Textron Marine & Land Systems Teams With MillenWorks on JLTV program

December 21, 2007
New Orleans, LA - December 21, 2007 - Textron Marine & Land Systems (TM&LS), an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has teamed with MillenWorks, a California based advanced automotive and mobility solutions developer, to compete in the technology demonstration, system development and production phases of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. The JLTV program is comprised of several vehicle models intended to replace the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).

TM&LS brings its strong capabilities in the field of combat vehicle design, development and manufacturing to this program, including the basic platforms for the highly successful M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) and the related variants in the ASV family. MillenWorks contributes a wealth of experience in the design and development of extreme vehicles that operate reliably in harsh terrain and environmental conditions, stemming from its off-road competition history.

Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley said, “With this team we have solid vehicle manufacturing experience plus the most progressive design engineers in the armored vehicle industry.”

“Joining forces with MillenWorks solidifies the backbone of our JLTV offering,” added Textron Marine & Land Systems JLTV Capture Team Leader Doug Whittaker. “The JLTV concept presents challenges in a lightweight platform needed to meet various missions in extreme environmental and combat conditions. Bringing together the capabilities behind the ASV and the vehicle development success of MillenWorks is a natural fit.”

TM&LS recently displayed the MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) at the 2007 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) show in Washington, DC. “The LUV, as a concept vehicle, addresses many key aspects of the JLTV requirements and represents a good starting point toward a successful JLTV design,” said Whittaker.

MillenWorks has contributed its systems engineering expertise to numerous armored and tactical vehicles, and has a long history of success in off-road motor sports. The company's unique suspension, mobility, powertrain and troop protection solutions set them apart. “We have a long heritage of using unconventional solutions to solve challenging military vehicle problems,” said MillenWorks President Dean Banks. “We are excited that our relationship with Textron Marine & Land Systems will offer the perfect opportunity to put concepts to work that will benefit JLTV, and ultimately, the war fighter.”

TM&LS produces the ASV in the New Orleans area. It is a 4X4 wheeled armored vehicle that offers significant crew protection through the employment of multiple layers of armor that provides defense against small arms fire, artillery projectile fragments, and land mines. This advanced armor is exceedingly lightweight and, along with its dimensions, allows the vehicle to be able to "roll-on/roll-off" C-130 military transport aircraft. The ASV possesses superior mobility, agility, handling, and ride quality through the utilization of a four-wheel independent suspension system. TM&LS has equipped the M1117 ASV with a specially designed dual-weapon station that, unlike many other vehicles, enables the crew to load, reload and clear gun jams under full armor protection.

With minor modifications and appropriate outfitting, ASV variants can perform a wide variety of missions including scout, infantry personnel carrier, reconnaissance, and command and recovery. Current missions of the ASV include operations with the Military Police, convoy protection, and Field Artillery Combat Observation and Lasing Teams (COLT). Its record of performance, reliability and survivability in the field is impeccable. More than 950 ASVs have been deployed in the U.S. Army operations around the globe. Textron Marine & Land Systems has built more than 1,200 vehicles to date.

This marks the second JLTV agreement signed this year. In October, TM&LS also signed teaming agreement with Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' Combat Systems division for it's capabilities in systems engineering and integration.

About MillenWorks
MillenWorks is a privately-owned small business based in Tustin, CA. The company designs and develops vehicles and advanced mobility solutions for the U.S. armed forces, major automotive OEMs and commercial customers. MillenWorks is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology solutions for manned and unmanned military vehicles, high performance concept cars, race vehicles, and rides for major theme parks. More information is available at www.millenworks.com.

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 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.textronsystems.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.

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.