Textron Businesses Join Forces to Pay Tribute to the U.S Military at Event

Fort Worth, TX – December 20, 2006 – Underscoring support for both their U.S. military customers and for collegiate athletics, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has become the title sponsor for the upcoming Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, previously known as the Fort Worth Bowl for its initial four years. The first-ever Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl will be televised live on ESPN on December 23, 2006, at 7 p.m. CST from the Amon G. Carter Stadium, on the Texas Christian University (TCU) campus, and is the fourth-ever match-up between the University of Tulsa and the University of Utah, from the Conference USA and Mountain West conferences, respectively.

In addition to the feature event, festivities will include a fan-fest area showcasing military hardware, flyovers, a demonstration by a top skydiving team made up of former military jumpers, a military band and honor guard, the presentation of the first annual "Great American Patriot Award," and live remotes from men and women in uniform from military bases around the world. Military veterans will receive major discounts on tickets for the event and all active duty personnel will be honored with complementary tickets through donations from Bell Helicopter and other event sponsors. In addition, a portion of the local ticket sales will go to designated military charities.

"We are honored to be the title sponsor and chief enabler of this event," said Mike Redenbaugh, chief executive officer of Bell Helicopter. "We don't see this as just another college bowl game. We see this as a way to pay tribute to our men and women in uniform – past, present and future. And we're thrilled to honor them as we celebrate with the Universities of Tulsa and Utah, for their achievements in earning a place on the score-card."

In addition to Bell's sponsorship of the nationally televised event, other Textron companies, including Textron Systems and E-Z-GO are demonstrating their support for the troops through their additional sponsorship presence at the Bowl.

Throughout game day, attendees will have the opportunity to see a number of Textron products that are currently being utilized by our Armed Forces today, including:

• The Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey, a revolutionary, vertical and short take-off and land, multi-purpose aircraft with excellent high-speed cruise performance that is being made specifically for the military;

• Textron Systems' Armored Security Vehicle (ASV), which is currently protecting troops from roadside explosives and has proven to offer the soldier unparalleled protection for a vehicle of its class; and

• E-Z-GO, which is providing VIP transport in and around the stadium on Bowl day.

Bell's sponsorship of the Armed Forces Bowl includes naming rights, advertising time on television, and the stadium Jumbotron, event program and internet advertising, and outdoor advertising on billboards. In addition, in-stadium signage will be a significant presence for Bell, Textron Systems, and E-Z-GO. With this agreement, Bell also will be the title sponsor for the 2007 Bowl game.

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter is a 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 serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries. More information is available at www.bellhelicopter.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.