Windsor, Bedford, UK, 27 September 2012

ICON and ARA, two of the UK's leading innovators in the development and support of Computational Fluids Dynamics (CFD) processes, are pleased to announce that they have signed a strategic partnership. Their joint expertise in CFD technology development, along with ARA's ability to combine wind tunnel testing and the complementary services of model design, component manufacture and aerodynamic analysis, means the partnership can offer high quality, fully validated products to the aerospace industry.

ICON, who since 1992 has supplied high value-added, supported CFD-driven design technologies to a variety of industries worldwide, including AIRBUS and its component suppliers, is excited to be working on collaborative software technologies with ARA, who will be able to validate the civil and defence applications using their established test facilities and extensive experience in aeronautical applications.

Bob Bosher, Chief Operations Officer at ARA said "We are delighted to be working with ICON on mutual technology collaborations and service offerings which will be provided globally to civil and defence aircraft manufacturers".

David Green, Commercial Director at ICON, stated that: "ARA was a natural choice as a partner with its extensive experience in working with global aerospace manufacturers in a number of different technology areas, combined with a company culture that fits well with ICON - focussed upon providing excellent customer service. We are looking forward to this collaboration".

About ARA (www.ara.co.uk)

Aircraft Research Association is an independent research and development organisation which was established in 1952 as a wind tunnel testing centre for the UK aircraft industry. ARA's main strength is their ability to combine wind tunnel testing, with the complementary services of model design, component manufacture and computer simulation, making the model design stage more effective and therefore minimising the time customers need to spend in the wind tunnel.

ARA has been involved in the development of various prestigious civil aircraft projects over the years, including Concorde, Harrier and the majority of the AIRBUS fleet. It also has provided a number of confidential services to customers in Military Aerospace, Defence, Formula 1 and Wind Energy industries. ARA supplies its services to customers all over the world, including Europe, South America and the Far East.

ARA's key aim is to remain aware of novel ideas and technologies which benefit their customers and always be ready to accept new challenges.

About Icon Technology & Process Consulting Limited (www.iconcfd.com)

ICON is a privately-owned CFD technology company formed in 1992. ICON's strategy is as pertinent today as it was then: to provide high-quality independent advice and expertise in process, technology and services.

ICON has extensive experience in the use of proprietary software for CFD simulation and optimization, together with expertise in developing and supporting open source CFD technologies. ICON supports customers from a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, energy and processing sectors.

The company head-quarters are in Windsor, UK with further offices throughout Europe and the USA (Cincinnati, OH).

For further information please visit iconcfd.com/contact.