Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), and its exhibit partner Global Experience Specialists (GES) were recognized at the American Business Awards (ABA) for Bell Helicopter’s “Bell 525 Relentless” launch with a Gold Stevie® Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year in the Aerospace and Defense category. The award was presented at the 10^th annual ABA new product and technology awards banquet in San Francisco on September 17, 2012.

“On behalf of the men and women of Bell Helicopter, I am honored to accept this prestigious award and recognition,” said Kathy Searle, Director of Communications at Bell Helicopter. “The Bell 525 Relentless is truly in a class of its own; our goal was to launch it in an equally notable way. With the support of three incredible partners – GES, The Richards Group and the Cirlot Agency, we launched an integrated marketing campaign that kept the aerospace and defense industry and even our employees guessing until the product unveil.”

Bell Helicopter’s integrated marketing strategy for the Bell 525 Relentless centered around a teaser campaign that culminated with the reveal of the world’s first “super medium” helicopter at the 2012 Heli-Expo in Dallas, Texas. More than 2,000 attendees witnessed what was called the “most spectacular aviation product launch ever” by Flying Magazine. The marketing campaign utilized a variety of channels to produce teaser messages, generating interest and excitement from internal and external audiences, via e-mail, direct mail, video, traditional and web ads and social media.

The Stevie Award acknowledges individual and organizational achievement in business in more than 60 countries. The top scoring qualifying entry in each category receives a Gold Stevie Award.

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

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 atwww.textron.com.

About the 525 Relentless
The Bell 525 Relentless defines the “super medium” product class – positioned at the upper end of the medium class and designed to offer best-in-class capabilities to our customers. It features superior payload and range, cabin and cargo volumes and crew visibility.

The new Bell 525 Relentless will be powered by the reliable performance of world-class GE engines – the GE CT7-2F1.

This latest version of the highly successful CT7 family is designed with an emphasis on reliability, fuel efficiency, minimized maintenance costs and other technical features to ensure aircraft meet the requirements of long range, high payload missions. The CT7-2F1 engine includes a state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) plus advanced materials, primarily in the turbine section.

Capable of carrying up to 16 passengers, the Bell 525 Relentless is designed to support our customers in various mission configurations including oil & gas, search & rescue, helicopter emergency medical services and VIP/corporate transport.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The International Business Awards, The American Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com.