Enhanced Vision Systems Expand in Citation Fleet

October 11, 2004
Las Vegas, NV - October 11, 2004 - Cessna is implementing an enhanced vision system (EVS) for the Citation Excel and Citation XLS. Operators will have the option of a factory installed Max-Viz EVS-1000 in their Citation Excel or XLS following EVS certification, which is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2005. The EVS-1000 will also be available to all Citation Excels and XLS already in service via an optional service bulletin. Customers currently operating a Citation Excel or XLS may take advantage of this optional service bulletin by contacting their Citation Service Center. Over 375 Citation Excel and XLS aircraft are in operation today.

EVS is a cockpit tool that provides greatly enhanced situational awareness to the flight crew by reducing the risk of runway incursion accidents as well as avoiding ground based objects during times of low visibility. Those attending the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention will be able to see the benefits of EVS through an interactive display at Cessna's EVS supplier booth, Max-Viz, Inc.

The EVS-1000 system used on the Citation Excel and XLS utilizes long wave IR sensors to enhance vision during the night and through reduced visibility. The long wave IR sensor makes it possible for pilots to see terrain and heat patterns such as runways, grass, mountains, sky, and obstacles like deer, aircraft, and vehicles.

Cessna first announced EVS for the Citation X. Cessna recently received full FAA type certification for the Citation X's EVS-2000. The first EVS equipped Citation X will be delivered later this year.

EVS-2000 was designed specifically for Cessna's Citation X by Max-Viz, Inc., and it offers one-of-a-kind advantages to operators. Most simply defined, EVS-2000 is a dual band IR sensor that provides a pilot increased situational awareness thereby improving safety during nighttime and other reduced visibility weather situations. The system is able to do this by combining short and long wave infrared sensors to provide a single fused image. The short wave sensors detect high-intensity airport and approach lighting, and the long wave sensors distinguish obstacles and terrain by detecting minute differences in thermal energy. When the images combine, a pilot is able to see a single, real-time image that shows terrain and runways in times of reduced visibility conditions, such as darkness, haze, smoke, smog and rain.

The Cessna system is distinct compared to others because it uses a patented uncooled sensor in addition to using unique bandwidth ranges. Cessna's EVS-2000 uses long and short wave IR sensors, whereas many enhanced vision technology systems use long and mid range IR sensors. The EVS-2000 sensor is installed on top of the nose of the Citation X, and the image is displayed on the Citation X's second FMS.

Cessna Aircraft Company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT). Textron 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. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.cessna.com.

For additional information or questions about the general aviation industry, contact the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) at 202-393-1500 or www.GAMA.aero.

Connect with Textron IR

David Rosenberg, Vice President, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288
Kyle Williams, Manager, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288

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