BOULDER, Colo., 13 December 2004. Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center to develop a new sensor for the A-10 Warthog aircraft which provides close air support of ground forces.

Under the contract, Ball Aerospace will design and demonstrate a laser spot tracker to determine the position of received laser energy. The new laser detector and tracker should provide significant improvements by reducing target acquisition time, increasing target acquisition area, and enhancing tracking and reliability. This advanced technology can also be used for other applications like three-dimensional Light Detection & Ranging (LIDAR).

"The rapid acquisition Pave Penny sensor is designed to add significant tactical capability and considerable reliability to the A-10," said Mike Cerneck, vice president and general manager for defense operations at Ball Aerospace.

The contract began in September and is scheduled for 27 months.

Ball Corporation is a supplier of high-quality metal and plastic packaging products and innovative packaging solutions to the beverage and food industries. The company also owns Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., which develops sensors, spacecraft, systems and components for government and commercial markets. Ball employs 13,100 people worldwide and reported 2003 sales of $4.9 billion. For more information, see www.ballaerospace.com.