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BAE SYSTEMS Sting Ray Mod 1 Proves World Class Safety Feature

22 Jul 2004

BAE Systems achieved a significant Sting Ray Mod 1 milestone, following a successful firing of the Insensitive Munition (IM) Warhead, which produced 136% of the required design performance. Since then, TDW, under contract to the Underwater Systems Division (UWS) of BAE Systems, have successfully completed the environmental test programme and have demonstrated the insensitivity of the warhead.

The development work continues to refine the design and reduce the unit production cost over the course of the contract, which runs for the next ten years.

Andy Williams, Managing Director of UWS Comments: These results secure Sting Rays position as the worlds leading lightweight anti-submarine torpedo. Sting Ray Mod 1 has been designed to meet the required 20-year shelf life and must meet current and future NATO requirements for insensitive munitions. This test proves that Sting Ray Mod 1 meets the required safety criteria for the next two decades and beyond.

Notes to Editors:
Sting Ray Mod 1 is the worlds most advanced lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, which completed development in 2003 and is now in full production for the UK MoD to achieve fleet wide deployment with the Royal Navy and Royal Air force in 2006. Mod 1 replaces the Mod 0 torpedo which has been in front-line service with the UK armed forces since 1985.

Launched from surface ships, maritime patrol aircraft or helicopters, the Mod 1 torpedo has been designed specifically to counter a wide range of submarine threats in both deep water and shallow water littoral scenarios, including operations in complex countermeasures engagements.

The Sting Ray Mod 1 Main Production Order (MPO) was signed by Lord Bach, Minister for Defence Procurement, on 14 February 2003 for 441 million.

About BAE SYSTEMS

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.

BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.

About Underwater Systems

Underwater Systems employs 570 people and is the world leader in the design, development, production and through life support of advanced underwater weapons systems, sensors, countermeasures mine warfare systems and military diver equipment. Based in Waterlooville, Hampshire for 20 years, manages highly-complex multi-million pound projects and has a reputation of delivering on time, to budget - without compromising on service or quality.