21 March 2007 – Brisbane, Australia – Smiths Aerospace, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, has been awarded a contract with a potential value of £19 million (US $38m) to provide performance-based logistics (PBL) in support of electronic systems on Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Hawk aircraft. The program includes a four-year contract worth £4.5 million (US $9m), with a series of five-year follow-on options worth £15million (US $29m), which would extend the contract until 2025. The initial work will take place at Smiths’ Newcastle, Australia location with extended support from facilities in Cheltenham, UK and Florida USA.

Catherine Gridley, President, Smiths Aerospace Systems Customer Services commented, “PBL is an approach that specifies roles and responsibilities necessary to ensure there is a clear allocation of accountability for total system performance. We continue to grow our support for military and civil aircraft with customized services to maximize the aircraft’s availability.”

The new contract represents a conversion from previous traditional support arrangements to the more progressive PBL framework. The contract includes the existing 33 RAAF Hawk aircraft in-service and will be a follow-on agreement from the current contract that expires on 31st March 2007. Smiths Aerospace has the following systems on the RAAF Hawk aircraft that will be covered by the support contract:

• Multi-Function Display (MFD)
• Stores Management System (SMS)
• Mission Computer (MC)
• Pilot Display Unit (PDC)

The RAAF Hawk 127 is primarily used for initial or lead-in fighter training to prepare aircrew for operational conversion to the F/A-18 Hornet fighter or F-111 strike aircraft. It is operated by No 76 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamstown, near Newcastle, and No 79 Squadron at RAAF Base Pearce, near Perth. The Hawk 127 is a low-wing all-metal aircraft, fitted with an integrated navigation and attack system, and powered by a single Adour Mk 871 turbofan engine.

Smiths Group is a global technology company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Its products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has four divisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medical and Specialty Engineering. It employs 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50 countries. On 15 January 2007 Smiths Group announced the sale of Smiths Aerospace to General Electric Company (GE), which remains subject to regulatory approvals. For more information visit www.smiths.com

Smiths Aerospace is a leading transatlantic aerospace systems and equipment business, with more than 11,500 employees and $2.4 billion revenues globally. The business holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in digital, electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components and Systems Customer Services. For further information visit www.geaviationsystems.com

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