AAI to Develop Next-Generation Radio Frequency Test Equipment for U.S. Navy Aircraft

April 29, 2010

eCASS Contract from Lockheed Martin Valued at $43 Million

HUNT VALLEY, Md., Apr 29, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it has won a contract from Lockheed Martin to design and build the radio frequency (RF) components, also called mission equipment kits (MEKs), in the next-generation automatic test equipment for the U.S. Navy aircraft fleet. AAI is Lockheed Martin's teammate and principal subcontractor for the electronic Consolidated Automated Support System (eCASS) program. The Navy expects to deploy eCASS aboard all of its aircraft carriers, as well as at many of its naval air stations. The system is critical to ensuring the mission readiness of naval aircraft in conflict areas around the world.

The value of the not-to-exceed contract is $43 million and includes immediate funding of $2 million. Under this contract, AAI has agreed to design and build 49 MEKs, the RF test subsystems, for Lockheed Martin's eCASS test stations, which will be utilized by the Navy to test all of the critical systems -- including weapons, avionics and navigation -- on its aircraft fleet. In addition, AAI has agreed to provide two depot MEKs.

"We have longstanding experience in RF and electronic warfare testing," says Vice President of Test & Training Systems Robert Peters of AAI. "Our eCASS MEKs will build on those successes by being smaller, faster, more mobile and more adaptable than their predecessors for the original CASS platform."

AAI's Test & Training Systems group has decades of experience providing innovative flight line, depot and product line electronic test equipment for U.S. and international aviation products and markets.

About AAI

AAI Corporation and its indirect wholly owned subsidiaries Aerosonde Pty Ltd and ESL Defence Limited design, produce and support industry-leading aerospace and defense products and services, including unmanned aircraft and ground control technologies; high-fidelity training and simulation systems; automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment; armament systems; and logistical, engineering, supply chain and operational support services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at http://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 http://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 http://www.textron.com.

AAI and design is a registered trademark of AAI Corporation.

SOURCE: Textron Inc.

Investor Contact:
Textron
Doug Wilburne, 401-457-2288
or
Textron
Bill Pitts, 401-457-2288
or
Media Contact:
Textron Systems Corporation
Sharon Corona, 410-628-3184
or
Textron
Michael Maynard, 401-457-2474

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.