Eaton Wins Hydraulic System Contract for A380, $200 Million Potential for U.S. Company.

Business Editors

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2001

Airbus has selected diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation to provide the hydraulic power generation system for the world's largest commercial airliner, the A380. The multi-year contract, with work to be completed at Eaton's California, Michigan and Mississippi aerospace units, has potential revenue value of $200 million over the next 20 years. This is the latest in a series of multi-million-dollar A380 contracts awarded to U.S. manufacturers in 2001.

The A380 hydraulic system will incorporate Eaton's 5000 psi (pounds per square inch) fluid power technology allowing Airbus to achieve significant weight savings from fluid conveyance and actuation component volume reduction throughout the aircraft's structure.

"This win was strategic for Eaton's Aerospace business as this will be the first civil aircraft platform incorporating 5000 psi fluid power technology," said Steven K. Eisenberg, Eaton Vice President - Aerospace Operations. "This program will position Eaton as a major strategic supplier to Airbus and the technology leader in 5000 psi fluid power component and systems for civil and military applications."

"Eaton is a fine example of why Airbus travels the world to find the very best suppliers for every component of its aircraft," said Allan McArtor, Chairman of Airbus North America. "This is a challenging time for our industry, but Airbus is committed to moving forward with the A380 program, and solidifying contracts like this one with one of the hundreds of U.S. companies that work on our aircraft is a integral part of that progress. The A380 will be the aircraft to take care of future market demand."

The Eaton system consists of eight Vickers brand engine-driven hydraulic pumps per aircraft and four AC motorpumps and associated electronic control and protection systems. In addition, Eaton will supply components for the isolation and ground service panel including Sterer brand solenoid valves and Aeroquip brand quick-disconnect couplings. Eaton's leadership and experience in 4000 psi to 8000 psi hydraulic fluid power technology spans almost 30 years and has contributed significantly to component weight and volume reduction in overall systems design.

Eaton Corporation is a global $8 billion diversified industrial manufacturer that is a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent truck systems for fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 52,000 employees and sells products in more than 50 countries.

The 555-seat A380 will enter service in 2006. To date, eight customers have announced orders for a total of 67 A380s . While offering the advantages of a completed new design and unparalleled comfort for passengers, the A380 will also extend the unique benefits of Airbus family commonality into the very large aircraft sector. Thanks to the same cockpit layout, procedures and handling characteristics through fly-by-wire, pilots will be able to transition to the A380 from other Airbus aircraft with only minor additional training.

With some 4,400 orders booked to date from around 180 customers worldwide, Airbus is a leading manufacturer in the market for large commercial aircraft. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems. Airbus North America and Airbus Service Company handle the sales, marketing and service of aircraft based with customers in the United States and Canada.

For more press releases, as well as extensive information on Airbus and its aircraft go to www.airbus.com