Meggitt Safety Systems, Inc., Spectronix Ltd. form alliance to provide
fire, explosion detection and suppression systems for military vehicles

March 24, 2004

Meggitt Safety Systems Inc. (MSSI) today announced that it has formed a strategic alliance with Spectronix Ltd. to provide modern fire and explosion detection and suppression systems to the aviation industry and to the U.S. Military. One of the primary goals of the new partnership is to enable MSSI to enter into the armored vehicle market to supply programs such as the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems.

Under the license and co-production agreement, MSSI will be offering the United States and international military markets a full range of field proven systems and next generation systems and products. The two companies will share technology and production expertise and capabilities including optical flame detection, thermistor and pneumatic heat detection systems and special purpose fire and explosion suppression systems.

The systems incorporate MSSI's well-known fire and overheat detectors with the Spectronix proven UV/IR and IR3 flame detectors and SAFE systems that are a world leader in armored vehicle fire and explosion detection suppression systems and technologies. These unique technologies are successfully used to protect the crews and passengers of military vehicles and to provide survivability to armored military vehicle crews and fighting forces.

Kevin Faughnan, General Manager of Meggitt Safety Systems, said, "We are very excited about the prospects of adding this new vital product line and technology to our current portfolio. This new alliance will provide MSSI with opportunities to address the land vehicle system business globally."

Yechiel Spector, president of Spectronix, said, "We are very pleased and proud of our new alliance with Meggitt Safety Systems and look forward to a long-lasting relationship that will result in a number of product advances and improved safety means for the military forces."

Meggitt Safety Systems is a unit of Meggitt PLC (London: MGGT.L). Meggitt PLC, headquartered in the United Kingdom, is the parent company for an international group of companies operating in North America, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe and Asia. Recognized for its specialized engineering skills, Meggitt is a world leader in the aerospace, defense and electronics industries.

Spectronix was founded in 1967. It is a pioneer in the development and introduction of armored vehicle crew compartment fire and explosion suppression systems and optical flame detection technologies. Spectronix automatic fire extinguishing SAFE systems suppress fire in less than 100 milliseconds and prevent pressure-shock damage and skin burns to crew members. Its SAFE systems are protecting thousands of tanks and personnel carriers throughout the world.

ENDS

US
Phil Myers
Telephone: (001) 661 288 0084
Fax: (001) 661 288 0304
Mobile: (001) 310 422 6292
phil34@earthlink.net