Smiths Provides Thrust Reverser Actuation System for Boeing's 747-8

The system will be designed and manufactured at the Smithsfacility in Los Angeles with development hardware deliveries beginningin the second quarter 2007. Deliveries will take place through 2019.

"Smiths' thrust reverser actuation system experience andreliability record on the Boeing 777 program were strong contributorsto winning the 747-8 program. This recent win continues Smiths'leadership position in thrust reverser actuation technology,"commented Dr. John Ferrie, president, Smiths Aerospace.

The 747-8 family, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinentalpassenger airplane and the 747-8 Freighter, was launched in November2005 by Cargolux Airlines and Nippon Cargo Airlines.

"Smiths' extensive knowledge of and track record with thrustreverser actuation systems make them the right choice for thiscritical component of the airplane," said Jeff Peace, vice president -program manager, 747-8 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Togetherwith our growing team of international partners, we continue toprogress on making the newest member of our 747 family a reality."

The engine thrust reversers act as brakes by redirecting theengine exhaust air from an aft direction (forward thrust) to a forwarddirection (reverse thrust). This provides alternate emergency brakingcapability in event of an aborted or refused take-off. The thrustreverser therefore performs a critical function, as does the actuationsystem which powers it. Smiths' TRAS will power the thrust-reversersystem being developed, certified and produced by Middle RiverAircraft Systems.

Additional Information

TRAS: Since the 747-8 TRAS utilizes much of the same technologythat Smiths provides on the Boeing 777, the system benefits from theimproved reliability of mature products. Historical reliabilityanalyses based on Boeing 777 in-service performance significantlyexceed requirements. Smiths offers electro-mechanical as well astraditional hydro-mechanical solutions for TRAS. Smiths also has majorTRAS systems on the Boeing 777. The win strengthens Smiths' industryleadership position in TRAS, adding to awards in the past 5 yearsincluding the A318 (PW6000), ERJ 170 (CF34-8E), ERJ 190 (CF34-10E),Challenger 300 (HTF 700), Falcon 2000 EX (PW308) and Falcon F7X(PW307), Russian Regional Jet (SAM-146) and the next generation E-TRASfor the Power Optimized Aircraft program.

747-8 Family: The 747-8 is a family of passenger and freighterairplanes that serves the market for airplanes of 400 seats andlarger. The 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane seats 450passengers in a typical three-class configuration and offers thelowest seat-mile cost of any passenger airplane. It provides operatorsa 14,815-km (8,000-nmi) range, 21 percent greater cargo volume and 9percent lower seat-mile costs compared to the 747-400. The 747-8Freighter will fly 8,275 km (4,475 nmi) with a maximum structuralpayload capacity of 140 metric tonnes (154 tons). It offers 16 percentmore revenue cargo volume than the 747-400F with slightly greaterrange. The 747-8 Freighter upholds its predecessor's legendaryefficiency, with equivalent trip costs and 15 percent lower ton-milecosts than the 747-400F. The 747-8 Freighter will enjoy the lowestton-mile costs of any freighter, giving operators unmatched profitpotential. The first 747-8 Freighter will be delivered to launchcustomer Cargolux in September 2009.

About Smiths: Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group, is aleading transatlantic aerospace systems and equipment company, withmore than 11,000 employees and $2 billion revenues globally. Thecompany holds key positions in the supply chains of all major militaryand civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader indigital, electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components andcustomer services. www.smiths-aerospace.com