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Bell Helicopter and BLR Partner to Increase
Altitude Performance for Bell 412EP Helicopters

Press Contact
Bridget Hall
817-280-7963 (office)
817-964-0334 (cell)
bmmeyer@bellhelicopter.textron.com

FARNBOROUGH, England (July 20, 2010) - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced it is partnering with BLR Aerospace in Everett, Wash. to incorporate its FastFin™ System on the Bell 412EP helicopter.

The BLR FastFin™ System is a cost effective performance enhancing modification for single rotor helicopters and when installed on the Bell 412EP, it will increase altitude performance providing more tail rotor effectiveness resulting in enhanced low speed and hover controllability.

The BLR FastFin™ System was designed as a tail rotor enhancement with dual strakes along the left side of the tail boom to control aircraft rotorwash and a reduced area vertical fin or FastFin for increased usable thrust. The FastFin™ System benefits on the 412EP include increased takeoff and landing capability and improved crosswind capabilities.

"At Bell Helicopter we are on a mission to make our customers successful. Identifying ways to make our aircraft more productive and cost-effective plays a major role in the success of that task," said Larry D. Roberts, Bell Helicopter senior vice president, Commercial Business. "Adding the BLR FastFin™ System to the Bell 412 provides our customers with an immediate performance enhancement that will allow them to effectively, efficiently and safely complete their mission without changing their helicopter."

Earlier this year, Bell was issued a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the FastFin™ System installation on the Bell 412EP, which has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through Bell Helicopter’s Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). The STC includes a Flight Manual Supplement that allows operators to take credit for the resulting performance improvements.

The BLR FastFin™ System STC kit is available for purchase to the fielded fleet through Bell Helicopter affiliate, Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI), in Piney Flats, Tenn and through BLR Aerospace. Operators with 10 or more aircraft should contact Keith Ray, AAI sales manager, 423-391-3607, while operators with 9 or less aircraft should contact BLR Aerospace.

For new aircraft delivered from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd.'s plant in Mirabel, Quebec, the STC will be available as an option on all new 412EP production aircraft.

Original certification is for the 412EP with an amendment to cover the earlier 412 models to follow. The functional Bell 412 is a medium-twin helicopter designed to accommodate a wide range of configurations; from Emergency Medical Service, Arial Law Enforcement, Offshore, Corporate to Search and Rescue, in all terrains and harsh environments.

For more information, please stop by the Bell Helicopter Chalet at the Farnborough International Airshow, Chalet L3-7.

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About BLR Aerospace

BLR is focused on developing the highest performance aerodynamic solutions in the industry, and we back our superior designs with unsurpassed manufacturing quality.

About Aeronautical Accessories

Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., an affiliate of Bell Helicopter, has been the worldwide leader in helicopter accessories and replacement parts since 1979. Aeronautical Accessories designs, manufactures, markets, warehouses, and distributes state-of-the-art FAA/STC-approved products and accessories that enhance the operation, safety and versatility of helicopters.

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. (NYSE: TXT) 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.

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

Forward-looking Information: This release contains forward-looking statements regarding a U.S. Government programs awarded to Bell Helicopter. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including the following: [a] Textron�s ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government; [b] the U.S. Government�s ability to unilaterally modify or terminate its contracts with Textron for the Government�s convenience or for Textron�s failure to perform, to change applicable procurement and accounting policies, and, under certain circumstances, to suspend or debar Textron as a contractor eligible to receive future contract awards; [c] changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget, including those related to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism; and [d] changes in national or international funding priorities, U.S. and foreign military budget constraints and determinations and government policies on the export and import of military and commercial products.

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