| Providence,
RI - May 8, 2007 - Based on current and pending U.S.
Department of Defense budget requests, Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron
Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, expects to deliver about 530 of its highly successful
Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) units in 2007 and at least as many next year. The
outlook for ASV production remains strong despite recent notification from the
U.S. Marine Corps that the company will not be receiving any additional delivery
orders for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP) program. "We
continue to experience both strong demand and exceptional customer feedback for
the ASV," said Frank Tempesta, president, Textron Systems. "In addition,
through our participation in the MRAP program, we were able to make some design
improvements for integration into the ASV platform that will produce substantial
benefits for present and future customers - design improvements that will serve
to augment the long-term success of the current ASV program, as well as position
Textron for the even longer-term success of the platform." Textron's
MRAP prototype design was a variant of their M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV),
which it produces principally for the U.S. Army. The company, through its Textron
Marine & Land Systems operating unit in New Orleans, was one of nine companies
asked to develop and submit prototype/test vehicles for consideration for the
U.S. Marine program. About the ASV The
ASV is a 4X4 wheeled armored vehicle that offers significant crew protection through
the employment of multiple layers of armor that provides defense against small
arms fire, artillery projectile fragments, and land mines. This advanced armor
is exceedingly lightweight and allows the vehicle to be able to "roll-on/roll-off"
C-130 military transport aircraft. The ASV possesses superior mobility, agility,
handling, and ride quality through the utilization of a four-wheel independent
suspension system. Textron Marine & Land has equipped the U.S. Army Military
Police version with a specially designed dual-weapon station that, unlike many
other vehicles, enables the crew to load, reload and clear gun jams under full
armor protection. With minor modifications and appropriate outfitting, ASV variants
can perform a wide variety of missions including scout, infantry personnel carrier,
reconnaissance, command and recovery. About Textron
Systems
Textron Systems Corporation ("Textron Systems") provides
innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the global aerospace and
defense industries. The company supports military and homeland security missions
with strike weapons, as well as mobility and surveillance systems, and provides
commercial and general aviation with engines and actuation systems. The Textron
name is well known in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft
control components, piston engines, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles.
Textron Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avco Corporation. Avco Corporation
is wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry
company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company
leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems
and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Media
Contact:
Kim Reingold, Textron - 401-457-2494
David Whitaker, Textron
Marine & Land - 504-254-6795
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