Wilmington, MA - May 29, 2007 -Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it has been awarded a follow-on contract from the U.S. Air Force UAV Battlelab (UAVB), Creech AFB, Nevada, for product enhancements to the Universal Aerial Delivery Dispenser (U-ADD). This award follows the recent successful guided U-ADD flight test demonstration, ejecting an inert munition payload, performed in October 2006 by the USAF as part of the UAVB's Guided Dispenser Tube initiative test and demonstration contract that was previously awarded by the USAF UAV Battlelab.
The initial contract, signed on 31 January 2007, is currently valued at $2.2M. In addition to this contract, there is a separately priced option. If exercised, this option will increase the contract value to $8.8M
U-ADD is a GPS guided multi-mission dispenser designed to deliver various lethal, non-lethal and cargo payloads from Air Force, Army and Navy tactical UAVs. Tom McNamara, Textron Systems' senior vice president, Advanced Solutions Center, said, “This funding is significant in that it allows us to introduce product improvements to U-ADD that will enhance its mission capabilities and expand the number and types of lethal, non-lethal and cargo payloads that it can carry.”
The U-ADD was designed and developed by Textron Defense Systems in Wilmington, Massachusetts under the direction of Textron Systems' Advanced Solutions Center, and funded through the company's research and development efforts. The U-ADD design also features a control actuation system (CAS) manufactured by the company's HR Textron operating unit located in Santa Clarita, California.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation (“Textron Systems”) provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities. The company is known for its precision smart weapons, surveillance systems, complex intelligence and communications systems, aircraft control systems, 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. (NYSE: TXT) 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.