IFR Adds Remote Operation, Trunked Radio Testing and New Test Patterns to 2975 Radio Test Set

PLAINVIEW, NEW YORK, December 18, 2002 -- Aeroflex Incorporated , (NASDAQ: ARXX) today announced it has added important new test capabilities to the 2975 radio test set. Through new firmware upgrades, the 2975 radio test set now includes many new test patterns, the ability to remotely control 2975 tests via the Internet, and the ability to test P25 trunked radios in the 800 MHz band.

"IFR continues to enhance the 2975 with new features to make life easier for those who use and test Project 25 radios, while expanding applications for the P25 market. As a modular test platform, the 2975 will gain additional new functions in the upcoming months," said Rob Barden, senior product marketing manager, IFR.

With the free firmware upgrade (version 1.5.0), the 2975 radio test set can be operated remotely through the Internet. Using the instrument’s exclusive Ethernet connection, the 2975 can be assigned a specific Internet Protocol (IP) address, creating a "virtual" instrument that can be redirected to a remote user for monitoring and testing purposes. This greatly enhances the ability to track down intermittent or gradual degradation of sites that are remote and hard to access for on-site testing. Now the operator can remotely monitor repeater/transmitter locations from the virtual instrument. From thousands of miles away, the user can have the 2975 monitor remote, hard-to-reach locations from a central command center and test for system performance over time. System degradation and intermittent problems occurring randomly or over extended periods of time can be monitored and found without spending costly personnel time and effort trying to conduct tests in remote transmitter locations.

New Test Patterns and "Quick Tune" Spectrum Analyzer Allow Greater Ability to Verify Performance

The free firmware upgrade also includes a whole new set of standard test patterns. IFR has implemented 14 patterns to verify performance in accordance with TIA-EIA-102 CAAA Digital C4FM/CQPSK Transceiver Measurement Methods. These patterns allow engineers to quickly access technically correct patterns to assist in the design and test of P25 transceivers.

The 2975 also includes a new feature designed for fast location of harmonics using the instrument’s built-in spectrum analyzer. With the 2975’s exclusive PS2-compatible mouse, the operator can double click on a signal and the 2975 will automatically tune the center frequency to the selected signal.

Exclusive Trunking Option Added to Support P25 Trunking Operation in the 800 MHz bandwidth

Also announced today is an additional new firmware release for the 2975, Option 4, that supports P25 trunking operation in the 800 MHz band. Option 4 enables the 2975 with a repeater simulator to test P25 trunked radios. This feature is not available on any other P25 test set today. Option 4 will emulate a repeater, with "Push to Talk" features that allow the operator to talk directly to the radio under test without going through a predetermined test sequence. The 2975 quickly tests the transmitter performance of the radio in less than 20 seconds with quick visual indicators of power, frequency error and C4FM Error Vector Magnitude. The trunking option also includes the ability to test protocol functionality for interoperability testing. The user can set and decode control channel parameters and radio communication messages for P25 trunked radio communications.

The 2975 is a digital radio test platform that tests radio equipment to ensure compliance under the Project 25 standards, including:

• Parametric testing for compatible four-level frequency modulation (C4FM)
• Interoperability testing for Common Air Interface
• Improved multi-band excitation (IMBE) vocoder for voice testing
• Project 25 compliant Type III encryption testing

Providing independent "generate and receive" functions from 1 MHz to 2.7 GHz, the 2975 allows duplex operation over a full instrument range. This enables a wide variety of system configurations to be tested including cross-band repeaters. Additionally it has two audio-function generators to support conventional FM terminal testing.

Created with a modular design, the 2975 is simple to support and upgrade. Its internal hard drive and 3.5-inch floppy drive simplify program installation and maximize flexibility in storage and recall of setup information and test data. Software upgrades can be downloaded, allowing features to be added as new radio-specific tests are developed, reducing ownership and life-cycle costs.

Availability

Delivery for the 2975 is six weeks upon receipt of order. Firmware upgrade 1.5.0 is available immediately and can be downloaded from IFR’s website at www.ifrsys.com. Option 4 is also available immediately and can be purchased by contacting your IFR Sales Representative at (800) 835-2352 or info@ifrsys.com. The Option 4 software file is distributed by e-mail, floppy disk or CD-ROM upon receipt of order.

About Aeroflex

Aeroflex Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, designs, develops and manufactures state-of-the-art microelectronic module, integrated circuit, interconnect and testing solutions used in broadband communication applications. The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol ARXX and is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 index. Additional information concerning Aeroflex Incorporated can be found on the Company's Web site: www.aeroflex.com

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding Aeroflex's financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of its management for future operations are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Aeroflex or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Aeroflex's management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to its management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, competitive factors and pricing pressures, changes in legal and regulatory requirements, technological change or difficulties, product development risks, commercialization difficulties and general economic conditions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to the future and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Aeroflex's financial condition, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity.