AAI Flies Shadow(R) at Opening of U.S. Army Unmanned Aircraft System Rapid Integration and Acceptance Center

September 24, 2009

HUNT VALLEY, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 24, 2009-- AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it has flown its Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System in honor of the official opening of the U.S. Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project Office Rapid Integration and Acceptance Center (RIAC) at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah. The RIAC will serve as a consolidated location at which the Army will test UAS technologies for faster deployment to warfighters in the field.

AAI has been working for several months to seamlessly transition its UAS acceptance and flight test operations to the RIAC in support of the Army’s efforts. The company’s developmental flight testing and training for its government-owned, contractor-operated Shadow teams also have moved to Dugway Proving Ground. Aircraft acceptance and final flight testing activities are expected to transition from Fort Huachuca, Ariz., to the RIAC in fiscal year 2010 without disruption to ongoing flight testing and deliveries.

“We are closely aligned with the Army’s goal to optimize the process by which we get valuable unmanned aircraft assets out into the field for our warfighters,” says AAI Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid. “There’s nothing more important. The RIAC’s abundant air space and expanding infrastructure will allow us to work collaboratively at a single location, quickly integrating new technologies to support our warfighters.”

To date, AAI has received orders for 113 Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems and has delivered 85. Each system includes four Shadow aircraft; two One System® ground control stations and ground data terminals; four One System Remote Video Terminals, or OSRVTs; a One System portable ground control station; and associated components and support equipment.

Shadow systems have amassed more than 435,000 total flight hours, the majority of which have been in support of Army, Army National Guard, Army Special Forces and Marine Corps combat operations.

About AAI

AAI Corporation designs, produces, and supports aerospace and defense systems through its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, AAI Services Corporation, Aerosonde Pty Ltd, ESL Defence Limited, and Symtx, Inc. Its high-technology products and services include unmanned aircraft systems, training and simulation systems, automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment, armament systems, aviation ground support equipment, and logistical, engineering, and supply chain services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.

About Textron Systems

Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, 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, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this press 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) changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget, including those related to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Overseas Contingency Operations; (c) our ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government; (d) legislative or regulatory actions impacting defense operations; (e) the timing of new product launches and certifications of new products; (f) the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products (g) the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; and (h) performance issues with key suppliers, subcontractors and business partners.

AAI and Shadow are registered trademarks of AAI Corporation.

One System is a registered trademark of the U.S. Army.

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.