Bell Helicopter Expands Service Offerings in Europe

Defense News ~ FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - News) company, today announced the acquisition of Aviation Service, a world-class provider of modifications and upgrades, avionics and special mission packages, based in Prague, Czech Republic with annual revenues of about $14 million.

“Bell is committed to meeting the needs of our European customers; this acquisition allows us to more rapidly provide support and service to this important region,” said John L. Garrison, Bell president and CEO. “This facility provides us with the capabilities to meet the maintenance and modernization needs of Bell’s current European fleet of aircraft, while providing a foundation to accommodate future growth with local completion and customizing capability for new aircraft deliveries.”

“This central European location will further enhance our industry-leading Customer Support and Service organization, bringing the complete suite of Bell’s support and service offerings closer to our European customers,” said Danny Maldonado, senior vice president of Customer Support and Services and Chief Service Officer. “Supporting the European fleet is a priority for Bell, acquiring Aviation Service is one of the first steps to increase Bell’s rising presence in Europe.”

As part of the new acquisition Bell expects to be able to generate supplemental type certifications to meet customer requirements, building on Aviation Service’s EASA Part 21 Design Organization and 145 Repair Station certifications.

Leading this new venture is Gordon Harveson, general manager Bell Europe and a long-time leader at Bell. Among his recent accomplishments, Harveson managed the Bell Customer Supply Center in Amsterdam, a facility he will once again have responsibility for. “Building on the existing experience of Aviation Service, the introduction of the 429 and the world class supply capabilities at our Amsterdam facility, this acquisition signals the commitment of Bell in the European market,” said Harveson.

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron in known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at http://www.textron.com

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Investor Contact:

Textron

Doug Wilburne, 401-457-2288

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Textron

Bill Pitts, 401-457-2288

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Media Contact:

Bell Helicopter

Bridget Meyer, 817-280-7963

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TextronMichael Maynard, 401-457-2474

Overwatch Awarded DCGS-A Software Development Contract

Defense News ~ AUSTIN, Texas--January 25, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Overwatch, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - News) company, announced today that it has been awarded a U.S. Army contract for software development, training and support for the future intelligence framework.
This Distributed Common Ground System-Army (DCGS-A) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract has been awarded through the U.S. Army Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors (IEW&S) Program Executive Office (PEO) with a ceiling amount of $48.5 million over a period of five years.
With this contract award, Overwatch will continue to develop and maintain the DCGS-Army Application Framework (DAF), the DAF Software Development Kit (SDK), and major system components such as the Tactical Entity Database, messaging/interoperability, and visualization/analysis tools.
“This contract demonstrates the Army's continued confidence in Overwatch as the primary software developer on the DCGS-A v3 program,” said Overwatch General Manager Randy Averitte. “This award re-affirms Overwatch's position as a thought leader and engineering partner for the program, and enables us to move forward with the development of this critically important system for the military intelligence community.”
About Overwatch
Overwatch, an operating unit of Textron Systems, is the leading provider of integrated intelligence software solutions and services as well as robust satellite communications systems for today’s U.S. and international defense and intelligence communities. For the past 20 years, Overwatch’s intelligence solutions have supported decision makers, counter-terrorism analysts, warfighters and first responders by providing proven tools that simplify the integration, analysis and exploitation of intelligence in order to present a complete operational picture and accelerate the time-to-decision. More information is available at www.overwatch.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Contact:
Investors:
Textron
Doug Wilburne, 401-457-2288
or
Bill Pitts, 401-457-2288
or
Media:
Textron Systems Corporation
Sharon Corona, 410-628-3184
or
Textron
Michael Maynard, 401-457-2474

Royal Netherlands Air Force Selects AAI's Advanced Boresight Equipment for Two Helicopter Platforms

Defense News Updates ~ : HUNT VALLEY, Md.--January 20, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - News) company, announced today that the Royal Netherlands Air Force has selected its Advanced Boresight Equipment (ABE®) for aircraft harmonization on the AH-64D Apache Longbow® and CH-47F Chinook® helicopters.
ABE is a gyro-stabilized, electro-optical angular measurement system designed to align aircraft subsystems. Under these new awards valued at more than $1.8 million, AAI will deliver an additional ABE AH-64D Apache Depot Boresight System to align various sensor, weapon and sighting systems, as well as an additional ABE AH-64D Apache Maintenance Aircraft Survivability Equipment (AMASE) Boresight Kit for AMASE alignment. AAI’s ABE boresight solution has supported the AH-64D Apache for the Royal Netherlands Air Force since 2004.
In addition, AAI’s ABE system has been selected as the harmonization solution for the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s CH-47F Chinook aircraft survivability equipment. Under these awards, AAI will design, develop and deliver adapters, platform-specific firmware called a Personality Module, training and manuals.
“AAI is committed to creating reliable, cost-effective test solutions that provide confidence to warfighters. ABE is the boresighting solution of choice for dozens of platforms in several countries,” says Vice President of Test & Training Systems Robert Peters. “Not only is it a proven, accurate and repeatable resource, it minimizes harmonization time and required manpower. The Royal Netherlands Air Force will now use our common ABE Model 310A alignment system on both of these helicopter platforms.”

