New Ariane 5 contract

KONGSBERG has signed a contract with EADS-Astrium of France for the delivery of attachment and separation mechanisms for the boosters of the European Ariane 5 carrier rockets.

KONGSBERG's attachment and separation mechanisms transfer tremendous thrust from the boosters to the main stage of the carrier rocket. Each booster burns 230 metric tonnes of fuel in the course of about two minutes, then separates from the main stage of the carrier rocket within just five milliseconds. KONGSBERG's product has proven extremely reliable.

The contract covers equipment for 35 booster rockets, with the final delivery in 2014. The contract is valued at approx. MNOK 120. Since the inception of the Ariane 5 programme, KONGSBERG has delivered services and equipment worth roughly MNOK 500 and, including this contract, the Group will have supplied equipment for 92 launches of Ariane 5 carrier rockets.

For further information, please contact: Vice President Ole Fiskum, mobile phone 47 920 60 047.