Wilmington, MA - May 4, 2009 - Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that its Scorpion networked sensor and munitions platform was tested successfully at two separate events.
A system pre-verification test event took place at Fort Devens, Mass., where the Scorpion system was launched successfully against all six target encounters. Scorpion demonstrated command and control, ground sensor tracking, target engagement and launch effectiveness against the target set.
Customers also tested the Scorpion system at the user jury event at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Warfighters were able to emplace the system during several scenarios, including day and night, using everyday and cold-weather gear, on foot and from a vehicle. They also provided the company vital feedback on the ease of use and operation of the Scorpion system, which includes a dispensing module containing lethal munitions as well as sensors to successfully engage targets.
“Our products are designed to be capable and effective tools in the field,” says Senior Vice President and General Manager Mark Catizone of Textron Defense Systems. “The Scorpion will offer warfighters a highly adaptable, yet powerful platform to help them accomplish their missions more safely and effectively.”
Contractor testing for the Scorpion is expected to continue through June 2009, followed by government qualification testing which is expected to commence this fall.
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 Geospatial Systems, Overwatch Tactical Operations, 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 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 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 Global War on Terrorism; (c) legislative or regulatory actions impacting defense operations; (d) the timing of new product launches and certifications of new products; (e) the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; and (f) performance issues with key suppliers, subcontractors and business partners.