L-3 Communications AVISYS Corporation

AUSTIN, Texas, February 25, 2004 - AVISYS, Inc., a defense technologies and system integration company, today announced John Podolak as the infrared countermeasure (IRCM) program manager for its Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Counter-MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) initiative. Podolak will oversee a strong team of more than 10 IRCM defense suppliers who will perform research studies and lead the transition of the team’s proposed CAPS (Commercial Airliner Protection System) technology to the airline industry.

In keeping with an “airline-centric” solution, Podolak brings a wealth of commercial aviation experience to the United Airlines (OTCBB: UALAQ: OB) led team. The team was one of the three companies awarded a $2 million contract in early January by the DHS Counter-MANPADS Special Projects Office. The award represents Phase I of a two-year, $100 million DHS research and development program to design and demonstrate infrared countermeasures) against the potential MANPADS missile threat to U.S. commercial airliners. AVISYS is the IRCM technology lead and systems architect for CAPS.

"Having led teams that load and maintain expendable countermeasures (ALE-39) and having trained pilots to defensively employ them, John Podolak is the perfect choice to lead the transition of this technology to the airline industry with our team," said Ron Gates, president of AVISYS, Inc. "CAPS provides an affordable and highly effective countermeasures capability for both wide- and narrow-body aircraft. John and his experienced IRCM team will help prove CAPS is the best solution for DHS and the commercial airline industry."

Podolak is a veteran pilot of two major airlines, having flown several U.S. commercial aircraft including the A-320 and B-727. As a former naval officer flying the S-3B Viking, Podolak served as a Weapons Training Officer and as an Avionics/Armament and Quality Assurance Division Officer.

"Our team is a highly qualified mix of companies experienced in all aspects of the aviation industry and in airborne self-protection systems," said John Podolak, IRCM program manager for AVISYS DHS Counter-MANPADS Program. "We will work to define a system design and implementation approach for our CAPS solution while being sensitive to the demands of airline operations."

A Naval Academy graduate, Podolak recently served as a reservist at Central Command during the Iraq war. Since then, he has been serving as a program manager in support of AVISYS Air Force operations in San Antonio, Texas. Podolak is also a flight instructor and an award winning aerobatic and glider pilot with experience in over 50 different aircraft.

AVISYS, Inc., provides domestic and international customers with affordable, reliable, self-protection systems including electronic warfare and countermeasure systems, and avionics systems integration. AVISYS developed the Wide-body Integrated Platform Protection System (WIPPS), a combat-proven, decoy-based infrared defense system providing automatic threat detection and protection against attack by shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles. For more information, visit http://www.L-3com.com/AVISYS.

The CAPS team represents the world’s leaders in IRCM systems and the aviation industry. The team has the capability to rapidly develop and demonstrate a counter-MANPADS system for commercial aircraft applications. Each team member brings specific industry experience and expertise to ensure the successful deployment of an operationally reliable and cost-effective infrared countermeasures system.

Phase I to Investigate Concepts for Decoy-based Airliner Protection System For U.S. Commercial Carriers

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 6 - PRNewswire-FirstCall - AVISYS, Inc., a defense technologies and system integration company, announced their team, led by United Airlines, was awarded a $2 million system development and demonstration (SDD) contract by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Counter-MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) Special Projects Office. The award represents Phase I of a two-year, $100 million DHS research and development program to design and demonstrate infrared countermeasures (IRCM) against the potential MANPADS missile threat to U.S. commercial airliners.

AVISYS leads a strong team of more than ten IRCM defense suppliers, who will develop the Commercial Airliner Protection System (CAPS). ARINC, Inc., of Annapolis, Md., is also a first tier subcontractor to United Airlines and will provide system engineering and management support to the team. ARINC leads the effort to interface the IRCM system with the aircraft communications systems.

