Textron Systems Unveils Tactical Rocket Propelled Grenade Airbag Protection System (TRAPS) at AUSA Annual Meeting

October 05, 2006

Proven system offers protection to vehicles, soldiers and guard posts

Wilmington, MA – October 5, 2006 – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, has announced plans to reveal its Tactical Rocket Propelled Grenade Airbag Protection System (TRAPS) at the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC in October 2006. TRAPS is among the products that were added to the company's overall product portfolio as a result of the acquisition of Innovative Survivability Technologies, Inc. (IST) by Textron Systems in July 2006.

The TRAPS airbag protection system is designed to defeat Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) commonly used by insurgent operations against military convoys, convoy protectors and bases. The TRAPS technology features a simple radar device and modified commercial airbag system to protect vehicles, soldiers and guard posts, without risk of injury to dismounted soldiers or non-combatants within the vicinity of RPG attacks and explosions.

According to Rod Beach, general manager of operations, Textron Systems, "As the battlespace continues to shift into more urban settings, the need for close-in protection is greater than ever. There is an on-going and significant problem with RPGs. TRAPS is a safe, proven and cost-effective RPG defeat system that is readily available to protect personnel and vehicles against sudden and lethal attacks by rocket propelled devices."

Funding for the TRAPS RPG Defeat System in the amount of $3.5M was provided in 2005 by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Quick Reaction Contract Office, and administered by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). An additional $3M has been provided by Congress in the FY 07 Defense Appropriations Bill.

TRAPS will be on display in the Textron Systems Booth #1602 in Hall 3 of the Washington, DC Convention Center, along with several products representing the company's Marine & Land, HR Textron and Wilmington, Massachusetts operations.

About Textron Systems

Textron Systems Corporation ("Textron Systems") provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the global aerospace and defense industries. The company supports military and homeland security missions with strike weapons, as well as mobility and surveillance systems, and provides commercial and general aviation with engines and actuation systems. The Textron name is well known in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft control components, piston engines, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles. 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.

Connect with Textron IR

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

Email Alert

Enter your Email *
Mailing Lists *





 
Enter the code shown above.