Really Quiet Announces Stage 3 Hush Kit Agreement with FedEx.

Business/Technology Editors

MOJAVE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2002

FedEx to Provide Services and Expertise to Help Streamline Manufacture and Implementation of Really Quiet's Stage 3 Hush Kit 

Really Quiet LLC will greatly accelerate the manufacture, production and implementation of Really Quiet's Stage 3 Hush Kit-- the first and only Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved hush kit available for Spey-powered Gulfstream business jet aircraft--through a new service agreement with Federal Express Corporation (FedEx Express).

The Really Quiet hush kit is designed to enable Gulfstream GII, GIIB and GIII business jet models to meet stringent Stage 3 noise regulations. FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, has agreed to provide Really Quiet with assistance in supply chain management, vendor management, production management, warehouse inventory management and customer service.

"Having developed the leading Stage 3 solution for Boeing 727 aircraft, with more than 730 shipsets of FedEx Stage 3 Kits delivered to date, FedEx Express is a leading authority on hush kit logistics and support and they are therefore an ideal solution for us," said John Mowinski, formerly of Garrett Aviation, and now vice president of sales for Really Quiet. "The company's deep experience in the marketplace and unparalleled reputation for supply chain management and customer service excellence will provide our Stage 3 Hush Kits with key benefits that will help drive awareness and sales."

Really Quiet offers the only FAA-approved hush kit solution to Gulfstream II/IIB/III owners who are confronted with expanding travel restrictions related to FAR 36, Stage 3, and Annex 16 noise rules. Today, many airports around the world, including many in the United States, are limiting arrivals and departures of Gulfstream GII/IIB/III jets due to noise level concerns raised by surrounding communities. According to industry estimates, up to 80 percent of major airports may impede Spey-powered Gulfstream air travel if these aircraft are not in compliance with Stage 3 regulations.

Really Quiet anticipates receiving JAR and European regulatory approval for its hush kits in the coming months.

Really Quiet is building a national network of company-approved independent service centers to install its Stage 3 hush kit. The company will train personnel and monitor installations at these centers while continuing to provide hush kit installation services at its Mojave location.

The Really Quiet Hush Kit is the only hush kit manufactured to incorporate a translating ejector. While in the take-off and approach configuration (ejector aft), the hush kit forces exhaust through a uniquely designed nozzle into an ejector shroud that ultimately reduces exhaust velocity, hence noise values. Once the aircraft is out of the noise sensitive area, the ejector shroud is translated forward, reducing drag and allowing the aircraft to climb out and cruise to its destination with minimum penalties. The hydraulically operated translating ejector takes two seconds to deploy and retract, and does not require any changes in cockpit readout or increase pilot workload. The redesigned thrust reverser forms an integral part of the translating ejector and is also operated by existing aircraft hydraulics.

Greatly reducing the noise of the Rolls-Royce Spey 511-8 engine, the Really Quiet Hush Kit delivers noise levels that are well below today's mandated regulations. Interior cabin noise levels also are reduced.

The innovative design of the hush kit also provides for easy integration into the appearance of the aircraft, eliminating concern of overall aircraft aesthetics. About Really Quiet Based in Mojave, California, Really Quiet LLC specializes in the development of hush kit technology and its application to aircraft noise problems. The company is applying its knowledge to the solution of Stage 3 noise compliance for Gulfstream II/IIB (GII) and Gulfstream III (GIII) aircraft. Really Quiet personnel, with John Ligon as Project Manager, has been involved in the certification for hush kits on virtually all Stage 1 and Stage 2 aircraft including 707-300, DC8-62/63, DC9-10/30, 737-200, 727-100, 727-200, Falcon 20, Sabreliner 80 and LearJet 20 Series Aircraft The knowledge and experience gained during those programs has been applied to the development of the Really Quiet GII/IIB/GIII hush kit.

For more information on Really Quiet's hush kit for Gulfstream II, IIB and III aircraft, please contact: John Mowinski at 703-648-9575. Additional product information can be found at Really Quiet's website, www.reallyquiet.com.

About FedEx Corp.

With annual revenues of $20 billion, FedEx Corp. is the premier global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply chain management services. The company offers integrated business solutions through a network of subsidiaries operating independently, including: FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company; FedEx Ground, North America's second largest provider of small-package ground delivery service; FedEx Freight, the largest U.S. provider of regional less-than-truckload freight services; FedEx Custom Critical, the world's largest provider of expedited time-critical shipments; and FedEx Trade Networks, a provider of customs brokerage, consulting, information technology and trade facilitation solutions.