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Wilmington, MA.– October
6, 2006 - – Textron Systems
Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced
that it has been awarded a $115M contract for the system design
and development phase of Intelligent Munitions System (IMS)
by the U.S. Army Project Manager, Close Combat Systems under
the Program Executive Officer for Ammunition at Picatinny,
New Jersey.
A core component of the Army's Future Combat
Systems initiative, IMS is a revolutionary networked sensor
and munition system that brings unprecedented situational
awareness and terrain control to the battlefield. IMS is a
uniquely effective ground-based wide-area top-attack system
for detecting, classifying and engaging enemy systems in the
battlefield. Ellen Lord, Textron Systems' vice president of
Intelligent Battlefield Systems, points out that IMS builds
on the technology and development of several Textron Systems
programs, including Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW), Spider and
Hornet, along with the company's urban and tactical Unattended
Ground Sensors for Future Combat System (FCS-UGS) and similar
products selected by several government agencies.
Textron Systems' IMS solution uses a proven
top-attack mechanism found in the company's Sensor Fuzed Weapon.
IMS also offers similar, yet enhanced sensor capabilities
as FCS-UGS; sensing nodes, networked together, that can identify
a broad range of targets and feed that vital information to
the Warfighter. This blend of sensor intelligence and precision
munitions enables identification and successful engagement
of light-wheeled through heavy-tracked vehicles, as well as
enemy personnel. The system is controlled by a soldier who
follows established rules of engagement in order to identify
friendly forces and non-combatants.
According to Mark Catizone, general manager,
Textron Systems, Wilmington Division, "Textron Systems
has a successful record of delivering wireless-controlled
munitions; IMS represents a natural progression. The key element
for IMS is our system integration capability, the key differentiator
for designing the optimum solution."
Characterizing IMS as a true force multiplier,
Catizone adds that IMS shortens response times by directly
linking sensor to shooter. "It brings improved engagement
effectiveness, greatly enhanced situational awareness, reduced
soldier workload, and improved command and control communications
to both current and future Warfighters," he says. "Most
significantly, it protects our soldiers and gives them a distinct
advantage."
Textron Systems' teammates include Northrop
Grumman, ITT Industries and BAE Systems. Low-rate initial
production of IMS will start in 2009; delivery is scheduled
for 2010, the year in which the U.S. landmine policy calls
for halting use of all persistent landmines. IMS will be in
full compliance with that policy.
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.systems.textron.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.
Textron Systems Media Contact:
Joanne Walsh
978-657-2100
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