Saft Will Supply to EADS Astrium In-Flight Battery Systems for the Next 35 Ariane 5 ECA Launch Vehicles

Saft, the world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech industrial batteries, has been awarded a multi-million Euro contract by EADS Astrium Space Transportation to provide all the in-flight battery systems for the next 35 Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicles. This latest order builds on the success of the previous contract, awarded in 2005 under which Saft has already developed, manufactured and supplied batteries for 30 Ariane 5 launch vehicles.

"This latest major contract given by Astrium, confirms Saft as a trusted supplier for the Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle. The key factors in this success are the total reliability demonstrated by our batteries throughout the long-term development programme, combined with our capability to offer a variety of technologies to meet the specific needs of each launcher application" said Philippe Jehanno, General Manager, Space and Defence Division, Saft. "The contract also consolidates Saft's position as market leader in the launcher battery sector".

For each Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle, Saft will provide a total of 17 battery systems to power key elements including: main cryogenic stage (EPC), boosters (EAP), Vehicle Equipment Bay (VEB).

The battery technologies supplied by Saft will include silver oxide-zinc (AgOZn) primary batteries and rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries

The Ariane 5 ECA batteries will be designed and manufactured at Saft plants in Poitiers, France, with the first delivery scheduled for June 2010.

About Saft

Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market.

For more information, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.com

About Astrium

Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2008, Astrium had a turnover of EUR4.3 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment and Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of EUR43.3 billion and employed a workforce of more than 118, 000.

    http://www.astrium.eads.net

    Press contacts:
    Jill Ledger, Saft Communications Director
    Tel: +33-1-49-93-17-77; e-mail:jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com

    Yannick Duverge, Financial Dynamics, Corporate Press contact
    Tel.: +33-1-47-03-68-10; e-mail: yannick.duverge@fd.com

    Blake Frye, Saft Specialty Battery Group, Director of Marketing &
    Business Development
    Tel: +33-1-49-93-17-14 or mobile: +33-6-30-92-35-86
    e-mail: blake.frye@saftbatteries.com