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Bell Helicopter Introduces First LongRanger
Upgrade Program

Press Contact
Jim McKenna 817-280-4614 / 817-807-3515
jmckenna@bellhelicopter.textron.com

FORT WORTH, Texas (Sept. 17, 2009) - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today introduced the first Upgrade Program approved by Bell, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), to the model 206 LongRanger family of aircraft. The service introduction of the Upgrade Program is a result of a collaboration agreement between Bell Helicopter and Air Evac Lifeteam of West Plains, Mo.

The upgrade program takes existing 206L1/206L3 airframes, and utilizing production parts from the current 206L4 program, creates modernized 206L1+ / 206L3+ aircraft that will provide the proven 206L4 reliability, increased payload capacity and reduced operating cost.

The upgrade adds strength to the existing airframe, provides improved performance by updating the drive system components to the latest 206L4 configuration, and for the 206L1 versions it also includes an engine upgrade. These improvements provide a maximum internal gross weight of 4450 lbs, an increased transmission takeoff power rating to 490-shp and complies with multiple factory provided bulletins addressing product and maintenance improvements.

"Working with our customers we identified a need, then we developed a solution that will provide them with an enhanced aircraft," said David Archer, commercial programs manager at Bell. "This is just another example of our commitment to exceptional customer support and providing solutions to customers' needs."

By utilizing current 206L4 production parts, the upgrade kit assures customers of a ready parts supply and many years of continuous service.

Teams from both companies worked together throughout the project to develop and certify the First Article aircraft, since that time Air Evac has taken delivery of four kits that are currently being incorporated into their aircraft. The first 206L1+ and 206L3+ aircraft has been completed and are now in-service with Air Evac Lifeteam.

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 tilt rotor 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, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.

About Air Evac

Air Evac Lifeteam is a leading provider of air medical transportation to rural communities, providing patients high caliber on-the-scene medical attention during the critical hour following an accident or medical emergency and rapid transport to leading medical centers. The membership-supported air ambulance service operates 88 bases in 14 states in the central U.S. The Company operates the world's largest fleet of more than 100 medically-equipped Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopters and has safely flown more than 190,000 people who were in critical need of care since its founding in 1985. For more information about Air Evac Lifeteam services, visit www.lifeteam.net

http://www.bellhelicopter.com
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Post Office Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101

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