Textron Defense Systems’ RPG Countermeasure System Completes Phase I Testing

WILMINGTON, Mass.--(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, known as TRAPS, has successfully completed testing at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) in Socorro, New Mexico. This testing was accomplished under the supervision of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, or TARDEC.

“Each test we complete is another opportunity to create a more mature, capable system to better serve our customers.”

Textron Defense Systems’ TRAPS is a vehicle protection system that utilizes sensor detection technology combined with airbags and non-lethal countermeasures to defeat threats. During testing, numerous live RPGs were fired at different angles and from both short and long ranges at the TRAPS system.

“Goals for this round of testing included recording extensive system data, as well as evaluating its baseline operational performance,” says Chief Technology Officer Tom McNamara of Textron Systems Corporation. “With these Phase I tasks accomplished successfully, we are looking forward to further fine tuning the TRAPS system’s capability.”

Phase II testing is expected to take place in late fall of this year. As with the successful Phase I test event, Phase II testing will utilize an architecture design for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicle.

“TRAPS is designed to deliver an invaluable measure of added protection to warfighters in the field,” says Textron Defense Systems Senior Vice President and General Manager Mark Catizone. “Each test we complete is another opportunity to create a more mature, capable system to better serve our customers.”

About Textron Defense Systems

Textron Defense Systems employs advanced technology and industry expertise to develop and manufacture state-of-the-art smart weapons; airborne and ground-based sensors and surveillance systems; and protection systems for the defense, aerospace and homeland security communities. Its innovative systems for the military provide precision effects, actionable intelligence and force protection. More information is available at 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 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 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) our ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government; (d) 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 (g) the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; and (h) performance issues with key suppliers, subcontractors and business partners.