BAE SYSTEMS-IFS TO ENABLE SUPPORT ADVANCES ON JSF AND EUROFIGHTER

BAE Systems-IFS has been selected to supply and support its logistics management system for the Joint Strike Fighter programme. This follows its recent selection for Eurofighter.

Lockheed Martin recently received an upgrade to IFS Applications, delivered to LM Information Systems in Orlando. In the UK the JSF maintenance package will be integrated with the MOD's Defence Logistics Organisation systems during preparation to bring the UK Joint Strike Fighters into service with the RAF.

The IFS Applications software package will enable major advances in aircraft support planned for both aircraft. Open architecture and inherent connectivity allow interfacing with on-board aircraft systems to assist both prognostic health monitoring ('advance warning of equipment failure') and condition-based maintenance (maintenance based on need rather than service intervals).

The IFS e-business solution is designed to improve the availability of critical items whilst reducing the investment in spares. Web-based technology will link partners, users, and suppliers throughout the supply chain, providing seamless integration of all data sources. The system will track equipment both on the aircraft and through the industrial repair loop and transportation system.

IFS Applications will also be an integral part of the four-nation Eurofighter support infrastructure when the aircraft comes into service in 2002. Under the Industrial Exchange and Repair System (IERS), suppliers will be paid for a 'rotable' exchange or repair service as opposed to the traditional method of national air forces ordering, receiving and stocking spare parts.

Eurofighter operating bases, partner companies, 60+ suppliers and Eurofighter GmbH itself will use IFS Applications software to ensure availability of spares and management of supplier performance. The system, which will be the interface between industry and the Eurofighter air forces, will also manage all engineering data associated with equipment repair and will link up to each national air force IT network as well as the aircraft's own systems.

'BAE Systems-IFS participation on both the JSF and Eurofighter programs positions us as the leading global supplier of logistics management systems for the most advanced air weaponry of the 21st century and provides the foundations of common, streamlined support processes for allied air forces,' commented its managing director Simon Dowler.

About BAE SYSTEMS-IFS…

BAE Systems-IFS is a joint venture between BAE Systems' Customer Solutions & Support business and the fastest-growing company in the business applications market, Sweden's IFS Applications. For armed forces, government bodies and defence contractors world-wide, BAE Systems-IFS' powerful combination of domain experience and component-based ('modular') business applications provides global defence solutions combining best practice, market-proven Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) software, and structured implementation services. For all whole-life equipment support requirements there is now one global organisation which can help influence the design of equipment for supportability, plan for the support of that equipment through life and deliver component-based business applications which support evolution towards the 'extended enterprise' and component-based electronic Product Life-Cycle Support (PLCS).
For more information visit: www.baesystems-ifs.com.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is the truly global systems, defence and aerospace company. BAE Systems employs some 100,000 people and has annual sales of around £12 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products.

About IFS and IFS Applications:

IFS develops and supplies component-based business applications for medium and large enterprises. IFS Applications, which is based on web and portal technology, offers 60+ enterprise application components used in manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, financials, engineering, maintenance and human resource administration. IFS provides customers step-by-step evolution to the extended enterprise with e-business solutions that offer partner, customer, and supplier collaboration. A top global business applications supplier, IFS has 3,300 employees, with sales in 43 countries. Carmaker BMW is a recent prestige addition to its list of over 3,000 commercial customers. The company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (XSSE:IFS). For more information, visit the company's web site at www.ifsworld.com

For further information, please contact:
Mike Sweeney, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 856034  Mob: 07801 716452
mike.sweeney2@baesystems.com

Wayne Star, BAE Systems-IF
Tel: +44 (0) 1895 823810
wayne.starr@baesystems-ifs.com

Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605  Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com

Ref: 172/2001