BAE SYSTEMS SUPPORTS TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING EXPERIENCE AT WOOMERA PROHIBITED AREA

A unique opportunity to view the total solar eclipse from clear desert skies has become a reality, with the Area Administrator Woomera authorising civilian access to the Woomera Prohibited Area in South Australia on 4 December 2002.

The area, administered by the Department of Defence and normally closed to the public, will open its gates to allow overseas tourists, locals and media to view the phenomenon in the finest astronomical and photographic conditions.

Leading defence and aerospace company BAE Systems will be facilitating access into the area on behalf of the Defence Support Centre Woomera. The company's Customer Solutions & Support business was awarded a 10-year contract in October 2001 to support Defence operations at Woomera.

"The Prohibited Area is normally used for trials in the areas of satellite launches, rocket testing, parachute drops and weapons trials," Christopher Wright, BAE Systems Marketing Director, said.

"With a long history in the space-related field, the Woomera Prohibited Area will provide a unique experience for enthusiasts looking for a true outback experience," he said.

Civilians will be escorted to an authorised viewing area by buses (approx. 40-minute ride) leaving from Woomera Village. Private vehicles will not be allowed access to the Woomera Prohibited Area.

The eclipse starts at 6:40pm with the total solar eclipse occurring at 7:40pm. Buses will return to Woomera Village soon after sunset.

For ticket details, reservations and accommodation enquires please call the Woomera Heritage Centre on (08) 8673 7042.

Media will need to register with Marissa Wild on 0414 720 154 by 27 November 2002.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around £13 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, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

For further information, please contact:
Marissa Wild, BAE Systems Australia
Ph: +61 (02) 6229 1600  Mob: +61 (0) 414 720 154
www.baesystems.com

Issued by Corporate Affairs, BAE Systems Australia

About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around £13 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, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

In Australia, the company employs 2,500 people, supports customers at more than 50 locations across the country and has its centre of operations in Adelaide. BAE Systems Australia is structured into three businesses and is a leader in engineering and systems integration and is a major supplier of support services, electronics and software.

Customer Solutions & Support employs over 12,000 people at 30 locations and provides through-life support and services across the air, sea and land sectors. We carry out upgrades, maintenance, repair and overhaul of military aircraft and naval vessels. We support our customers' capability in areas such as training; facilities management; spares and repairs; technical information services; manpower services; and supply chain and logistics management. Our skills are deployed in support and services programmes world-wide including a broad range of contracts in Australia and the key Saudi Arabian Al Yamamah programme. CS&S is also working closely with the UK MOD to reduce the cost of support and training - without compromising front-line efficiency.

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