Proven Racing Innovations to Go to Market

Oshkosh, WI - July 27, 2004 - Lycoming Engines plans to implement new proprietary design enhancements for its engine families, the company announced here at the start of the world's largest general aviation show.

The enhancements will come under a phased production schedule beginning later this year and continuing into 2005, pending increasingly stringent certification testing.

"Lycoming has been planning for several years to integrate new, proven technology to increase our engines' value to the customer," commented Lycoming President Michael D. Wolf. "That technology was tested and demonstrated by our Reno Air race team and will now provide enhanced reliability and performance for our customers."

In concert with these efforts in the certified market, Lycoming is also increasing its design of new enhancements for the experimental market as well as working to meet the needs of kit builders. Lycoming has customized its renown, reliable cylinder to provide easier integration with the electronic ignition system designed by Light Speed Engineering of Santa Paula, CA. The Light Speed system features the commercial 14mm spark plug that has proven effective for racing and kit builder applications.

In addition, Lycoming points to the success of Lycoming's IO-390-X, which was introduced at last year's EAA AirVenture, as proof of the success of its technology plan. "This is the most powerful, turbo-charged, normally aspirated engine we've ever brought to market," claimed Wolf.

"The IO-390-X has surpassed our customers' expectations for quality, performance and support," noted Monty Barrett of Barrett Performance Aircraft, Tulsa, Oklahoma. It performs consistently smooth with increased power, fuel efficiency and the same Lycoming reliability of its certified sibling, the 360."

"With these design advancements in place, and with the debut of the NemesisNXT kit designed with the Lycoming TIO 540, Lycoming will bring its leadership to the growing kit market, Wolf said. Lycoming is an operating division of Textron's Avco Corporation subsidiary, specializing in manufacture and support of piston aircraft engines. Lycoming piston engines power more than half of the world's general aviation fleet - both rotary-wing and fixed-wing.

Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 43,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services in industries such as aircraft, fastening systems, industrial products, industrial components and finance. 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.