Surface Transforms Regulatory News (SCE)

29 Jun 2005 07:00

Surface Transforms PLC29 June 2005 RNS Release 29 June 2005 Surface Transforms agrees joint development project with Roxel (UK Rocket Motors) Ltd. Surface Transforms plc, makers of advanced carbon fibre reinforced ceramic(CFRC) materials, has signed an agreement to provide a materials' evaluationprogramme for Roxel (UK Rocket Motors) Ltd., Europe's largest manufacturer ofrocket and missile propulsion systems. Specifically, the new Roxel agreement, which follows earlier successful projectcollaborations, is for the generation of precise material engineering designdata for use in high-temperature rocket nozzle designs and related components.The programme will be managed by both parties and is expected to have an initiallife of two years. Previously, Surface Transforms supplied Roxel with finished components for itsthrust modulation research programme on a select-supplier commercial basis. Thistechnology has now matured to the extent that it is now being used on motordemonstrator programmes, including live motor firings. The combined total value of the Roxel collaborations is expected to be in theregion of£100,000. Should the new project be successful, and once quality and commercial aspectshave been validated, the CFRC materials are a potential candidate for futureproduction of rocket motor nozzle components, gas valve systems, and othercomponents. Roxel's thrust modulation technology is potentially applicable to a number ofdifferent missile types and the directors of Surface Transforms believe thismarket alone in terms of CFRC components could be significant. Geoff Gould, Sales & Marketing Director, Surface Transforms, said: "The properties of our carbon ceramic materials mean they are eminently suitablefor rocket motor components. The unique lightweight properties of CFRCs combineultra-high temperature stability and high-energy dissipation with the strengthto resist high-velocity abrasive gas streams." "We are delighted that Surface Transforms is able to provide Roxel with astrategically important independent source of both CFRC materials and finishedrocket motor components." For further information, please contact: Julio Faria/Geoff Gould Neil Boom/Rosie AcfieldSurface Transforms plc Gresham PR Ltd.01928 735 498 020 7404 9000 Kevin D'Silva Simon ClementsSurface Transforms plc John East & Partners Ltd.07802 306 956 020 7628 2200 Mark DickinsonTeather & Greenwood Ltd.020 7426 9000 Details of the Company's financial and business performance, its products,technology and its share price can be found under Investor Relations at thearmshare icon on www.surface-transforms.com Notes to Editors About Roxel Formed in 2003, Roxel resulted from a merger between the British Aerospace RoyalOrdnance Defence rocket motors division in the UK and the French company Celerg.The company is responsible for the design, development and production of rocketmotors or the subsystems and components involved in missile propulsion. About Surface Transforms Cheshire-based Surface Transforms manufactures and develops high-tech carbonceramic materials such as brake discs and pads for use in high-performance carsand aeroplanes and in other non-friction applications such as rocket propulsionsystems. Surface Transforms' ceramic materials are lightweight yet very strongand able to withstand very high temperatures (up to 2500degreesC). This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange