Rockwell Collins to Acquire NLX; Acquisition to Expand Company's Service Solution Portfolio

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (October 17, 2003) - Rockwell Collins, Inc. (NYSE: COL), a global leader in aviation electronics and communications, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NLX, LLC, a leader in integrated training and simulation systems for military and commercial customers. NLX was purchased from Arlington Capital Partners and management.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close prior to the end of this calendar year, in the first quarter of Rockwell Collins' fiscal 2004. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Rockwell Collins will acquire NLX in a $125 million cash transaction. NLX's revenues for 2004 are anticipated to be approximately $125 million. The acquisition is anticipated to be slightly accretive to earnings for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004.

"Our service and support business continues to grow and prosper," said Rockwell Collins Chairman, President and CEO Clay Jones. "This strategic acquisition will allow Rockwell Collins to expand into areas beyond where we have traditionally participated, providing even greater value for our customers."

NLX provides a range of training systems, upgrades, modifications and engineering and technical services for many military and commercial platforms including the United States Navy's E-2C Hawkeye 2000 upgrade program and the recently announced Stryker light armored vehicle for the United States Army. The company provides its products and services for all branches of the United States military and its commercial customers include leading training suppliers as well as aircraft manufacturers.

"Adding the capabilities of NLX will allow us to broaden our service offerings and provide more comprehensive service solutions to meet the demanding requirements of our customers," said Collins Aviation Services Senior Vice President and General Manager Harry Gregory.

"This is a very positive opportunity for both our companies," said NLX President Tony Syme. "As part of Rockwell Collins, we will be better positioned to provide a more complete solution to a broader customer base."

NLX, headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, employs approximately 650 professionals at twenty facilities across North America.

Rockwell Collins is a leader in the design, production and support of aviation electronics and communications for government and commercial customers worldwide. Additional information is available at www.rockwellcollins.com.

Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, DC-based private equity fund. Additional information is available at www.arlingtoncap.com.

This press release contains statements (such as projections regarding future performance) that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risks inherent in the completion of any acquisition that is subject to closing conditions, integration of NLX into Rockwell Collins, the development and market acceptance of the products and services of the combined companies, demand for these products and related services, economic and political changes in the domestic and international markets where NLX and Rockwell Collins compete, successful deployment of advanced technologies, competitive product and pricing pressures as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in Rockwell Collins Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

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