Aeroflex Adds Multiple New Test Options to the IFR 2975 Radio Test Set for P25; New Options Focus on the User's Testing Priorities and Are Available on a `Try before You Buy' Basis.

Business Editors

IWCE 2003

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 2003

Aeroflex' subsidiary IFR (Nasdaq: ARXX), today announced at IWCE that it continues to expand the functionality of the 2975 radio test set for Project 25 (P25) testing. They announced seven new test options for P25 radios based on the priorities of customers deploying P25 systems. These new P25 test options and 2975 firmware release 1.7.0 represent the seventh major release of feature enhancements for the 2975. The new options offer even more industry-exclusive radio testing features for P25, SmartNet(TM)/SmartZone(TM) and analog radios.

P25, a digital standard for wireless communications, is experiencing rapid deployment worldwide. According to the Project 25 Interoperability Group (PTIG), P25 has been adopted in 48 countries outside the United States.

"As a member of PTIG, IFR is dedicated to the successful deployment of the P25 standard. P25-enabled radios allow interoperability between different agencies, which is especially crucial in situations where many agencies respond to the same emergency," said Rob Barden, senior product marketing manager, IFR. "IFR is in the forefront of test development for P25 radios. Many of the 2975's new options are not available on any other radio test set. IFR continues to enhance and evolve the 2975 to meet the specific needs of those who are deploying and maintaining this important public communications standard."

IFR Allows Customers to "Try Before You Buy" for All 2975 Test Set Options

The firmware upgrades can be loaded directly into the 2975 via the Internet through IFR's exclusive P25 Web site (www.P25.com). With the 2975's unique "try before you buy" option, customers can try an option before purchase. Owners of 2975 test sets can try any 2975 option for up to 30 days before making an investment decision. Once the choice is made, the options can be enabled in the field.

New options for the 2975 radio test set include:

-- Advanced Encryption System (AES) Option: Includes support for higher security features as well as continued support for the current Digital Encryption System (DES) Type III used in existing P25 systems.

-- Encryption Key Management Option: Provides the ability to fully manage keys via the KVL-3000+ using the P25 key management protocol including the ability to load individual, multiple and groups of keys. The 2975 also supports programming of keys through the front panel for manual key management.

-- Linear Simulcast Modulation(TM) Option: With both transmitter and receiver tests, the 2975 now supports parametric measurements for repeater tests utilizing CQPSK modulation for LSM applications.

-- P25 Phase II CQPSK Option: This enables all the functionality of the 2975 for use in 6.25 kHz bandwidths.

-- VHF/UHF P25 Trunking Option: Provides capability for new system deployment utilizing P25 technology in existing VHF/UHF band for public mobile radio applications.

-- Control Channel Logging Option: This exclusive feature for P25 trunked operations allows users to verify conformance with various P25 radio systems offered by a number of manufacturers.

-- P25 Trunking Protocol Option: With the ability to optionally set P25 OSP messages for control channel and decode ISP messages from user radios, the 2975 verifies protocol operation of radios on P25 networks.

-- 900 MHz band Option: Support for SmartNet(TM)/SmartZone(TM) systems used in commercial business applications.

About the 2975 P25 Radio Test Set

The 2975 is a digital radio test platform that tests radio equipment to ensure compliance under the Project 25 standards, including parametric testing for compatible four-level frequency modulation (C4FM) and interoperability testing of P25 systems. Providing independent "generate and receive" functions from 1 MHz to 2.7 GHz, the 2975 allows duplex operation over a full instrument range. This enables a wide variety of system configurations to be tested, including cross-band repeaters. Additionally it has two audio-function generators to support conventional FM terminal testing.

Created with a modular design, the 2975 is simple to support and upgrade. Its 20 GB internal hard drive and 3.5-inch floppy drive simplify program installation and maximize flexibility in storage and recall of setup information and test data. Software upgrades can be downloaded, allowing features to be added as new radio-specific tests are developed, reducing ownership and life-cycle costs.

Price and Availability

The 2975 radio test set has a base price of U.S. $19,995 with full P25 conventional and analog operation. The base price includes version 1.7.0 firmware. For existing 2975 owners, the firmware upgrade is free and can be downloaded directly into the 2975 via the Internet through IFR's exclusive P25 Web site at www.P25.com.

All 2975 options are offered on a "try before you buy" basis, allowing 2975 owners to test all 2975 options for up to 30 days before purchase.

Delivery for the 2975 is six weeks upon receipt of order. Firmware upgrade 1.7.0 is available immediately and can be downloaded at www.P25.com. Details on the firmware options, including price and availability, can be obtained by contacting your IFR sales representative at [phone] or [e-mail].

About Aeroflex

Aeroflex Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, designs, develops and manufactures state-of-the-art microelectronic module, integrated circuit, interconnect and testing solutions used in broadband communication applications. The Company's common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol ARXX and is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 index. Additional information concerning Aeroflex Incorporated can be found on the Company's Web site: www.aeroflex.com

About IFR, an Aeroflex Company

IFR, an Aeroflex Company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced wireless test solutions for communications, avionics and general test and measurement applications. For more information about IFR in the United States, contact: IFR, 10200 West York Street, Wichita, Kan., 67215-8999. Contact IFR via e-mail at [e-mail], on the Web at www.ifrsys.com, or by telephone at [phone] or [phone].

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding Aeroflex's financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of its management for future operations are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Aeroflex or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Aeroflex's management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to its management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, competitive factors and pricing pressures, changes in legal and regulatory requirements, technological change or difficulties, product development risks, commercialization difficulties and general economic conditions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to the future and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Aeroflex's financial condition, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity.