AAI to Unveil Aerosonde® Mark 4.7 Unmanned Aircraft

AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced it will unveil the Mark 4.7, the newest addition to its family of Aerosonde small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS), at the 2009 Australian International Air Show in Avalon, Victoria (Hall C, booth 3K17) on March 10, 2009. The aircraft successfully completed test flights at Yuma Proving Grounds in Yuma, Ariz., during February.

The Mark 4.7 aircraft’s design leverages the current trend toward miniaturization of sensor technology; it carries a multi-sensor payload combining high-fidelity electro-optic, infrared and laser range finder/pointer capabilities, as well as a common data link. The aircraft also builds upon the proven features of the Aerosonde Mark 4.4 by using the same power plant and avionics, while incorporating a larger wing and fuselage that enable the system to conduct endurance missions in excess of 12 hours. The Mark 4.7 is compatible with AAI’s Expeditionary Ground Control Station for fast, easy setup and launch, as well as with AAI’s NATO standardization agreement 4586-compliant One System® Ground Control Station. In addition, the system deploys a newly integrated launch and recovery system for space-constrained field and shipboard operations.

"The Aerosonde Mark 4.7 is designed to meet the requirements of tactical and maritime missions when persistent intelligence and surveillance are required,” says Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid of AAI. "Like our entire family of Aerosonde SUAS, the Mark 4.7 also incorporates features for ease of use. It is capable of fully autonomous flight, including takeoff and landing, as well as catapult launch and innovative recovery methods.”

The Mark 4.7 was developed through close collaboration between experts at AAI’s Hunt Valley, Md., headquarters, and those on location at Aerosonde Pty Ltd., the company’s SUAS business located in Melbourne, Australia.

About AAI

AAI Corporation designs, produces, and supports aerospace and defense systems through its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, AAI Services Corporation, Aerosonde Pty Ltd, ESL Defence Limited, and Symtx, Inc. Its high-technology products and services include unmanned aircraft systems, training and simulation systems, automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment, armament systems, aviation ground support equipment, and logistical, engineering, and supply chain services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.

About Textron Systems

Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for over 50 years. Known for its precision smart weapons, intelligent battlefield systems, surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, aircraft control components, piston engines, armored vehicles and unmanned aircraft systems, Textron Systems includes AAI, HR Textron, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch Geospatial Systems, Overwatch Tactical Operations, 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 $14.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 28 countries with approximately 42,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, 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, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Aerosonde is a registered trademark of Aerosonde Pty Ltd.

One System is a registered trademark of the U.S. Army.