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Thales and Rockwell Collins present FlexNet at Eurosatory 2008

Paris (June 19, 2008) - Thales and Rockwell Collins presented their FlexNet solution at Eurosatory 2008, the first Software Defined Radio (SDR) available in the international market. Following the announcement of a strategic agreement at Eurosatory 2006, Thales and Rockwell Collins combined their complementary capabilities to develop and market the next generation of Software Communication Architecture (SCA) radios that are optimized to meet new operational requirements.

"We have met our commitment to have an international Software Defined Radio offering in 2008.  Both the FlexNet-One and FlexNet-Four radios have passed pre-qualification trials and are now ready for field testing," said Bruce King, vice president and general manager of Surface Solutions for Rockwell Collins.

"With FlexNet, Thales and Rockwell Collins significantly enhance our radios with the porting of key international waveforms. This will bring our customers a smooth C4I system transition to SDR benefits. That might really interest the 42 countries which are today using the PR4G." explains Pierre Suslenschi, Thales vice president for Tactical Communications.

Based on multi-band and multi-channel platforms and designed with an open and secure architecture, the FlexNet radios are compliant with the SCA standard and will accommodate future technology insertions or requirement upgrades. Thales and Rockwell Collins now offer a turnkey solution that takes advantage of a true software defined platform by allowing the end user to develop and download their own waveforms into the FlexNet radio.

The FlexNet family includes:

  • FlexNet-One compact multi-band high capacity single-channel radio;
  • FlexNet-Four versatile multi-band multi-channel radio; and
  • FlexNet-Waveform high data rate ad hoc networking waveform (supported by FlexNet-One and FlexNet-Four).

With these new high data rate and ad hoc networking capabilities, the FlexNet solution dramatically increases the amount of information which can be exchanged between users, introduces new possibilities for cooperative combat engagement between different units and provides the enhanced mobility required by armed forces.

About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales' leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. To this end, the group's civil and military businesses develop in parallel and share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries with 2007 revenues of €12.3 billion.

About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management and simulation and training is delivered by 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

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