About AAI
AAI Corporation and its indirect wholly owned subsidiaries Aerosonde Pty Ltd and ESL Defence Limited design, produce and support industry-leading aerospace and defense products and services, including unmanned aircraft and ground control technologies; high-fidelity training and simulation systems; automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment; armament systems; and logistical, engineering, supply chain and operational support services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aaicorp.com&esheet=6149468&lan=en_US&anchor=www.aaicorp.com&index=1&md5=0ce7e87a540422ab056ded5b9fec2b6b.

About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.textronsystems.com&esheet=6149468&lan=en_US&anchor=www.textronsystems.com&index=2&md5=fd3a790697813c653fd8b7e3977567ba.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.textron.com&esheet=6149468&lan=en_US&anchor=www.textron.com&index=3&md5=8e38987f61dcfe584464be973d106730.

AAI and ABE are registered trademarks of AAI Corporation
AH-64D Apache Longbow is a registered trademark of Boeing Management Company
Chinook is a registered trademark of the Department of the Army

Contact:
Investor Contact:
Textron
Doug Wilburne,401-457-2288
or
Textron
Bill Pitts, 401-457-2288
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Media Contact:
Textron Systems Corporation
Sharon Corona, 410-628-3184
or
Textron
Michael Maynard, 401-457-2474

Textron Defense Systems' XM1100 Scorpion Intelligent Munitions System Demonstrates Operational Capabilities in Successful End-to-End Testing

Defense News ~ WILMINGTON, Mass.--January 19, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - News) company, announced today that its XM1100 Scorpion networked sensor and munitions system successfully completed a rigorous test series at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
Testing culminated in the first end-to-end, live-fire engagement by the Scorpion networked sensor and munitions platform, with the Scorpion system scoring a perfect three for three against vehicle targets. Remote-controlled military targets were driven through multiple fields of emplaced Scorpion systems, which identified and tracked the targets and passed information to an operator overlooking the fields. The operator then armed a fully functional Scorpion system with a high-explosive munition, destroying the targets and demonstrating the system’s effectiveness.
The Scorpion system includes networked, arrayed lethal and non-lethal engagement effects and components for command and control, situational awareness and communications, all of which are linked by a central command-and-control module. The system can detect, track, classify, report and engage enemy vehicles, making it effective for battlespace shaping and force protection.
A full network of 16 dispensing modules was employed during the White Sands Missile Range test event, which included demonstration of command and control, ground sensor tracking, target engagement, anti-vehicle munitions launch and warhead lethality, as well as self-destruction testing and soldier interaction testing and assessment. Additional achievements included the testing of a fielded Scorpion system overnight to observe its force protection capability.
“The White Sands Missile Range end-to-end test event demonstrates that our Scorpion system operates as intended — to protect warfighters from surrounding threats and provide them critical force protection capability,” says Textron Defense Systems’ Senior Vice President and General Manager Mark Catizone. “The demonstration’s successful completion brings us an important step closer to delivering this system into the hands of warfighters.”
Following this major program milestone, Textron Defense Systems plans to deliver production representative systems for government qualification testing, which is expected to commence early this year.
About Textron Defense Systems
Textron Defense Systems employs advanced technology and industry expertise to develop and manufacture state-of-the-art smart weapons; airborne and ground-based sensors and surveillance systems; and protection systems for the defense, aerospace and homeland security communities. Its innovative systems for the military provide precision effects, actionable intelligence and force protection. More information is available at www.textrondefense.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: (a) changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; (b) changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget, including those related to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Overseas Contingency Operations; (c) changes in national or international funding priorities, U.S. and foreign military budget constraints and determinations, and government policies on the export and import of military and commercial products; (d) our ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government; (e) legislative or regulatory actions impacting defense operations; (f) the timing of new product launches and certifications of new products; (g) the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products (h) the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; and (i) performance issues with key suppliers, subcontractors and business partners.
Scorpion is a trademark of the U.S. Army.