CAPS is a combat proven, decoy-based infrared countermeasure solution capable of defeating simultaneous launches from shoulder-fired heat-seeking missiles. CAPS provides an affordable and highly effective countermeasures capability for both wide- and narrow-body aircraft. The CAPS approach is a derivative of the AVISYS WIPPS (Wide-body Integrated Platform Protection System), which was designed for VIP and Head of State aircraft around the world. The major subsystems and decoys integral to the WIPPS and CAPS architecture have a worldwide support structure and are widely used by the U.S. military and allied nations for aircraft protection.

The CAPS team is the only group to include a major commercial airline as an active participant in the DHS program. During Phase I, the team will perform research studies to define a system design and implementation concept. The team will then produce a preliminary design compatible with airline operations to be finalized and demonstrated in Phase II of the program, which is expected to begin in 3Q 2004.

"The MANPADS threat is a real concern to the Department of Homeland Security and the nation. Our team's approach is an affordable, off-the-shelf solution available today for protection of U.S. airliners," said Ron Gates, president of AVISYS, Inc. "CAPS is based on combat proven technology enhanced by our special countermeasures algorithms and software, which are already integrated and installed on head of state wide-body aircraft."

AVISYS, as the system integrator, has incorporated proven IRCM technologies and subsystems into a decoy-based system architecture and developed the enabling data fusion and control countermeasures software necessary to maximize aircraft protection. CAPS couples near-term availability, low lifecycle cost and a high level of protection with design flexibility and expandability to accommodate scaling of IRCM technologies as they mature to the ever-evolving threat.

ARINC will perform a range of objective tests and evaluation services including reliability and maintainability analysis, operations and supportability analysis, security management analysis, cost benefit analysis and analysis of regulatory and maintenance implications of technology insertion for commercial customers.

The CAPS team is a carefully structured, highly qualified mix of companies extensively experienced in all aspects of the aviation industry and in airborne self-protection systems:

United Airlines (OTC Bulletin Board: UALAQ) is the program lead and has Total System Performance Responsibility for CAPS. United brings airliner operations and support experience to the team -- a perspective critical to the successful deployment of a new technology into the commercial airline fleet.
AVISYS is the IRCM technology lead and system architect for CAPS. AVISYS will also lead the aircraft integration, installation and test activities.
ARINC is the program support engineering lead providing its expertise in air-to-ground communications services and system analysis
L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (NYSE: LLL) will modify and install CAPS on a commercial aircraft, perform airworthiness analyses and obtain a FAA certification using their FAA Designated Alteration Station
Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) provides the AN/AAR-47(V)1 missile warning system, technical support and a variety of expendable decoys
Thales provides the MWS-20 active missile warning system based on pulse doppler radar technology and technical support
Symetrics Industries, LLC provides AN/ALE-47 CMDS (countermeasures dispenser system) production and technical support
Alloy Surfaces Company, Inc., provides leading edge Special Materials Decoys (SMD) countermeasures
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division is the IRCM lead test organization
Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) provides IRCM effectiveness simulations (DISAMS - Digital Infrared Surface-to-Air Missile Simulation) which are the means to determine the effectiveness of the countermeasure system for each class of MANPADS

Other key participants on the team include Armtec Defense Products, a subsidiary of Esterline Technologies (NYSE: ESL); ATK Thiokol; and SaabTech.

The team was selected from 24 other proposals early in the competition and then competed against four other teams during oral presentations to DHS in early December. The preliminary design phase will emphasize affordability and suitability of the proposed system for commercial aviation applications. Phase I will last six months ending with a comprehensive Preliminary Design Review (PDR). Successful completion of Phase I will form the basis for a Phase II selection and contract award estimated at $45 million each for two of the Phase I competitors.

The CAPS team represents the world's leaders in IRCM systems and the aviation industry. The team has the capability to rapidly develop and demonstrate a counter-MANPADS system for commercial aircraft applications. Each team member brings specific industry experience and expertise to ensure the successful deployment of an operationally reliable and cost-effective infrared countermeasures system.

