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Orleans, LA - December 21, 2007 - Textron Marine & Land Systems (TM&LS),
an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has
teamed with MillenWorks, a California based advanced automotive and mobility solutions
developer, to compete in the technology demonstration, system development and
production phases of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program for the U.S.
Army and U.S. Marine Corps. The JLTV program is comprised of several vehicle models
intended to replace the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).
TM&LS brings its strong capabilities in the field of
combat vehicle design, development and manufacturing to this program, including
the basic platforms for the highly successful M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV)
and the related variants in the ASV family. MillenWorks contributes a wealth of
experience in the design and development of extreme vehicles that operate reliably
in harsh terrain and environmental conditions, stemming from its off-road competition
history. Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley said,
"With this team we have solid vehicle manufacturing experience plus the most
progressive design engineers in the armored vehicle industry."
"Joining
forces with MillenWorks solidifies the backbone of our JLTV offering," added
Textron Marine & Land Systems JLTV Capture Team Leader Doug Whittaker. "The
JLTV concept presents challenges in a lightweight platform needed to meet various
missions in extreme environmental and combat conditions. Bringing together the
capabilities behind the ASV and the vehicle development success of MillenWorks
is a natural fit."
TM&LS recently displayed
the MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) at the 2007 Association of the United
States Army (AUSA) show in Washington, DC. "The LUV, as a concept vehicle,
addresses many key aspects of the JLTV requirements and represents a good starting
point toward a successful JLTV design," said Whittaker.
MillenWorks
has contributed its systems engineering expertise to numerous armored and tactical
vehicles, and has a long history of success in off-road motor sports. The company's
unique suspension, mobility, powertrain and troop protection solutions set them
apart. "We have a long heritage of using unconventional solutions to solve
challenging military vehicle problems," said MillenWorks President Dean Banks.
"We are excited that our relationship with Textron Marine & Land Systems
will offer the perfect opportunity to put concepts to work that will benefit JLTV,
and ultimately, the war fighter."
TM&LS produces
the ASV in the New Orleans area. It 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, along with
its dimensions, 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. TM&LS has equipped the M1117 ASV 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,
and command and recovery. Current missions of the ASV include operations with
the Military Police, convoy protection, and Field Artillery Combat Observation
and Lasing Teams (COLT). Its record of performance, reliability and survivability
in the field is impeccable. More than 950 ASVs have been deployed in the U.S.
Army operations around the globe. Textron Marine & Land Systems has built
more than 1,200 vehicles to date. This marks the second JLTV agreement signed
this year. In October, TM&LS also signed teaming agreement with Boeing Integrated
Defense Systems' Combat Systems division for it's capabilities in systems engineering
and integration. About Textron Systems
Textron
Systems Corporation ("Textron Systems") provides innovative technology
solutions to meet the needs of the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities.
The company is known for its precision smart weapons, surveillance systems, complex
intelligence and communications 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. About
MillenWorks
MillenWorks is a privately-owned small business based in Tustin,
CA. The company designs and develops vehicles and advanced mobility solutions
for the U.S. armed forces, major automotive OEMs and commercial customers. MillenWorks
is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration
of advanced technology solutions for manned and unmanned military vehicles, high
performance concept cars, race vehicles, and rides for major theme parks. More
information is available at www.millenworks.com.
Media Contacts:
David Whitaker
Textron Marine &
Land Systems
(504) 254-6795
dwhitaker@tmls.textron.com
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