Blake to Join Bell's Commercial Business Unit

August 30, 2004

Fort Worth, TX - August 30, 2004 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron company, has named Michael Blake Senior Vice President of its Commercial Business Unit effective immediately. He comes to Bell after a 27-year career with the United Technologies Corporation. Most recently he was Vice President and Program Director of the Comanche Helicopter Program at Sikorsky Aircraft.

Mr. Blake will be responsible for Bell's worldwide commercial business operations. He will become a member of the company's senior staff, reporting to Michael Redenbaugh, Bell chief executive officer.

"We are very fortunate to have a person of Michael's extensive experience in both commercial and military program management as well as customer support," Mr. Redenbaugh said. "Mike Blake brings skills and experience to help continue the journey to our vision... The Premier Vertical-Lift Aircraft Company. We are excited at the prospect of someone of Mike's caliber joining our team."

In Bell's matrix organization Blake will have responsibility for Bell's commercial helicopter business strategy, program management, product development, aftermarket strategy and customer support and services worldwide.

In his last position at Sikorsky Mr. Blake had management oversight for more than 1,300 persons involved in the RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter program. The U.S. Army terminated the program in February of this year.

Previously he served five years as head of Sikorsky's worldwide customer service organization, which included service, repair and overhaul, spare parts, aftermarket and all field representatives for the company. During this time Helicopter Support International was acquired and Blake led its integration into the Sikorsky service group.

Also during his tenure at Sikorsky he served as director of the Heavy Lift Product Line, which included all models of the CH-53 and MH-53 aircraft, and was program manager for the Presidential Helicopter Program that included Marine One.

He is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University and holds an MBA from the University of New Haven. He also has attended the Harvard University Program Management Development program and has earned program manager certification from the Defense Systems Management College.

Bell Helicopter Textron, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a $1.6 billion, leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 43,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.

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