Brazil is one of the top two international markets for the Model 162 SkyCatcher, the light sport aircraft that launched in July 2007 and will enter service in the second half of 2009.

Additionally, Cessna has already delivered a number of Model 350 and 400s to Brazilians, who have quickly embraced the high-performance, low-wing composite aircraft that joined the company’s product line when Cessna acquired certain assets of the Bend, Ore., operation in December 2007.

The Cessna 400 – the fastest fixed-gear single-engine piston aircraft on the market – is on display through Aug. 16 at the Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition. Also representing Cessna’s single-engine piston aircraft is a six-place Cessna 206 Stationair.

“The combination of comfort, range and speed in the Cessna 350 and 400 models is ideal for the Brazilian business traveler,” said Bob Gibbs, Cessna’s director, International Sales, single-engine aircraft. “Another trend we are seeing is Brazilians finding that the Stationair offers the speed and volume of our Cessna 210, which has always been extremely popular in Brazil. The response here to the SkyCatcher has been impressive, as well, making this and Germany the top two international markets for the light sport aircraft.”

All current Cessna single-engine models feature the all-glass Garmin G1000 avionics suite with the GFC 700 autopilot – as do the Cessna Caravan turboprop and the Citation Mustang entry-level business jet.

Two weeks ago at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture 2008 in Oshkosh, Wis., Cessna unveiled to the public the first production Model 162 SkyCatcher complete with a production interior and finished in the production paint scheme. Gibbs noted that Cessna sold four SkyCatchers to walk-up Brazilian customers at AirVenture 2008.

Cessna has three SkyCatcher airframes currently in ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) flight testing, which will be completed later this year. Priced at $111,500 in 2007 dollars, the 162 is expected to cruise at speeds up to 118 knots with a maximum range of 470 nautical miles. Preliminary design parameters for the SkyCatcher include a maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, a service ceiling of 15,500 feet, a useful load of 490 pounds and a usable fuel capacity of 24 gallons. It has a cabin width at shoulder height of more than 44 inches, equaling that of the much-larger Cessna Stationair. It features two top-hinged cabin entry doors and forward pivoting seats giving access to a baggage compartment.

At the top-end of Cessna’s single-engine piston line, the 350 and 400 have dual carbon fiber reinforced wing spars, dual horizontal stabilizer attach-points and multiple hinge points for all control surfaces. The airframes, including the control surfaces, are constructed entirely of fiberglass and carbon fiber, with the landing gear and engine mount being the only primary structures made of steel. The design strength of these two models is demonstrated by their certification in the Utility Category under FAR Part 23, Amendment 46.

Equipped with a 310-horsepower Teledyne Continental TCM IO-550N, the Cessna 350 has a certified ceiling of 18,000 feet and a maximum cruise speed of 191 knots. The twin turbocharger equipped, intercooled TCM TSIO-550C installed in the Cessna 400 enables it to reach a maximum cruise speed of 235 knots and to cruise as high as 25,000 feet while its pilot and passengers enjoy the convenience of the 400’s standard four-place, built-in oxygen system.

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.