TIAX Awarded Air Force Contract to Create Enhanced Flight Suit for Aircrew Members
Suit would replace bulky, multi-layered equipment aircrews currently wear

August 2, 2004 (Cambridge, MA) - TIAX, a leading collaborative product and technology development firm, today announced it has been awarded a contract by the United States Air Force to develop a new, lightweight flight suit that optimizes the safety and mobility of Air Force personnel by integrating protective layers. The $750,000 Phase II contract was awarded to TIAX through the Air Force's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Currently aircrew members are required to wear multiple layers of equipment that mitigate specific hazards, such as fire, cold-water immersion, or acceleration, and also allow for the storage of survival equipment. The bulk of such equipment, combined with the confined aircraft space, often leads to heat stress and reduced mobility for aircrew. TIAX plans to leverage advanced materials technologies and novel design elements to develop a prototype that reduces the weight and bulk of equipment, while at the same time ensuring that aircrew members are protected and can maintain required performance and mobility.

"It is always an honor for our company to work with the Department of Defense on projects that have the potential to further the safety and performance of our military personnel," said Kenan Sahin, President of TIAX. "Particularly at this time when our military personnel face very real threats in the field, it is critical for them to have the most technologically advanced gear that not only improves their capabilities, but also enhances their overall mobility and safety."

The SBIR program was established in 1982 to provide increased opportunities for small businesses to meet federal research and development needs, increase employment, foster and encourage participation in technological innovation by socially and economically disadvantaged persons, and increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal research and development.

About TIAX LLC
TIAX LLC (pronounced Tie-ax) is a leading collaborative product and technology development firm that accelerates innovation to help its clients create an impact in the market-and in people's lives. We integrate business, industry, and hands-on technology expertise to transform ideas into products and problems into solutions. Formed out of Arthur D. Little's Technology & Innovation business, TIAX builds on more than a century of breakthrough innovation and client success using collaborative R&D. TIAX was selected as a Technology Pioneer 2003 by the World Economic Forum and is ISO 9001 certified with more than 50 research and development laboratories. (www.tiaxllc.com)

For more information contact:
Twig Mowatt
TIAX LLC
(617) 498-7366
mowatt.twig@tiaxllc.com