Re Contract

Surface Transforms PLC
11 September 2003


RNS Release

11 September 2003

Surface Transforms secure first order from United States Air Force

Surface Transforms plc, makers of high technology carbon ceramic material
solutions for the aerospace and high performance automotive markets, has been
commissioned by the Air Force Research Laboratory, the United States Air Force's
leading-edge research unit, for a new programme to produce sample batches of
advanced carbon fibre ceramic materials in a 12-month contract initially valued
at $50,000.

The initial sample batch of materials is expected to be delivered by the end of
October.

Surface Transforms has developed a unique process for transforming carbon
materials into carbon fibre reinforced ceramic products that offer a number of
advantages over traditional carbon carbon materials, including durability,
strength and weight-saving. It is currently supplying its materials to customers
including a global supplier of aircraft braking systems, and to Roxel, a
division of BAe Systems.

Julio Faria, Managing Director, commented:

'Our business model is predicated on cementing long-term commercial
relationships with companies and organisations in our key aerospace and
automotive markets. We are delighted to have received our first contract from
the Air Force Research Laboratory and we hope, subject to the performance of our
materials, to be working together on further revenue-producing programmes over
the coming years.'

Enquiries, please contact:

Julio Faria                                Neil Boom
Managing Director                          Managing Director
Surface Transforms plc                     Gresham PR Ltd.
01928 735498                               020 7404 9000


Notes to editors

Surface Transforms is developing and manufacturing a new generation of carbon
fibre reinforced ceramic (CFRC) materials for use in brakes and clutches and
also for non-friction applications. The materials are characterised by their
ability to withstand very high temperatures (up to 3000degreesC) whilst being
lightweight (70% lighter than cast iron), and have applications in a number of
markets including aircraft, high-speed rail, road cars, heavy goods vehicles,
Formula 1, GT cars and the Indy Racing League. New markets for the material
continue to be explored, including non-friction market applications like rocket
propulsion system components such as those now being developed for a division of
a major aerospace company.

Formed as a plc in 1999, the origins of the company date back to 1992 when the
business was founded in order to exploit new patents relating to materials and
processes obtained from ICI Plc. The business soon became involved in a DTI
sponsored LINK programme for the development of a novel low cost manufacturing
process for carbon composite brakes for very high speed trains.

The company has set up links with a major global manufacturer of aircraft
braking systems and is also developing and pilot manufacturing brake pads and
discs for use on high performance road cars. It continues to develop motorsport
brake products.

In 2002, the company began supplying test components to a division of a major
aerospace company for a rocket propulsion system. Initial test results have been
highly encouraging and further testing has now been commissioned.

The company floated on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market
(AIM) in September 2002 at the same time raising £1.3m gross in new funds.






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            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange