HUNT VALLEY, Md., July 30, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AAI Test &
Training, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc.
(NYSE:TXT) company, announced today that it has delivered 51
Man-Portable Aircraft Survivability Trainer (MAST) systems to the U.S.
Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and
Instrumentation (PEO-STRI). These low-rate initial production (LRIP)
units were delivered under the Simulation, Training and Instrumentation
Omnibus Contract II.

The MAST LRIP units follow delivery of nine first article systems in
late 2011, as well as successful system integration testing in early
2012. The contract has four additional option years, with a total
potential for up to 300 MAST systems.

Aircrews use MAST to assess their responses to surface-to-air threats
during live training exercises. MAST replicates significant launch
characteristics associated with an infrared Man-Portable Air Defense
System (MANPADS) using a light-emitting diode ultraviolet emitter
threat simulator.

"The MAST system builds on our proven experience in aircraft
survivability training, flight line testing and long-range,
electro-optic and infrared test and training equipment," says Senior
Vice President and General Manager Robert Peters. "It provides users a
high-fidelity, challenging, live MANPADS training experience on the
ground -- supporting aircrew safety through understanding of tactics,
techniques and procedures."

The MAST system is interoperable with the AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning
System and AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System. It creates a threat
declaration in the aircraft cockpit and simulates a surface-to-air
missile engagement sequence, including seeker lock and break lock, all
based on environmental and situational conditions. In addition, MAST is
capable of interfacing with a Weapon Effects Simulation System to
emulate the visual launch signature of a MANPADS and signify the
location where the MAST was fired. Interoperable with aircraft
instrumentation systems such as the Multiple Integrated Laser System,
the MAST system enables force-on-force and force-on-target training at
Maneuver Combat Training Centers and aviation unit home stations.
Visual or infrared recordings of the live training exercises enable
after-action review and debriefing for a comprehensive, well-rounded
training experience.

AAI Test & Training leads an experienced team for the MAST program,
including its U.K.-based strategic business ESL Defence Ltd. and
Inter-Coastal Electronics of Mesa, Ariz.

Media Contact:

Betania Magalhaes

Textron Systems Corporation

(410) 628-5601

bcmagalhaes@systems.textron.com

About AAI Test & Training

AAI Test & Training has decades of experience designing and
manufacturing innovative, high-technology test equipment for the lab,
training range, depot, flight line, factory and more -- delivering the
most reliable, top-performing solutions with superb customer care. In
addition, AAI provides high-fidelity training devices and solutions, as
well as training needs and systems requirements analysis. Its
U.K.-based strategic business, ESL Defence Limited, provides electronic
warfare test and training solutions. AAI Test & Training is an
operating unit of Textron Systems. More information is available at
www.aaicorp.com.

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 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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The following pictures are available for download:


  [Image]  MAST image