Executive Biography

     Edward E. Buffington is vice president of test systems for AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems Corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc.

     Named to his current position in May 2004, Mr. Buffington is responsible for flight line, intermediate, and depot test products and services, as well as other military weapons systems. He oversees ESL Defence Limited, AAI’s subsidiary in the UK that develops electro-optical missile warning test and simulation products, as well as Austin-based Symtx Inc., a functional test systems manufacturer. He is also a member of the board of directors for ESL Defence Limited.

     From May 2004 to December 2006, Mr. Buffington headed AAI’s training systems business unit.

     Before being named to his current position, Mr. Buffington served for more than four years as vice president of business development for AAI’s defense business unit. In this role, he was responsible for directing all personnel and investment resources necessary for acquiring new business, including development of strategic and annual business plans, managing proposal and research and development budgets, and managing advertising and trade show activities.

     Earlier in his career, Mr. Buffington served as program director for AAI’s boresight product line while concurrently serving as program director responsible for growing AAI’s external software development business. He also served as director of business development for multiple AAI business areas, and led many program and proposal development activities as a program manager and project engineer.

     Mr. Buffington’s professional career began at AAI Corporation in 1973, when he joined the company as an electronics engineer. He was responsible for design and development of test system hardware and software for various avionics systems. Later, he led software development efforts on several training simulators for weapon and sensor systems, including many sophisticated electronic warfare self-protection systems.

     Mr. Buffington earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland in 1972. He has continued his education through many specialty courses in engineering, management, and business development.

     AAI Corporation designs, produces, and supports aerospace and defense systems through its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, AAI Services Corporation, Aerosonde Pty Ltd, ESL Defence Limited, and Symtx, Inc. Its high-technology products and services include unmanned aircraft systems, training and simulation systems, automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment, armament systems, aviation ground support equipment, and logistical, engineering, and supply chain services. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.