WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

  


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
     (Replace this text with the legend)
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<CIK>         0000073864                
<NAME>        OEA INC / DE/                
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1
<CURRENCY>                                     <blank>
       
                                            
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                            JUL-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                                AUG-1-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                 JUL-31-1996
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