BAE SYSTEMS CsLEOS Real-Time Operating System Chosen for Flight Control Redesign On Air Force C-17 Transport.

Business Editors

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2002

The Boeing Company has selected BAE SYSTEMS CsLEOS(TM) real-time operating system (RTOS) for a major upgrade to the flight control on the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport.

The CsLEOS(TM) RTOS, a layered, embedded system designed specifically for safety-critical applications, was selected for the Redesign Automatic Flight Control System (RAFCS).

"We are very pleased that the inherent value of this unique operating system has been recognized in its selection for the C-17 aircraft," said James Scanlon, president of BAE SYSTEMS Controls, developer of the operating system. "This application of the CsLEOS(TM) RTOS represents its first implementation on a production aircraft in a mission-critical application."

RAFCS is an upgrade to the C-17's Autopilot Flight Control System panel, built by Controls, that will reduce weight, improve reliability, reduce power consumption, and enhance the design's tolerance for electronic-component obsolescence. RAFCS will be installed on new C-17s beginning with the 121st aircraft, scheduled for delivery in mid-2004.

The CsLEOS(TM) operating system is the only commercial, off-the-shelf RTOS offered by a safety-critical systems company. Designed from the outset to implement ARINC-653 brick-wall partitioning and to be certifiable to the highest FAA DO-178B safety level, the CsLEOS(TM) RTOS ensures that safety-critical functions are protected from other processes running on the same hardware.

The structure also makes it possible to add, revise, and test system functions without recertifying the entire application.

The RTOS's ARINC 653-compliant applications programming interface is a true open system offering users the ability to develop applications software to a standard set of interfaces. This ensures ease of use and the most efficient use of development resources.

The CsLEOS(TM) RTOS is available now in a flightworthy version. A second product release in the fourth quarter of 2002 will be certifiable to DO-178B, Level A. (D0-178B, developed by RTCA Inc., a nonprofit company in Washington, D.C., is the international standard for certifying software used in safety-critical airborne systems.)

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE SYSTEMS is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE SYSTEMS employs nearly 100,000 people including joint ventures, and has annual sales of around $18 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills.

BAE SYSTEMS designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defense products. BAE SYSTEMS is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

BAE SYSTEMS North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 22,000 Americans who live and work in 29 states and Washington, D.C. The company is dedicated to solving its customers' needs with highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.

BAE SYSTEMS Controls, an operating unit of BAE SYSTEMS North America, is a leading supplier and integrator of electronic flight and engine controls for defense and commercial aircraft and launch vehicle applications.

It also provides integrated avionics for aircraft applications and complete unmanned aerial vehicle systems and is a leader in electronic controls for the locomotive industry and the emerging heavy-duty hybrid-electric vehicle market. Controls operates facilities in Johnson City, New York; Santa Monica and Ontario, California; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Redmond, Washington.