Corona, CA – April 19, 2007 – SMITHS Aerospace, part of the global technology business Smiths Group and aerial refueling systems supplier to The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) for the KC-767 aircraft, has successfully demonstrated extension and retraction of the refueling hoses from its Wing Aerial Refueling Pod (WARP) equipment during initial flight testing April 12. This follows the successful deployment of the Centerline Hose Drum Unit refueling equipment February 10. Boeing’s fifth-generation KC-767 Tanker is currently undergoing extensive flight testing at the Boeing IDS-Wichita facility.

“Smiths Aerospace’s wing-mounted refueling pods significantly advance the state-of-the-art in aerial refueling,” said David Bina, vice president of Tanker Programs at Smiths Aerospace. “The self-contained pod design includes a ram air turbine to generate hydraulic power, greatly reducing reliance on aircraft systems and facilitating efficient aircraft integration.”

“We’ve incorporated robust digital flight control law algorithms and advanced mechanical technologies to allow precise management of hose tension, enhancing hose stability and significantly reducing the possibility of hose whip – the leading cause of refueling incidents for probe and drogue refueling. These features make the Smiths’ WARP a true next generation product,” he added.

The inclusion of the centerline hose drum unit and the wing aerial refueling pods on the KC-767 provides for three-point hose and drogue refueling of probe-equipped receiver aircraft, allowing for simultaneous refueling of more than one receiver aircraft. Smiths' highly responsive, hydraulically-powered hose reel systems (wing pods and centerline systems) have demonstrated dynamic hose response rates in excess of the required 10 feet per second refueling probe to drogue closure rate. A complete system solution, including the pylon, aircraft structures and internal hose drum electrical, hydraulic, and fuel subsystems, is integrated to provide highly reliable and easily maintained hose and drogue refueling systems.

"Smiths has provided the most advanced air refueling systems for our KC-767 flight test program," said Mark McGraw, vice president, Boeing Tanker Programs. "The WARP hoses performed strongly and show the U.S. Air Force that our team is offering proven technology for their next-generation tanker."

Smiths Aerospace also provides the aircraft’s aerial refueling boom actuation control system, which began flight testing in September 2006. The advanced system provides increased boom control and responsiveness compared to existing boom refueling systems, enabling aircraft to refuel more safely and easily in all weather conditions.

Boeing will deliver the KC-767 to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in early 2007. In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for international customers, Boeing is competing for a contract to build the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation tanker aircraft.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.

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

Contacts:

Jennifer Villarreal
Smiths Aerospace
1 616 241 8643 (office)
1 616 617 7755 (mobile)
jennifer.villareal3@ge.com

Bill Barksdale
Boeing Tanker Communications
1 314 232 0860 (office)
1 314 707 3294 (mobile)
william.a.barksdale@boeing.com