BAE SYSTEMS Selected for Uk Mod Pilot Direct Broadcast System.

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 2001

BAE SYSTEMS has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence to carry out a Pilot program to explore and develop a full Direct Broadcast System capability to support British forces during expeditionary deployments.

The Direct Broadcast System (DBS) will allow huge volumes of information to be broadcast to multiple, geographically dispersed end users in theatre. Central to the MoD's requirement are flexibility of use, future growth potential and, above all, the use of innovative techniques providing a complete managed capability for dissemination of tailored information to the end user in-theatre.

The Pilot DBS acquisition is based on the Smart Procurement Initiative (SPI) and, after an initial delivery this year, will be developed incrementally in stages during the following two years. BAE SYSTEMS and the MoD, working closely together, will be able to use lessons learned from the preceding increments to develop successive stages.

PDBS will deliver tailored military information on a worldwide basis over a one-way, secure, satellite broadcast system, initially to a limited user base. Users will be able to specify their information requirements, while information providers will supply relevant information and field commanders will authorize and control user accesses.

PDBS will feature robust security measures, interoperability with allied systems, reach-back into existing links and legacy systems integration. Key drivers also include reduced manpower requirements, low lifecycle costs and comprehensive support.

BAE SYSTEMS' response to the PDBS requirement reflects its comprehensive understanding of communications requirements and exploits experience gained in programs within the digitized battlespace. A modular, phased approach to system design allows best-of-breed product selection from both existing military and commercial communications product suppliers.

The company's knowledge of broadcast system management and interfaces, and in overall systems integration and project management, are reflected in its innovative bid for this important project.

An Interim Operational Capability will be achieved in 2001, with initial trials taking place within Exercise Saif Sareea in the Oman later this year. Mid Operational Capability will be achieved by the end of 2002 and Full Operational Capability of the Pilot system by the end of 2003.

The BAE SYSTEMS team - based at its Portsmouth site - includes partners DERA, Kingston MediaStream, General Dynamics of the USA, ComputaCenter and SAIC.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE SYSTEMS is the truly global, systems, defence and aerospace company. BAE SYSTEMS employs more than 120,000 people in eight home markets around the world and has annual sales of some $18 billion. The company offers an unrivalled global capability in air, sea and land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills.

BAE SYSTEMS designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defense products.

The Communications & Defence Infrastructure (CDI) division of BAE SYSTEMS Avionics supplies tactical and strategic communications systems for all three domains, together with information infrastructure and IFF systems, to support battlespace digitization.

It develops defense applications based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sub-systems and accepts development risk from customer organizations. CDI's approach features the creation of Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) with procurement specialists and user representatives, and the development of industrial alliances with other major industry centers of specialist expertise in associated fields.

www.baesystems.com