ARINC Incorporated is the world leader in transportation communications and systems engineering. The company develops and operates communications and information processing systems and provides systems engineering and integration solutions to five key industries: airports, aviation, defense, government and surface transportation. Founded to provide reliable and efficient radio communications for the airlines, ARINC is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and operates key regional offices in London and Singapore, with over 3,000 employees worldwide. ARINC is ISO 9001 certified. For more information, visit the ARINC web site at http://www.arinc.com.

ATK is a $2.2 billion aerospace and defense company with strong positions in propulsion, composite structures, munitions, precision capabilities and civil and sporting ammunition. The company, which is headquartered in Edina, Minn., employs approximately 12,500 people and has three business groups: Precision Systems, Aerospace, and Ammunition and Related Products. ATK news and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com. Press contact: Bryce Hallowell, 952-351-3087, bryce_hallowell@atk.com.

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems is an SEI CMM Level 5 developer and integrator of complex electronic systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Headquartered in Greenville, Texas, L-3/IS also operates from major sites in Waco, Texas; Lexington, Ky.; Tulsa, Okla. and Avalon, Australia.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading merchant supplier of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) products, secure communications systems and products, avionics and ocean products, training products, microwave components and telemetry, instrumentation, space and wireless products. To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's web site at http://www.L-3Com.com. Press contact: Eric Abercrombie, 254-867-7591, eric.s.abercrombie@L-3com.com.

Symetrics is a successful 40-year old designer, manufacturer, tester, integrator and maintainer of electronic and mechanical assemblies and systems for the US Department of Defense, NASA, NATO and international military and commercial customers in 20 nations on four continents. The company is the official supplier to the US Government of AN/ALE-47V: Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS), currently operational on 14,000 military aircraft worldwide. Symetrics is based in Melbourne, FL, and is ISO-9001:2000 Registered. For information, visit http://www.symetrics.com. Press contact: Jim Peterson, 321-254-1500, jpeterson@symetrics.com.

Thales ( http://www.thalesgroup.com ) provides a wide variety of services and products in the areas of aerospace, defense and information technology.

Thales is a worldwide leader in supplying electronic products for the high growth defense, aerospace and information technology and services markets worldwide. With operations in more than 50 countries and 65,000 employees, Thales generated $12.07 billion in revenues in 2002. Press contact: Jennifer Pickett, 703-838-5661, jennifer.pickett@us.thalesgroup.com.

The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) is located at China Lake and Point Mugu, Calif. NAWCWD, working with industry, delivers high quality, affordable products and support to the operating forces. Products and services include: aircraft, avionics, air-launched weapons, electronic warfare systems, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, launch and arresting gear, training equipment and facilities and all other equipment related to Navy and Marine Corps air power.

NAWCWD provides total life cycle support of all naval aviation weapon systems including research, design, development and engineering; acquisition; test and evaluation; training facilities and equipment; repair and modification; and in-service engineering and logistics support. Press contact: Susan Read, 760-939-6047, susan.read@navy.mil

GTRI plans and conducts focused programs of innovative research, education, and economic development that advance the global competitiveness and security of Georgia, the region and the nation. For more information, please visit http://www.gtri.gatech.edu. Press contact: Charles Carstensen, 404- 894-0134, charles.carstensen@gtri.gatech.edu.

Alloy Surfaces is a subsidiary of Chemring Group, PLC, is at the forefront of IR self protection technology, providing leading edge Special Materials Decoys (SMD) countermeasures to military forces throughout the world. Alloy Surfaces' proprietary decoys have unique properties of day and night visual covertness and in-band radiant output that make them extraordinarily well suited to the modern war fighting challenge. Press contact: Mike Shoemaker, 610-859-3680, mikes@alloysurfaces.com.

