Cannon Provides Connectors for the Restoration of Aviation History.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photo is available in a Smart News Release(TM) on Business Wire's Home Page at www.businesswire.com

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 2000

The museum with the world's largest collection of rare World War II aircraft will have the only flyable Bell Airacomet P-59 in their collection thanks to a donation from ITT Industries, Cannon.

Cannon recently donated connectors to The Air Museum, "Planes of Fame" to restore the P-59 to its original condition. The P-59 will be on display during the museum's air show on Oct. 7-8.

After it is restored, the P-59 will be the oldest flyable jet aircraft in the world. The plane is one of six remaining Bell P-59 Airacomets. Most of the estimated 50 planes built were either destroyed or given to the Air Force Fighter groups for training and testing.

The donated mil spec connectors, also known as "pull plugs" to plane maintenance crews, are used in the wing and rib section of the plane.

According to John Benjamin, a plane enthusiast and volunteer for the museum, Cannon connectors were preferred by the defense aircraft manufacturers because Cannon was the first and only component manufacturer who could provide solutions to tough interconnect requirements.

These connectors, the same model type used on the original plane, allowed the plane crew to attach and detach the wing for maintenance. The connectors were also used for the tachometer.

"Most of our planes were crafted with Cannon 'plugs' (connectors)," said Mark Foster, director of corporate communications for The Air Museum, "Planes of Fame." "It was only logical for us to partner with Cannon in preserving this part of history."

The P-59, originally designed as a jet fighter, is the first true American jet aircraft. Although the P-59 was never used in service, it became the prototype for other warplanes.

Cannon first supported the museum in 1982 by donating connectors for the restoration of the Northrop N9M "Flying Wing." The "Flying Wing" is the only surviving and flyable one of four created in 1942. The tail-less aircraft was the first to use a fully hydraulic control system and uses the same basic control principle seen in the B-2 Bomber.

"Cannon connectors can be found throughout the Northrop N9M," said Foster. "These connectors were used to connect all instruments on the plane from the radio to the landing gear. Without the donation of materials from suppliers like Cannon, the 'Flying Wing' would not be flyable."

"Cannon has provided quality and dependable products for more than 80 years," said Dom Lecce, manager of product marketing for Cannon. "We take great pride in being a unique resource for the past, present and future of aviation."

Cannon was introduced to the aerospace industry in the early 1930's when Douglas Aircraft Co. contracted Cannon to develop connectors for the DC-1, the first commercial aircraft.

Cannon continues to provide innovative interconnect solutions for next generation aircraft and avionics application, including the fiber optic interconnect system-connectors, cable assemblies and bypass switch units used on the Boeing 777 PlaneNET communication and information distribution system.

For more information about the museum and Airshow 2000, contact The Air Museum, "Planes of Fame" at 909/597-3722.

Founded more than 43 years ago, The Air Museum "Planes of Fame," a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to preserving aviation history for the benefit of future generations. Currently, The Air Museum houses more than 160 aircraft at its two locations, the main facility at Chino Airport in California and a satellite museum near the Grand Canyon at Valle Airport in Arizona.

ITT Industries' Cannon division is an international supplier of connectors, interconnects, cable assemblies, keypads, switches, multi-function grips, panel switch assemblies, I/O card kits, smart card systems and LAN components, as well as a provider of high-speed/high-bandwidth network systems and services.

ITT Industries Inc. (www.ittind.com) supplies advanced technology products and services in key markets including: electronic interconnects and switches; defense communication, opto-electronics, information technology and services; fluid and water management and specialty products.

With headquarters in White Plains, N.Y., the company generated $4.6 billion in 1999 sales, and employs approximately 38,000 people around the world.

In addition to the New York Stock Exchange, ITT Industries' common stock is traded on the Midwest, Pacific, London, Frankfurt and Paris exchanges.

Note: A Photo is available at URL:

URL:http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.100600/bb3