Synergy's Single-board Computer Chosen for Targeting System Onboard Predator UAV.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2003

Engineering Firm Continues to Support Rapid Proliferation of

UAV Platforms with Enhanced Capabilities

Synergy announced today that it has been selected to provide single-board computers (SBCs) for the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) for the Predator, the high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is serving as a vital "eye in the sky" for military operations around the world.

The contract award is the most recent in a long history of design wins for the engineering firm, which specializes in the development of high-performance single-board computers (SBCs) for use in high-reliability, real-time systems -- a large number of which are used by the military.

Synergy to support next-generation UAVs

"Synergy has been particularly successful in providing high-value, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) boards that are ruggedized, ultra-reliable and provide extensive functionality, perfect for systems onboard, highly compact airborne reconnaissance platforms," noted Synergy CEO Thomas Powell. "As sensor systems onboard UAVs like the Predator play an increasing role in military operations, Synergy will continue to develop new generations of ruggedized SBC solutions that keep these systems apace with emerging capability requirements."

Raytheon Co.'s Space and Airborne Systems business developed the Multi-Spectral Targeting System for the U.S. Air Force and awarded the contract to Synergy for the single-board computers. The MTS, which includes electro-optical and infrared sensors plus a laser target designator, provides the Predator UAV's remote operators with the ability to search for, identify and then designated hostile targets to enable precision guided weapons, such as laser guided missiles, to be used against the threat.

Extended operation, minimal risk

Due to its ability to remain "on station" over designated terrain for continuous 24-hour periods to provide real-time surveillance without exposing its remote operators to danger, the Predator is a low-cost, minimal-risk system for information gathering for the U.S. Air Force. Not only does it reduce coalition troop losses, its ability to pinpoint targets in real-time greatly reduces the possibility of collateral damage to civilian populations and facilities. The increased use of Predator and other unmanned aerial vehicles in zones of military volatility points to the emergence of a new strategic platform in the United States' growing arsenal of remotely controlled systems.

"The continued miniaturization and increasing power of embedded computers in airborne platforms is creating a new breed of remotely controlled surveillance tools," noted Powell. "We anticipate we will see many more of these systems in the years to come."

About Synergy

Synergy Microsystems Inc. (www.synergymicro.com) specializes in the design, manufacture and integration of single- and multi-processor, single-board computers for VME and CompactPCI systems to meet the needs of demanding real-time applications in military, aerospace, DSP and industrial/commercial markets. Synergy has a long track record of extracting the highest possible performance from current and emerging SBC technologies, then supporting these technologies through extended product lifecycles. In business since 1985 under the original ownership, the corporation is privately held, with facilities in San Diego and Tucson, Ariz.