Austin, TX - April 2, 2003 - AVISYS, Inc., an emerging provider of self-protection technologies to the aviation and defense market sectors, has been awarded a contract to install its new Widebody Integrated Platform Protection System (WIPPS) on a head-of-state Airbus aircraft. WIPPS addresses the urgent need to affordably protect large transport aircraft (military and civil) from the growing worldwide threat posed by infrared heat seeking Man Portable Air Defense Systems (IR MANPADS).

The AVISYS team in Austin is currently integrating the WIPPS IRCM suite of equipment. The modified Airbus will be flight tested and returned to service later this year. The WIPPS equipment installation will be both FAA and JAA certified.

WIPPS offers an affordable alternative to the more expensive IR Jamming technologies. WIPPS integrates two advanced missile warning systems, a threat adaptive countermeasures dispensing subsystem, and advanced infrared threat decoys. This integrated self-protection system boasts a technology breakthrough that provides safe, affordable operation of infrared threat decoys on commercial aircraft.

"Until now, there hasn't been a proven, robust infrared self-protection system available for commercial aircraft," said Jim Carey, Vice President of Business Development at AVISYS, Inc. "By integrating two of the best missile warning systems available, we provide very high threat detection performance while dramatically lowering the number of false threat declarations to a statistically insignificant level. This critical improvement has finally made it practical to install these devices on every aircraft using commercial airports."

With more than 500,000 portable IR missiles in the field worldwide, in both military and terrorist hands, commercial and executive civil aircraft operate in increasingly dangerous environments. More than 27 civil aircraft have been downed by portable IR missiles; overall, more than 65 percent of all aircraft losses since 1975 have been due to IR missiles. Currently available for off-the-shelf sale to domestic and foreign customers, the AVISYS WIPPS IRCM suite offers commercial, civil and military aircraft an affordable, robust defense system that meets both military and FAA/JAA certification requirements.

Incorporated in January 1991, AVISYS is a high technology company headquartered in Austin, Texas, with satellite offices in California. AVISYS, Inc., was founded by former U.S. military officers and defense industry leaders to address the needs of domestic and international customers for responsive, cost effective solutions in electronic warfare & electronic countermeasure systems, airborne and ground telemetry, and avionics system integration.

Austin, TX - April 2, 2003 - AVISYS, Inc., a leading provider of self-protection technologies to the aviation and defense markets, has introduced the Widebody Integrated Platform Protection System (WIPPS). WIPPS offers commercial aircraft affordable protection from the growing threat of portable infrared heat seeking missile attacks.

With more than 500,000 portable infrared missiles in the field worldwide, many in terrorist hands, military, commercial and civil aircraft operate in increasingly dangerous environments. More than 27 civil aircraft have been downed by portable infrared missiles; overall, more than 65 percent of all aircraft losses since 1975 have been due to infrared missiles. Now, the AVISYS WIPPS self-protection solution offers an affordable, robust defense system that meets both military and FAA/JAA certification requirements.

"The need for protection has never been higher, but until now there hasn't been a proven, robust infrared self protection system available for commercial aircraft," said Jim Carey, Vice President of Business Development at AVISYS, Inc. "By integrating two of the best missile warning systems available, we provide very high threat detection performance while dramatically lowering the number of false threat declarations to statistically insignificant levels. This critical improvement has finally made it practical to install these devices on every aircraft using commercial airports in urban areas."

False threat declarations can lead to the inappropriate deployment of countermeasures and potentially could cause an unacceptable disturbance in an urban setting. To overcome this obstacle, WIPPS integrates two advanced missile warning systems, a threat adaptive countermeasures dispensing subsystem, and advanced infrared threat decoys. This integrated self-protection system is a technology breakthrough that provides safe, affordable operation of infrared threat decoys on commercial aircraft.

Currently available for off-the-shelf sale to domestic and foreign customers, WIPPS offers an affordable and proven alternative to the more expensive and complex infrared jamming technologies currently being implemented on military transport aircraft.

AVISYS is extremely proud to be a recipient of the 2002 Cogswell Award, as it symbolizes the extraordinary care we take in security matters relating to your classified contracts.