Press Release

17th January 2002

Scott Roy, Managing Director of Aerosystems International (AeI) commented,

" This contract win, is a great way to start the New Year. The tanker contract creates a new capability in AeI for products that will be in demand by the global aerospace community and reinforces AeI's and West Countries capability to Design State of the art systems."

Notes to Editors

1. Tactical Data Links (TDL) are a product of the computer age, where information in all areas of warfare is exchanged automatically between platforms by computers, leaving operators free to interpret and act upon commonly held data. TDL are the prime means of transferring information between platforms and command systems in real time, consisting of a communications bearer system (terminals) and a set of formatted messages for information exchange.

2. Total allied investment on Tactical Data links will probably exceed £50 billion by 2030. Over the next five years, the MoD will be installing terminals in a number of different platforms, including Nimrod MRA2 and Sea Kings.

3. The Rockwell Collins URC-138(V) terminal is a fully inter-operable Link 16 terminal designed to operate in a multi-national environment alongside the JTIDS Class II, MIDS and Fighter Data Link terminals. The terminal also includes a secure voice communications link, allowing friendly forces to communicate without risk of interception.

4. Aerosystems International Ltd (AeI) was founded in 1985 as a joint venture between GKN and BAE Systems, with its headquarters based in Yeovil, Somerset. For further information please contact Emma Taylor on (01935) 443000 or visit the company's website at www.aeroint.com.

5. Six RAF tanker aircraft, two TriStars from 216 Squadron and four VC10s from 10 Squadron, were deployed to the Middle East at the start of the bombing campaign on Oct 7. The tankers flew every day to ensure the American aircraft are able to fly long enough to complete their missions.

6. The MoD Website can be found at http://www.mod.uk. It provides a link to our on-line news service, UK Defence today, which can also be accessed directly at http://news.mod.uk.

7. Photographs of the air tankers in action are available from DPA Press Office (see below)

8. For further information please contact Brian Sheehan, DPA Press Office on 0117 913 0637, E-mail: dpa-sec1news4@dpa.mod.uk.

Issued by: The Defence Procurement Agency Press Office, Maple 1c #2120, MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH. 0117 91 30636/30637/30638 DPA_Sec1NEWS1@dpa.mod.uk/DPA_Sec1NEWS2@dpa.mod.uk

AN EXECUTIVE AGENCY OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE