WILMINGTON, Mass., May 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that its Tactical Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) Airbag Protection System, also known as TRAPS, successfully completed Phase 3 testing at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) in Socorro, New Mexico. Under the coordination of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, or TARDEC, system-level testing afforded the opportunity to exercise the platform more comprehensively than ever before in its deployable configuration.
During the two weeks of Phase 3 testing, TRAPS took a major step forward in demonstrating system maturity, proving its operational capabilities in the highly realistic, simulated environment provided by the EMRTC. This testing also enabled Textron Defense Systems to validate hardware modifications based on the Army Fuze Safety Review Board's recommendations. All three phases of testing utilized a TRAPS architecture design for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicle.
"System-level testing allows us to expose products to the rigorous use and stresses that are present in the field," says Textron Systems Chief Technology Officer Thomas McNamara. "In this case, TRAPS demonstrated its effectiveness against different types of RPGs and over a much larger range than in prior phases. It is gratifying to see us progress further toward delivering TRAPS to the warfighter with each successful test."
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. More information is available at http://www.textrondefense.com.
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 http://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 http://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
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