Boeing

BRISBANE, Australia, June 17, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that the mobile air platform component of the Modernised High Frequency Communications System (MHFCS) has passed formal testing, a significant milestone toward delivery to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The test, which followed successful completion of the mobile land-and-sea component earlier this year, was conducted May 18-29 at Boeing's facility in Brisbane. The test validated 360 requirements through 95 test cases.

"It is very rewarding to see the mobile air component of the MHFCS being formally tested and producing the results we expected," said Mike Scott, program director of the Boeing High Frequency Modernisation Program (HFMP).

Completion of the two mobile components of the MHFCS keeps Boeing on track to achieve Final System Capability this month and to introduce the final system into ADF service by the end of this year.

"I am so proud of the HFMP team and the progress we are making toward Final System Acceptance by the Commonwealth of Australia," said Steve Parker, vice president and general manager, Boeing Network and Space Systems – Australia. "As interest in high-frequency communications grows in international markets, our accomplishments position us well to offer customers a centrally controlled, advanced, long-haul HF communications network that is highly survivable and cost-effective."

Under a contract awarded in 1998, Boeing is delivering a world-leading MHFCS to the ADF for the secure transmission of voice and data services including e-mail, facsimiles and Web browsing between fixed-site and mobile military assets.

The MHFCS consists of two phases: the core system and the final system. Boeing delivered the core system in 2005 to replace three of the ADF's aging HF communications systems with a single integrated system consisting of four HF radio stations and two purpose-built control centers. The final system is designed to provide greater levels of automation, performance and capability for ADF users; a backup network management facility; and the mobile land-and-sea and air components of the MHFCS. Final System Acceptance is planned for 2010.

Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary and a business unit of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, has nearly 2,000 employees at 13 locations throughout Australia supporting programs for the Australian government and defence forces, international and commercial customers.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

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Contact:

Jenny Waller
Boeing Defence Australia
(61) 7-3306-3148
jenny.l.waller@boeing.com