Harris Corporation and MTI Microfuel Cells Demonstrate Fuel Cell Prototype for Military Applications at Congressional Fuel Cell Expo

ALBANY, N.Y., May 22, 2003 -- Harris Corporation , and MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Inc. , will discuss future military applications for micro fuel cells and demonstrate a direct methanol micro fuel cell (DMFC) power-pack prototype powering a Harris FALCON II tactical, handheld radio at the Third Annual Congressional Fuel Cell Expo today in Washington, D.C.

The Expo, sponsored by the U.S. Fuel Cell Council and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, brings together Congressional leaders, officials from federal agencies and leading fuel cell developers to examine the latest activities in the field.

A micro fuel cell is an energy-generating device that creates power through the chemical reaction of a fuel in the presence of a catalyst. MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. (MTI Micro) is developing micro fuel cell power systems as a future power supply for portable electronic devices. Harris RF Communications Division is a supplier of secure voice and data communications products, systems and networks to military, government, and commercial organizations worldwide.

In November of 2002, MTI Micro and Harris announced an agreement for the development of DMFC system prototypes for potential use in Harris' FALCON II tactical handheld radios.

"Our work with MTI Micro is part of Harris' commitment to the development of new technologies that can increase the functionality and use time for a soldier's equipment while reducing the weight of the necessary power sources," said Chester A. Massari, president of Harris RF Communications Division.

The MTI Micro-Harris prototype is currently producing a power output of 5 watts with a peak power of 25 watts and an energy content of greater than 50-watt hours. This prototype is currently in the form factor of the two most used military batteries that power a wide array of military communications devices and equipment.

"Just six months after starting our work with Harris, the prototype is powering the radio and putting out twice the energy of the radio's internal battery," said Dr. William Acker, president and CEO of MTI Micro. "It is also approaching the energy of the external rechargeable battery -- the BB390, putting us on a clear pathway to reach our goal of exceeding the greater energy content of the primary battery -- the BA 5590. This work is an important step on the path to developing and delivering a variety of micro fuel cell power products for military, homeland security and civilian defense agencies worldwide."

MTI Micro also demonstrated a prototype powering a camera phone -- which is being developed for future commercial applications -- and discussed its recent technical advancements including the operation of its DMFC technology platform on 100% methanol fuel in repeated laboratory tests. These tests -- where pure methanol is being fed directly into the fuel cell -- are resulting in 0.9 watt hours of energy per cubic centimeters (cc) of fuel and producing more than three times the energy of most current lithium ion batteries, which is an important step in developing full systems capable of performance exceeding the best batteries. MTI Micro's latest prototypes have already advanced to operate on an increased concentration of approximately 50% methanol.

About Harris RF Communications Division

Harris RF Communications Division is a leading supplier of secure voice and data communications products, systems and networks to military, government, and commercial organizations worldwide. Harris Corporation is an international communications equipment company focused on providing product, system, and service solutions for commercial and government customers. The company's five operating divisions serve markets for government communications, tactical radio, broadcast, microwave, and network support systems. Harris serves customers in more than 150 countries. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

About MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc.

MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology, Inc., , is developing proprietary direct methanol micro fuel cell systems with the goal of commercialization commencing in 2004. The company has a world-class team of entrepreneurial business executives, researchers and scientists; a proprietary direct methanol micro fuel cell power system and a number of system prototypes demonstrating size reductions, performance improvements, the ability to operate in any orientation, and operation at a range of power outputs; significant related intellectual property; and government awards and developed strategic partnerships to help accelerate commercialization. For more information: www.mechtech.com.

About The US Fuel Cell Council

The USFCC is an industry association dedicated to fostering the commercialization of fuel cells in the United States. Its members include some of the world's leading fuel cell developers, manufacturers, suppliers and customers. The USFCC conducts a full range of technical, educational and outreach activities in support of the industry and its goals. More information on the USFCC can be seen on their website at http://www.usfcc.com/.

Statements in this press release which are not historical fact including statements regarding managements intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, representations, projections, plans or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include statements regarding the direct methanol micro fuel cell (DMFC) prototype performance and potential performance, DMFC system flexibility and scalability, market entry targets and dates, prospects for the development, manufacturing and market potential of DMFCs, and the potential impact of recent technical advancement on future product performance. It is important to note that the Company's actual results may differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, risks related to financing, uncertainties in development, manufacturing, competition and consumer demand for DMFCs, and the risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports including but not limited to, the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 2002 and Quarterly Reports on form 10-Q.