Bell 430 Operated by ChevronTexaco Reaches Major Milestone

July 19, 2004

FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW - July 19, 2004 - A Bell 430 helicopter operated by ChevronTexaco in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) offshore oil business has reached a major milestone in flying hours. The 430, S/N 49037, has flown over 7,000 hours since entering service in July 1998. This makes it the high time Bell 430.

Perry McKinney, Manager of Aircraft Operations said, "This is one of four Bell 430 aircraft we operate in the gulf. We use this aircraft for oil production crew change and support missions. We fly nine passengers in it and it fly's all day everyday for us. The reliability, safety and contribution to our bottom line it makes are tremendous assets to our business. 7,000 hours is a lot of hours and this 430 has a lot of hours left in it."

The Bell 430 is equipped with a four-blade bearingless, composite main rotor system, more power and an enlarged cabin. The Bell 430 cockpit includes LCD technology Integrated Instrument Display System (IIDS) and EFIS.

The Bell 430 main rotor system gives the aircraft an exceptionally smooth ride. Additional passenger comfort is provided with an 18-inch extension to the aft cabin. This provides 20 percent more cabin space than on the Bell 230, which also greatly increases the helicopter's medical transport capability.

The aircraft is powered by twin Rolls-Royce 250-C40 engines and is available with either skid gear or wheels.

Bell Helicopter Textron, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a $1.6 billion, leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 43,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.

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Eric Salander, Vice President, Investor Relations
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Cameron Vollmuth, Manager,
Investor Relations (401) 457-2288

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