Lycoming iE2 System One Flight Closer to Market

July 27, 2009
Breakthrough Technology Propels Lancair "Evolution" to Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI - July 27, 2009 - The iE2, the breakthrough propulsion system from Lycoming Engines, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, flew into EAA Airventure 2009 demonstrating the technology is steadily moving to market.

Announced at EAA Airventure 2008, the system has been available to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to fly in demonstration form since 2007. Lycoming chose Lancair International of Redmond, Ore., as its OEM non-certified final installation and test partner in 2008.

"The promise of single-lever operation, automated preflight safety checks, automotive start simplicity, will dramatically reduce pilot workload and revolutionize the general aviation landscape," says Ian Walsh, Lycoming senior vice president and general manager. "Baseline iE2 system testing is complete, the first OEM installations are being calibrated and the certification program is well underway."

"The iE2 system will increase fuel efficiency, reliability, and make alternative fuel consumption possible without major hardware changes, protecting the customer's investment," Walsh continues. "We believe it points to a bright future for piston-powered general aviation."

The iE2's maiden flight on an OEM airframe occurred July 2 when Lancair flew its TEO-540-EXP iE2-powered Evolution. After initial flight testing, the aircraft was flown east to Oshkosh on its way to Williamsport and the Lycoming hangar, where it will undergo further flight testing and calibration of all features on the iE2 system and the Lancair Evolution aircraft.

The 350HP high performance, twin-turbocharged and intercooled, 540 cubic inch displacement TEO-540-A1A is the first iE2 engine model planned for FAA certification. Prior to certification, an experimental version of this iE2 model will be available as a power plant option for advanced experimental aircraft.

"The iE2's modular design forms the basis of a very adaptable aviation grade piston engine control system for both fixed and rotating wing aircraft applications," says Michael Kraft, Lycoming vice president of research, development and engineering. "After certification of the baseline model of this engine series, we will continue with the redesign of other Lycoming engines to include the iE2 system, eventually covering the entire product range."

The iE2's advanced electronics and sensors make it adaptable to nearly any flying condition. The technology of iE2 also offers a bridge to an uncertain fuels future for aviation as the search for an alternative to 100 low lead fuel continues.

The Lancair Evolution in which the system is installed is on display at Lycoming's EAA Airventure 2009 exhibit, Booth 277-282.

About Lycoming
Lycoming Engines specializes in Engineering, Manufacture, Service and Support of piston aircraft engines. Headquartered in Williamsport , Pennsylvania , Lycoming piston engines power more than half of the world's general aviation fleet - both rotary-wing and fixed-wing. Lycoming Engines is a division of Avco Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.lycoming.com .

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) 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

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(401) 457-2288

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