Wilmington, MA - August 10, 2006 - Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today that following extensive data gathering and testing, it has introduced software enhancements to its Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW), giving it a maritime capability that complements its outstanding land-based performance. The change was approved by the United States Air Force and introduced into Textron Systems' on-going SFW production in May 2006. This new capability was successfully demonstrated against both stationary and moving watercraft in flight tests conducted on June 15th at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Dispensed over the target area, a single production SFW with this new capability performed as predicted resulting in multiple hull-piercing hits and other secondary effects against multiple targets, which included stationary 36-ft Mini Armored Troop Carriers (MATCs) and 23-ft moving Key Largo Center Console boats. According to Lt. Col. Richard Mountain, Commander. 683d Armament Systems Squadron, responsible for SFW, "The test demonstrated the ability of a single weapon to detect and hit four targets. The multi-target engagement capability of SFW over water as well as land adds new capability to the warfighters' arsenal to rapidly halt enemy forces in both environments."
"Sensor Fuzed Weapon has been distinguished by a history of continuous improvement and exceptional performance. Adding a littoral capability to SFW's proven powerful performance over land reflects a logical and important progression in the mission utility of this weapon," said Tom Harrington, Textron Systems, vice president, airborne products. "We're quite proud that the world's first smart area weapon in production for land targets is now the world's first smart area weapon in production for littoral targets as well."
About the Sensor Fuzed Weapon
Known as CBU-97 and CBU-105, Textron Systems' Sensor Fuzed Weapon is the first and only combat-proven smart area weapon of its kind in U.S. Air Force inventory designed to accurately detect and defeat multiple stationary or moving land & maritime threat targets. SFW's demonstrated lethality against armor makes CBU-105 an important force-multiplying capability for the warfighter. Its 40 smart Skeet warheads have both a hard and soft target capability and are equipped with two self-destruct modes and a self-neutralization feature to leave no hazardous unexploded ordnance on the ground, resulting in a clean battlefield.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the global aerospace and defense industries. The company supports military precision engagement and dominant maneuver with strike weapons, mobility and surveillance systems. The Textron name is well known in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft control components, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles. Textron Systems Corporation ("Textron Systems") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avco Corporation. Avco Corporation is wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.systems.textron.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees. 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, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.