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AVERNA Technologies signs contract with Thales Canada
To develop a Fly-by-Wire Data Acquisition and Simulation System

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, March 29, 2005 – CNW Telbec – AVERNA Technologies, a system integrator serving the Aerospace and Transport industries with its intelligent, intuitive automation and testing solutions, announces that it has signed a contract with Thales Canada to develop its new Fly-By-Wire Data Acquisition and Simulation System (FBWDASS). This simulation platform will be used to test Thales' electronic flight control systems prior to installation.

Thales Canada began studying the development of new fly by wire flight control technology at the end of 2002. Thales Canada has designed a flight test bench to study the feasibility of this complete electrical flight control system for regional and business aircraft. AVERNA Technologies will integrate software and hardware for this new test bench to be delivered to Thales Canada in Spring 2005.

Flight control systems are designed to provide stability augmentation and pilot relief through the flight profile - from takeoff to landing. Computers, panels, servos and sensors are integrated into a single system.

AVERNA's solution is based on National Instruments' technological platform, the latest generation of technologies available in the world of data acquisition and simulation. It provides high performance levels, as well as the open architecture and easy scalability features that are the choice of world-class leaders such as Bombardier, Boeing and Airbus.

Participants at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Flying Display held last July, AVERNA Technologies and Thales Canada have been in project development for several months. AVERNA was part of the Team Quebec trade delegation lead by Michel Audet, Minister of Economic and Regional Development and Research.

About AVERNA Technologies
According to Mr. Richard Maltais, Vice-President Sales and Marketing, "AVERNA proposed the best solution through its use of a technology that not only complies with the FBWDASS requirements but also provides Thales with a modular, scalable system that remains affordable without compromising performance."

The Fly-By-Wire Data Acquisition and Simulation System is an integrated computer-based solution. "The FBWDASS", explains Mr. Maltais, "is a complex system that requires not only mastering capabilities in terms of technologies but a solid background in project management reality and technologies integration."

AVERNA is a privately-held Canadian corporation founded in 1999. The company focuses on manufacturing productivity improvements through information and automation systems that combine proven technologies with today's business management best practices. AVERNA has delivered solutions for several companies such as Honeywell, Bombardier, CAE, Canadian Space Agency and Mecaer.

About Thales Canada
Thales Canada will be pleased to receive the new fly by wire test bench at the headquarters of Thales Canada early in 2005. This new technology is very much in demand and we hope to obtain conclusive results in the near future to respond to the demand,' declared Marcel de Picciotto, President of Thales Canada.

Thales Canada has created centres of excellence to develop the most competitive and advanced solutions in aerospace integrated systems for cockpit, cabin and flight controls; in defence command, control, communications, in military night vision systems; and in secure electronic transactions.

Thales is an international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace, services and security markets. The group employs 61,500 people worldwide and generated revenues of (euro) 10.6 billion in 2003.

For further information:
Richard Maltais
Vice-President Sales and Marketing,
AVERNA Technologies,
(514) 842-7577, ext. 301
www.averna.com

Karym Lahjioui
Director, Business Development, Aerospace & Transport,
AVERNA Technologies,
(514) 842-7577, ext. 415