EADS launches THR880i Ex TETRA terminal

Feature-rich THR880i Ex provides safe and reliable communication in explosion-prone environments.

Developed in cooperation with Ecom instruments GmbH, a leading company for Ex-hazardous equipment.

12 June 2007 – EADS Secure Networks has introduced an intrinsically safe model of the popular THR880i TETRA radio today at the TETRA World Congress 2007. The new THR880i Ex radio combines certification for operation in explosion-prone areas with the user friendliness, solid design and advanced features of the THR880i. The THR880i Ex model has been developed in cooperation with Ecom instruments GmbH, a leading supplier of safe mobile solutions.

With IP55 classification and compliant with the II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 certificate (ATEX Directive 94/9/CE), the THR880i Ex has the best protection against physical and environmental exposure, providing safe and reliable communication for the circumstances where intrinsically safe products are mandatory.

The new terminal is suitable to be used in explosion-prone areas and places where inflammable substances are being produced, processed, transported or stored: chemical and petrochemical industries, oil and natural gas production plants, as well as rigs and harbours.

“The THR880i Ex radio allows our customers to use their TETRA network services in hazardous areas without having to compromise”, said Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of EADS Secure Networks. “There is a clear and strong demand from the market for a feature-rich Ex terminal and we are responding with this new product. The terminal is easy to use and has for example integrated GPS receiver, voice feedback, colour display, Java platform and IP packet data facility.. The oil and gas industries will find the terminal a major benefit and this is an important sector for EADS to serve”.

The accessories and programming tools of the THR880i and THR880i Light radio models, except for the battery, are compatible with the THR880i Ex model but the standard accessories may not be used in hazardous areas. The THR880i Ex has its own special battery model BLN-EX. In addition, specialist accessory manufacturers will provide accessories suitable for the THR880i Ex. Savox, a manufacturer of leading edge professional mobile radio (PMR)accessories and also specializing in intrinsically safe products, introduces at TETRA World Congress an intrinsically safe model of their CC500 speaker-microphone for the THR880i Ex.

The first frequency band to be supported is 410 – 430 MHz, to be followed by 380 – 400 and other frequency bands based on market demand. The THR880i Ex is available with a choice of 20 user interface languages and a variety of language specific key mats including Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Latin. Deliveries of the new THR880i Ex radio will start during the 4th quarter of 2007.

EADS Secure Networks is a world leading provider of PMR that enables professional organizations to communicate together effectively, reliably, and securely. EADS is the only company worldwide that can offer specialized PMR solutions based on TETRA, TETRAPOL, and P25 technologies. EADS has already delivered 150 mission-critical PMR networks, more than 30 of which with nationwide coverage.

EADS Secure Networks is part of Defence and Communications Systems (DCS), the “Systems House” of EADS, an integrated Business Unit of the EADS Defence & Security Division (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider combining military air systems, missile systems, communications and intelligence systems, global security solutions, sensor and avionics systems, as well as test and support solutions into a single effective network. In 2006, DS – with its around 23,000 employees – achieved revenues of 5.9 billion.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of 39.4 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.

Contact:

Brigitte Faure
Tel.: +33 (1) 6138 5329
brigitte.faure@eads.com