F35 Joint Strike Fighter

Smiths Group PLC
06 October 2003


Smiths increases potential contracts on F-35 Joint Strike Fighter by $500
million


Smiths Group's Interconnect subsidiary has been selected by Lockheed Martin
Aeronautics to supply its Times Microwave Broadband Airborne Cable Assemblies
for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The contract is potentially valued in
excess of $500M over the life of the programme.

The high performance cable assemblies are designed to handle high-speed data in
extreme avionics environments, including wide variations in temperature and
pressure. Delivery of the first set is planned for early 2004. Production of the
F-35 JSF is scheduled to commence in 2006, continuing to 2026. Additional Smiths
contracts on the JSF include combined systems in electronics, actuation, engine
components, and aircraft structures.

Einar Lindh, group managing director, Smiths Specialty Engineering, said; 'This
award by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics confirms the solid reputation of Smiths
Interconnect as the technology leader in the design and manufacture of ultra
high reliability airborne coaxial cable, connector and assembly products. We are
delighted to provide value added solutions to Lockheed Martin and the F-35
partners'.

Smiths Group chief executive, Keith Butler-Wheelhouse, said; 'This important
contract highlights the significant contribution which the Smiths Specialty
Engineering businesses are making to the growth and success of the Group'.

'This reinforces Lockheed Martin's already strong relationship with Smiths on
the F-35 JSF programme,' said Tom Burbage, executive vice president and F-35 JSF
programme general manager.  'As the programme progresses, we look forward to
working closely with our Smiths team mates to produce the most advanced
multi-role fighter in history.'



For further information, visit www.smiths-group.com


Enquiries:

Caroline Harris:             T. [phone] or M. [phone]

Jennifer Villareal:          M. [phone]




Notes to Editors:

About Smiths:

Smiths Group has market-leading positions in aerospace systems, detection
systems, medical devices, mechanical seals, and interconnect products.

About Smiths Interconnect:

Smiths Interconnect, part of Smiths Group Specialty Engineering division,
provides specialist engineering solutions for customers in the electronics,
telecommunications, aerospace, defence and satellite markets worldwide.

About the JSF:

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is the single most important new military aircraft
to be produced over the next 30 years. The F-35 market consists of 2,593
aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, UK Royal Navy and
UK Royal Air Force. Up to an additional 3,000 aircraft are expected to be sold
for export.



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