The testing was done at three locations in the U.S. and Europe by Cessna’s Aerodynamics Group. Results from tests at the low-speed wind tunnel in San Diego, Calif., the ONERA French Aerospace Lab near Toulouse, and the high-speed wind tunnel at the Aircraft Research Association in Bedford, England, will be analyzed in the coming months, though preliminary data analysis revealed no surprises.

“Low speed wind tunnel testing has allowed us to optimize flaps and slats for making our landing and low speed goals achievable,” said Cessna Senior Manager, Aerodynamics and New Product Analysis Greg Rincker. “Much of this data will allow the slat and flap structure, including actuators, to be optimized to meet the loading needs without being excessively heavy. In the high speed tests, we have been fine tuning the wing airfoils and planform for more efficient manufacturability, lighter weight and the needs of systems like landing gear and anti-ice protection.”

At the California wind tunnel, Cessna technicians used a complete model of the Citation Columbus to generate data to fine-tune the low speed attributes of the Columbus. Performance and handling qualities from these low speed tests have proven pre-test estimates. At the French wind tunnel, the Aerodynamics Group used a semi-span model of the Columbus weighing nearly 3,000 pounds, the largest model ever tested by Cessna, to generate low speed data at typical flight operating conditions. High speed wind tunnel testing was carried out at the Bedford facility.

The Citation Columbus, launched earlier this year, is expected to be the only aircraft in its class capable of 7,408 kilometers (4,000 nautical miles) non-stop at the speed of Mach .80. Preliminary performance numbers set a maximum cruise speed of 904 kilometers per hour (486 knots), a maximum operating speed of Mach .86, a full fuel payload of 885 kilograms (1,950 pounds) and takeoff field length of 1,646 meters (5,400 feet) at maximum takeoff weight.

Configurable for up to 10 passengers, the aircraft will have a cabin length of 11.1 meters (36.3 feet) including interior baggage space. Cessna’s engineering team and its suppliers have designed the all-new Citation Columbus to be one of the most advanced, fuel-efficient, cleanest business jets.

Major suppliers for the Citation Columbus are: Pratt & Whitney Canada, engine; Rockwell Collins, avionics; Vought Aircraft Industries, wing; Spirit AeroSystems, fuselage; Spirit AeroSystems Europe Ltd., empennage; Parker Aerospace, powered flight control system; Goodrich Corporation, landing gear; and Argo-Tech Corporation, fuel system.

Cessna plans to achieve Federal Aviation Administration certification for the $27 million business jet by the end of 2013, with deliveries beginning in 2014.

About Cessna Aircraft Company
Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2007, Cessna delivered 1,272 aircraft, including 387 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5 billion. Cessna has a current backlog of $16 billion through June 30, 2008. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 190,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 5,200 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at http://www.cessna.com.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, 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.

Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: [a] changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; [b] the interruption of production at our facilities or at our suppliers’ facilities; [c] the timing of new product launches and certifications of new aircraft products; [d] the occurrence of slowdowns or downturns in customer markets in which our products are sold or supplied; [e] changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellation of orders; [f] the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; [g] changes in national or international government policies on the export and import of commercial products; and [h] bankruptcy or other financial problems at major suppliers that could cause disruptions in our supply chain.