Simula Cites Licensed Introduction of NXT Polymers For The Sun and Sport Eyewear Market; Revolutionary Material is Outgrowth of Simula Armor Technology

    PHOENIX--March 13, 2002--Simula, Inc. (AMEX: SMU) announced today that its licensee, Intercast Europe S.P.A., an internationally recognized lens supplier to the sun and sport eyewear industry, will introduce a new family of polarized and photochromic lenses for the sun and sport eyewear markets using patented NXT(TM) urethane polymer technology developed by Simula. Intercast will formally introduce the NXT(TM) optical polymers at the International Vision Expo held in New York City on March 14-17, 2002.
    The NXT(TM) polymer technology was born out of Simula's successful efforts to develop advanced transparent armor for U.S. Army helicopters. Simula's efforts to find commercial applications for the new transparent polymer material led to several licenses including exclusive worldwide rights to Intercast for the production of lenses and shields for sunglasses and sport eyewear featuring the outstanding properties of NXT(TM) urethane polymers. Simula previously announced the Intercast license agreement on May 4, 2000.
    Intercast Europe, based in Parma, Italy, is the world's largest manufacturer of hard resin cast sun lenses, and supplies products for fashion and performance eyewear to sunglass companies throughout the world through its factories and distribution units located in Italy, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan and the U.S. Intercast lenses have been chosen for use by most of the world's leading eyewear companies. The company is also a leading provider of optical filters designed to protect and improve vision for eyewear, as well as Nuclear Track Detectors and optical filters for bar code readers, digital displays, and other industrial applications.
    "Since the development of CR-39(R) and polycarbonate over 40 years ago, there have been few advancements and no significant innovations in high-impact optical polymer development," said Paolo Baiocchi, Intercast Europe's President. "To achieve a high performance image, premium sunglass brands had to rely on creative naming or value-added treatments to these long existing technologies. NXT(TM) provides designers more freedom to select frame materials and create styling solutions that are now restricted by the properties of existing lens materials, enabling more unique and compelling sunglass collections."
    NXT(TM) optical polymers provide superior impact resistance, visual performance, lighter weight and durability when compared to other optical lens materials such as polycarbonate.
    "This is an example of Simula's ability to maximize the value of its technology portfolio by migrating selected technologies from military applications to commercial uses," said Brad Forst, Simula President and CEO. Simula is also investigating the use of its transparent polymer technology in a variety of uses including transparent armor, impact-resistant transparent glazing, and protective masks and visors.
    Simula, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a diversified safety technology company that designs and manufactures personal and vehicle armor systems, occupant safety systems and other devices engineered to safeguard human life in a wide range of air, ground, and sea transportation vehicles. The company operates in two principal markets that are aligned with its core technologies: government and defense contracting and automotive safety systems. Core technologies for the company include military helicopter seating systems, advanced parachutes, personal survival equipment, crash sensors, a range of protective armor products, inflatable restraints, and advanced transparent polymer materials. Additional information about Simula can be found at its web site, www.simula.com.
    Additional information about Intercast can be found at its web site, www.intercast.it.