Adds MicroObserver(R) Unattended Ground Sensor System and VantedgePoint(R) Remote Monitoring System to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Product Family

WILMINGTON, Mass., Jul 07, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that it has acquired Crane Wireless Monitoring Solutions (WMS), a Crane Co. business. WMS is a leading provider of wireless sensor networks for force protection, border and base security applications, servicing the U.S. Military as well as homeland security and commercial customers. Details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Noted for its MicroObserver(R) unattended ground sensor (UGS) system, VantedgePoint(R) Remote Monitoring System, and its work for the U.S. Army, U.S. Air National Guard, U.S. Department of Energy and other customers, WMS will become part of Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems. The Richardson, Texas-based team of approximately 25 people will be an operation within Textron Defense Systems' Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) business line.

"Since 2000, WMS has developed, tested and delivered impressive sensors that communicate reliably over self-forming and self-healing radio networks. Their extensive radio communications, wireless systems and signal processing expertise complement our ISR products, including our Urban and Tactical Unattended Ground Sensors," stated Mark Catizone, senior vice president and general manager of Textron Defense Systems. "We see a growing market for networked sensors and believe the addition of WMS extends our portfolio of offerings."

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) risks and uncertainties related to acquisitions, including difficulties or unanticipated expenses in connection with the consummation of acquisitions, the disruption of current plans and operations, or the failure to achieve anticipated synergies and opportunities; (b) changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; (c) 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; and (d) 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.

SOURCE: Textron

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