Army Issues 70% Increase to BRS Aerospace Parachute Contract

SOUTH ST. PAUL, MN--(Marketwire - 09/09/09) - BRS Aerospace (Ballistic Recovery Systems, Inc.) (Pinksheets:BRSI - News), a manufacturer of whole-aircraft emergency parachute systems, military cargo and personnel parachutes, and reflective safety products, announced today that it has been awarded an extra $2.75M in new orders (an increase of 72% over its initial order) by the US Army to manufacture additional "low velocity" cargo parachutes over an 18-month period. Production for this contract will occur at the company's North Carolina facility where at least 20 more employees will be hired to accommodate this increase. Combined with the original Low Velocity contract received in July, the Low V program will bring in more than $6.6M of revenue over the initial 18-24 month delivery period and more than 40 new jobs to the Pinebluff, NC region.
The Low Velocity parachute, made of lower cost woven polypropylene instead of traditionally used, but more expensive, ripstop nylon, is designed for humanitarian relief efforts and resupply missions where it is difficult to recover airdrop equipment or reach troops by ground convoy and from deployment altitudes of 500-1,200 AGL (above ground level). These parachutes are designed to be light, simple in design, and up to 80% less expensive than the standard parachutes and containers now used for these missions.
Low Velocity Parachute
"We are very proud that the Army has recognized our capabilities and desire to provide quality defense articles in a timely manner, something we have been striving toward for some time now," said BRS Aerospace CEO and President, Larry Williams. Norman Girdwood, General Manager of BRS Aerospace's Pinebluff, North Carolina facility added, "This is the kind of problem I like having... hiring new people, scheduling new shifts, ensuring quality specs are met... all that is entailed in ramping up a successful product line." Concluding, Girdwood commented, "I've known that we were at the cusp of being recognized as a strong partner with the Army... we've worked very hard as a corporation to make this happen. This additional award makes that a reality."
About BRS Aerospace
Based in South Saint Paul, Minnesota, BRS Aerospace consists of three divisions: BRS Aviation, which designs, manufactures, and distributes whole-aircraft emergency parachute systems for general aviation and recreational aircraft; BRS Defense, which designs and manufactures a variety of parachute systems for US Department of Defense and foreign military customers; and BRS Safety, which designs and manufactures reflective and load-bearing safety vests, and other safety apparel and is a leader in the "cut & sew" industry. Since 1981, BRS Aerospace has delivered more than 30,000 parachute systems to aircraft owners worldwide, including over 3,700 systems on FAA-certificated aircraft such as the Cirrus Design SR20 and SR22 manufactured in Duluth, Minnesota and a variety of Cessna aircraft including the C-172/182 and new C-162 Skycatcher. To date, BRS Aerospace parachute recovery systems have been credited with saving the lives of 240 pilots and passengers.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "believes," "intends," and other similar words or phrases. These statements are only predictions, and are based on current information and expectations. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including market fluctuations, pricing, procurement, manufacturing efficiencies, operating risks, and other risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected. For more information, review the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly the Company's annual report on Form 10-KSB. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and BRS undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1059976

Contact:
Gary D. Moore
Email Contact
Larry E. Williams
Email Contact
Voice: 651-457-7491
FAX: 651-457-8651