Contact:
Investor Contact:
Textron
Doug Wilburne, 401-457-2288
or
Bill Pitts, 401-457-2288
or
Media Contact:
Textron Systems Corporation
Sharon Corona, 410-628-3184
or
Textron
Michael Maynard, 401-457-2474

Textron Prices Offering of $600 Million of Notes

Textron ~ September 15, 2009,
PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - News) today announced it has priced its public offering of notes in an aggregate principal amount of $600 million, comprised of $350 million of 6.20% notes due March 15, 2015 and $250 million of 7.25% notes due October 1, 2019. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on September 17, 2009, subject to customary closing conditions.
Textron plans to use the net proceeds from the issuance of the notes for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment or repurchase of certain debt, including the repurchase of outstanding debt securities issued by Textron and its wholly owned subsidiary, Textron Financial Corporation, in the separate cash debt tender offers previously announced by Textron.
BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital Inc., Citi, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. acted as joint book-running managers for the offering.
The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus, copies of which may be obtained from: Banc of America Securities LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 100 West 33rd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10001 (1-800-294-1322, e-mail address: dg.prospectus_distribution@bofasecurities.com); Barclays Capital Inc., c/o Broadridge Integrated Distribution Services, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717 (phone: 1-888-603-5847 and e-mail: Barclaysprospectus@broadridge.com); Citigroup Global Markets Inc., 140 58th Street, 8th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11220 (1-877-858-5407); Goldman, Sachs & Co., Attn: Prospectus Department, 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004, Telephone: 1-866-471-2526, Facsimile: 212-902-9316, or by emailing prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com; and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., 270 Park Avenue, Floor 5, New York, NY 10017 (phone: 212-270-1477).
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any notes, nor will there be any sale of notes, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Textron
Textron is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee and Textron Systems.
Forward-looking Information
This press release may include forward-looking statements of Textron. These forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact but rather reflect Textron’s current expectations, estimates and predictions about future results and events. These statements may use words such as “should,” “likely,” “target,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “predict,” “project” and similar expressions as they relate to Textron or its management. When Textron makes forward-looking statements, they are based on its management’s beliefs and assumptions, using information currently available to Textron. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed in Textron's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed thereafter and the documents incorporated by reference therein. Textron undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, developments or otherwise. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Textron’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what Textron projected. Any forward-looking statements of Textron you read in this press release reflect its current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Textron’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Textron or individuals acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this section.
Contact:
Textron
Investor Contacts:
Doug Wilburne,
401-457-2288or
Bill Pitts,
401-457-2288
or
Media Contact:
Michael Maynard,
401-457-2474

Symtx to Provide U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Engine Test Instrumentation Systems

Source: Textron ~ September 15, 2009,
HUNT VALLEY, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - News) company, announced today that its Austin, Texas-based strategic business, Symtx Inc., has been selected by prime contractor EADS North America Test and Services, a division of EADS North America, to jointly deliver new Shaft Engine Test Instrumentation (SETI) systems for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps helicopter engines. The approximately $11.5 million contract calls for two pilot units, 19 production units and options to be delivered through April 2013.
Under this award, test solution and service provider Symtx is responsible for activities including assembly, integration, test and delivery of the 21 SETI systems.
“Symtx has a history of success delivering robust test systems for its military customers,” says Vice President and General Manager Mark Jurovich of Symtx. “The company produces Jet Engine Test Instrument, or JETI, systems for the U.S. Navy that are being used to support auxiliary power units and engines including the F414, F404, F110, F405, F402 and J52.”
The new SETI systems incorporate cutting-edge technologies for data capture, enhanced transfer and test efficiency, and lower fuel consumption during engine testing.
“Symtx delivers a broad range of capabilities to meet customer needs including custom-designed solutions, proven turnkey platforms and post-delivery services and support,” says Vice President of Test and Training Systems Robert Peters of AAI. “Across AAI’s Test and Training Systems business, the same wide spectrum of skills and experience enables customers to test and utilize their mission-critical systems with confidence.”
About AAI
AAI Corporation designs, produces, and supports aerospace and defense systems through its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, AAI Services Corporation, Aerosonde Pty Ltd, ESL Defence Limited, and Symtx, Inc. Its high-technology products and services include unmanned aircraft systems, training and simulation systems, automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment, armament systems, aviation ground support equipment, and logistical, engineering, and supply chain services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
AAI is a registered trademark of AAI Corporation.
Contact:
Investor Contacts:
Textron
Doug Wilburne,
401-457-2288
or
Textron
Bill Pitts,
401-457-2288
or
Media Contacts:
Textron Systems
Sharon Corona,
410-628-3184
or
Textron
Michael Maynard,
401-457-2474