WILMINGTON, Mass., May 25, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that its Unattended Ground Sensors program has entered low-rate initial production (LRIP) as part of Increment 1 of the Brigade Combat Team Modernization (BCTM) program. This results from the BCTM program's rigorous Milestone C review process and approval by the Defense Acquisition Board in December 2009, encompassing criteria including successful test, evaluation and operational assessment, as well as minimal manufacturing risk, mature software capability, interoperability, supportability, information assurance features and anti-tamper provisions.
Textron Defense Systems is scheduled to deliver its Tactical-Unattended Ground Sensors (T-UGS) and Urban-Unattended Ground Sensors (U-UGS) during 2011, in close cooperation with prime contractor Boeing. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division will be equipped with the sensors for the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation process beginning in 2011.
"The BCTM program's positive Milestone C decision and transition into LRIP are critical steps toward getting our T-UGS and U-UGS into the hands of warfighters," says Senior Vice President and General Manager Mark Catizone of Textron Defense Systems. "While this milestone is a source of pride for our team, our focus remains on the work yet to be accomplished on behalf of our troops. Unattended Ground Sensors increase their protection and confidence while facing the demands and dangers of the current mission."
Textron Defense Systems' T-UGS and U-UGS detect, classify, locate and track threats to provide warfighters actionable intelligence in near real time. The T-UGS variant includes small, robust ground-based networked devices that provide an early warning system capable of remote operation under all weather conditions. Textron Defense Systems and Honeywell International Inc. teamed to develop the U-UGS variant, a wireless, hand-emplaced system of sensors that can be used during the securing of buildings, caves, sewers, tunnels, alleys and other confined spaces.
About Textron Defense Systems
Textron Defense Systems employs advanced technology and industry expertise to develop and manufacture innovative product solutions including air-and ground-based smart weapons; directed energy weapons; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, systems; and protection systems. Its distinctive solutions for U.S. and allied militaries, aerospace and homeland security communities provide precision effects, intelligence-gathering capabilities and force protection. More information is available at http://www.textrondefense.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.
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) changes in national or international funding priorities, U.S. and foreign military budget constraints and determinations, and government policies on the export and import of military and commercial products; (d) our ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government; (e) 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 (f) the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; and (g) performance issues with key suppliers, subcontractors and business partners.
SOURCE: Textron
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