Textron Systems and Bell Helicopter, Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) companies, announced today the opening of the Textron Systems Integration and Collaboration Lab and Bell Helicopter/AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manned/Unmanned Operations (MUMO) Capability Development Lab. Based at Textron Systems’ Huntsville, Ala., location, these labs combine live data feeds, high-fidelity simulated environments and field equipment to enable rapid system integration and testing, and the demonstration and proof of operational concepts.

The Textron Systems Integration and Collaboration Lab incorporates AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems’ unmanned platforms, command and control solutions, and training and simulation equipment, along with technologies for real-time collaboration and tasking. Paired with live data feeds, the lab allows customers to quickly integrate and troubleshoot new components and assets.

Similarly, the Bell Helicopter/AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems MUMO Capability Development Lab advances customer development of tactics, techniques and procedures. A high-fidelity Kiowa Warrior simulator linked seamlessly with unmanned assets, feeds and simulations supports the development of cognitive skills for MUMO.

Applied to urgent customer requirements for rapid technology insertion, increased collaboration and next-generation technologies, these labs offer:

• Reduced testing cost
• Decreased program risk
• Accelerated fielding
• High-fidelity tactics, techniques and procedures training for mission rehearsal

“Our U.S. Department of Defense customers are facing a period of profound change,” says Textron Systems President and Chief Executive Officer Ellen Lord. “Now more than ever, they need affordable technologies that can be deployed rapidly against their most pressing requirements. These new lab capabilities enable our customers to achieve this while reducing program risk. As leaders in the unmanned and manned aviation domains, Textron Systems and Bell Helicopter are uniquely positioned as technology partners for our customers, keeping them on the leading edge as they envision and equip the future force.”

“We are not only exploring next-generation concepts for situational awareness, we are rapidly developing both the solutions and cutting-edge technologies that bring them to life. Working together, we will drive affordable mission solutions for our customers and support the critical work they do — today and into the future,” says John Garrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Helicopter.

About Textron Systems

Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company is 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 and operational services. Textron Systems includes AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced Systems, Aerosonde, ESL Defence, Lycoming Engines, Medical Numerics, MillenWorks, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.

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 at www.textron.com.

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