromechanical actuators are a key technology in the architecture of systems for the next generation of 'more electric aircraft'. We are committed to being Northrop Grumman's long-term partner and playing a key role in the growing Uninhabited Air System market."

This contract entails Smiths providing products such as ailerons, spoilers, elevators, ruddervators, rudders and various other electro-mechanical actuators for Northrop Grumman's unmanned air vehicle programs.

Smiths is also supplying the main generator system for the next generation Global Hawk RQ-4B, and the vehicle and mission management computers, landing gear system, electrical power generation and distribution, along with various other systems for Northrop Grumman's X-47B J-UCAS.

Smiths Aerospace is a leading transatlantic aerospace equipment and systems company, with more than 10,000 employees and $2 billion sales worldwide. 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 digital computing, electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components and Systems Customer Services. www.geaviationsystems.com