Textron Defense Systems' Tactical RPG Airbag Protection System Demonstrates Maturity, Performance in Government Testing

May 26, 2010

Office of the Secretary of Defense's Six-Week Event Includes Stationary and On-the-Move Vehicle Testing

WILMINGTON, Mass., May 26, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that the maturity and performance of its Tactical Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) Airbag Protection System (TRAPS) have been demonstrated through rigorous government testing completed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) under the Active Protection Systems Live Fire Test and Evaluation effort, which was mandated by Congress in 2008.

More than six weeks of OSD testing demonstrated the ability of two patent-pending countermeasure configurations of the scalable TRAPS architecture, which incorporates Textron Defense Systems' sensor technology, to identify and defeat RPG threats. The first configuration utilizes the company's proprietary airbag technology as the countermeasure to defeat threats; the second countermeasure, called TRAPSNet, is comprised of a modular net system. These are the first in a family of countermeasures that will enable spiral upgrades to address advanced threats while maintaining the common hardware of the TRAPS system.

During the testing, the TRAPS architecture was integrated onto a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected, or MRAP, vehicle. The OSD's testing goals included evaluating system effectiveness in protecting the vehicle from threats, as well as creating an information baseline for consideration during possible future defense acquisition programs. The rigorous test plan included emulated and live RPG threats against both stationary and moving vehicles from several angles and ranges. TRAPS demonstrated exceptional performance consistent with its design in each test scenario.

"We designed the TRAPS architecture to be flexible, scalable and highly effective," says Chief Technology Officer Thomas McNamara of Textron Systems Corporation. "The system is compatible with multiple military vehicle types, and it delivers reliable, robust performance against different RPG threats while minimizing costly, time-consuming modifications and vehicle recertification tests. In addition, TRAPS offers significantly lower weight and demonstrated lower collateral damage than competing active protection systems. Following the successful OSD testing, we are prepared to deliver the customer a mature, affordable and rapidly deployable active vehicle protection solution."

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.

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 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 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 Inc.

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