Palm Springs, CA - November 9, 2006 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, unveiled the mockup of its Next Generation Piston aircraft at this year's Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Expo Nov. 9-11 in Palm Springs, Calif. The company anticipates a decision on whether to launch the program by mid-2007. If the decision is made to go forward, an estimated 18-month certification schedule will be put in place.

"The mockup on display represents a concept for a new family of airplanes we are evaluating," said Cessna Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jack J. Pelton. "Cessna has been the undisputed leader in general aviation for more than 50 years, and we are committed to increasing that lead, so we have been assessing a range of technologies, features, materials and processes for this endeavor. We want this innovative new family of Cessna aircraft to set the standard for performance, comfort and value, making it a strong competitor to current single engine piston designs from other manufacturers. As part of our ongoing market research, we look forward to what AOPA Expo attendees have to say about our concept."

Pelton said the flying proof-of-concept aircraft is meeting and exceeding expectations with more than 80 hours in the air to date. The aircraft's first flight was June 23.

"Aerodynamically, the airplane design is very clean," Pelton said. "Stalls are going well, and stability and control are both very good. This family of aircraft would be a great addition to our current single engine piston lineup. They would fill a new market niche, offering speed and performance levels beyond our current 230-horsepower, 140-knot 182 Skylane model, while maintaining the excellent handling characteristics our airplanes are known for. In addition, our customers would continue to have the benefit of our well-established worldwide sales, distribution, service and training infrastructure."

Pelton said the company will not release performance numbers or other specifications until the development program is further along.

"We know this will be a world-class airplane, but before making any commitments, we want to have a high level of confidence we can meet or exceed those commitments for our customers," he said. "Please stay tuned for future announcements in the program."