CBL Systems Corporation Announces Cabin Incident Monitoring and Aircraft Transponder Security System; System Uses FAA-Certified Ultra-Secure Fiber Optic Platform.

Business Editors

HOPKINTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2001

CBL Systems Corporation, the first avionics technology firm to offer a certified digital fiber optic platform for aircraft security applications, has announced the availability of a Cabin Incident Monitoring and Aircraft Transponder Security system. The system capabilities have been developed in response to recommendations by the U.S. Department of Transportation Rapid Response Team to urgently enhance cabin and transponder security of the nation's commercial aircraft fleet and provide the traveling public with the highest possible level of safety and security.

The field-proven platform for the system, which is based on an integrated system of 'smart' remote sensors, fiber optics and a network of flight-qualified, FAA-certified Digital Flight Data Acquisition Units, already is in use on the U.S. airline fleet. CBL's fiber optic network products are also used in high-security and nuclear power plant applications worldwide. As a result, the Cabin Incident Monitoring and Aircraft Transponder Security system can be rapidly fielded through the FAA Supplemental Type Certificate process using existing technology and off-the-shelf components.

Major features of the scalable system include:

-- Automated powering and control of primary and auxiliary transponders to
ensure the continuous transmission of signal, even if the flight-deck selected
code or transponder power is turned off. This capability ensures continuous
transponder communication with air traffic control in a hijack situation, which
is critical to rapid identification and collision avoidance;

-- Alerts for the cockpit crew are initiated from distributed `silent alarm'
buttons accessible only to cabin crew for potential hijack or air-rage
incidents;

-- Ultra-secure, redundant, self-monitoring fiber optic network backbone,
already fielded in aircraft and ultra-high-security applications;

-- Cabin areas can be monitored by optional temperature and other sensors;

-- Flexible, scalable platform and system provides expansion capabilities as
FAA requirements for cockpit security and cabin video surveillance evolve:

-- Digitized cabin video from multiple cabin locations, distributed to the
cockpit via fiber optic networks;

-- Cockpit display of cabin video sources selected from the cockpit under alert
conditions, using compact flat-panel displays;

-- Automatic downlink of compressed digital video frames;

-- Non-lethal defensive measures to meet future FAA/airline specifications.

"The advantages of using a fiber-optic system in the aircraft environment are tremendous," said Brian D. Morrison, president and chief executive officer of CBL Systems Corporation. "Fiber uses an all-digital format that offers enhanced signal fidelity because fiber is immune to interference either from intentional efforts to disable the system or from the harsh conditions that inherently exist in the aircraft environment. Furthermore, the readily scalable system can significantly increase the capacity of today's aircraft to automate, connect and support new security capabilities without adding the significant weight that traditional copper wiring and shielding would require."

Signals transported by CBL's redundant digital fiber optic units are immune to high intensity radiated fields (HIRF), lightning, electromagnetic interference, tampering and transmission failures. And since fiber does not interfere with existing sensitive aircraft wiring, it can be bundled alongside existing wiring for ease of installation, a benefit that can save tens of thousands of dollars in installation costs for both new and retrofit aircraft.

CBL Systems Corporation is a recognized leader in the development of fiber-optic-based distributed sensing, control and security solutions that are specifically aimed at cost-effective systems for enhancing safety for the aviation and security industries. Among other capabilities, CBL's fiber optic products continuously measure the received optical power at every node across a bi-directional single-fiber link - so every node always knows and can trigger an alarm if someone tries to breach the network.

For maximum performance, reliability and security, the system is configured to operate in a redundant ring, whereas most wire-based analog systems are connected to a central single point-of-failure. The system's ring architecture connects smart sensors and controls via CBL's patented bi-directional fiber networks, ensuring a continuous redundant information path with extensive built-in security and diagnostics. As a result, critical data will always be known and communicated despite localized failure or tampering with any link.

The new system is based on CBL's flight-qualified data acquisition equipment, and adds sensors, auxiliary transponders, and software to integrate the new features. Sensors and interconnect cabling plus Supplemental Type Certificate support are provided by Aircraft Systems Manufacturing, a respected air transport systems engineering and certification company and field modification group located in Georgetown, Texas. Auxiliary transponders are provided by FreeFlight Systems, a well-known avionics manufacturer located in Waco, Texas.

About CBL Systems Corporation

CBL Systems Corporation is a privately owned company headquartered in Hopkinton Massachusetts, formed by the management-buyout of a former Raytheon business unit. The Company holds a FAA PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval), and is a current supplier to airlines and aircraft manufacturers. CBL Systems markets its Control By Light(R) products worldwide through distributors and systems integrators in the United States, Europe, Japan, and China. Additional information about CBL Systems can be found at www.controlbylight.com.