Textron Systems Sponsors FIRST Robotics Competition

FIRST is a one-of-a-kind program designed to encourage an appreciation of science and technology in middle and high school students. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. The FIRST Boston Regional competition brings together teams of students from across the region and world who have spent six weeks designing and building robots that can accomplish specific tasks through an indoor course spanning an area about the size of a basketball court.

"As a leading provider of innovative technologies and solutions for the global aerospace and defense industries, Textron Systems knows first-hand how critical it is to develop and inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists," said Frank Tempesta, chief operating officer, Textron Systems. "We are honored to be a Gold Sponsor as Boston debuts its FIRST regional event, bringing together more than 45 teams of talented students. FIRST goes out of its way to make science and engineering as interesting as any sport."

Textron recognizes the importance of motivating and inspiring young people to consider science or engineering as a career. According to Thomas L. Friedman, author of The World Is Flat, two-thirds of the nation's math and science teaching force will retire by 2010, and across North America, the number of college students enrolled in the computer sciences is down 40% over the last three years. It is critical, now more then ever, to expose all generations to career-modeling experiences that can help students visualize themselves in the science or engineering industries.

In addition to the donations made by Textron Systems and Textron Inc., Textron Systems also supports and mentors two teams in Boston and three teams in California through its HR Textron operating unit. Dozens of employees have provided their time, energy and expertise to serve as lead mentors for students as they created their robots and volunteer at the Boston regional competition.

The FIRST teams will compete for a variety of awards, including the chance to represent the Boston region at the FIRST Robotics Championship in Atlanta. The regional event is at Agganis Arena at Boston University on March 24 and 25, 2006. In addition, students participating in FIRST are eligible to apply for over seven million dollars in scholarships from leading universities, colleges and companies.

About Textron Systems

Textron Systems provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the global aerospace and defense industries. The company supports military precision engagement and dominant maneuver with strike weapons, mobility and surveillance systems. The Textron name is well known in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft control components, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles. Textron Systems Corporation ("Textron Systems") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avco Corporation. Avco Corporation is wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees in continuing operations. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.