Companies to Collaborate on M1117 ASV Turret Upgrade
Portland, OR & New Orleans, LA – April 2, 2007 – FLIR Government Systems, a division of FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) and Textron Marine & Land (TML), an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced a teaming arrangement for the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) Turret Upgrade, Block 1. This upgrade program is intended to increase the accuracy, firepower, shoot on the move, and other operational capabilities of the turret system.
Textron Marine & Land will supply the Block I upgrade to the 40/50 turret for ASVs to the U.S. military, and oversee test and qualification processes. Some of the upgrades include adding turret stabilization, upgraded fire control, thermal imaging, and range finder.
FLIR Government Systems will provide the sensor for the Fire Control System, consisting of Long Wave Infra Red (LWIR) Thermal Imager and related equipment, and will provide integration data and technical support. Upon conclusion of successful competitive trials and tests FLIR Government Systems was selected for the Block I upgrade.
Currently in use in Iraq, the ASV is a highly mobile, survivable and C-130 transportable 4X4 wheeled vehicle currently in production for the U.S. Army's Military Police, convoy protection and Field Artillery's Combat Observation and Laser Teams. The ASV's modular expandable armor provides front, rear and side crew protection from small arms fire. Additionally, the ASV offers defense from artillery shell fragments detonated overhead and anti-tank mine blasts under each wheel.
About FLIR Government Systems
A division of FLIR Systems, Inc., FLIR Government Systems is a world leader in the design, qualification, and manufacture of thermal imaging and stabilized EO/IR systems for a wide variety of airborne, maritime, land based and man-portable applications including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), border control and drug interdiction, navigation safety, maritime patrol, force protection and facility security, forward observation, training, targeting and fire control, and laser weapons designation. FLIR Systems is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with service and manufacturing facilities worldwide. Visit the company's web site at www.FLIR.com.
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 Inc.
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 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 Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.