E-Z-GO 2008 Annual Report Download - page 6

The U.S. government approved full-rate production of the
utility version of our twin-engine H-1 in 2008, and initial units
were deployed in January 2009. We expect to move into
full-rate production on the attack model as well following U.S.
Marine Corps review in 2010.
Overall, we expect signifi cant growth in Bell’s military pro-
grams over the next several years as we ramp the V-22 and
H-1 programs and as we service and reset legacy aircraft that
have seen heavy in-theater use.
Bell has received more than 300 Letters of Intent to purchase
its latest commercial helicopter, the light twin-engine Model
429. We expect certifi cation and subsequent initial deliver-
ies to occur in 2009. While orders for commercial helicopters
tempered toward the end of 2008 with tighter credit available
to customers, there are many factors that should drive future
demand. The industry’s need to modernize an aging fl eet is
one; another is the expanding worldwide need for rotorcraft in
areas such as oil and natural gas exploration and production,
emergency medical and disaster relief services, and operations
in the global war on terror and law enforcement. For example,
Bell received a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration contract
in 2008 to deliver 25 Model 407s over fi ve years.
Complementing its sales effort, Bell services the largest
combined fl eet of helicopters, numbering over 13,000 units
fl ying in more than 120 countries around the globe. Its
aftermarket revenues surpassed $1 billion in 2008, close to
40 percent of Bell’s total revenues. Recognition of Bell’s
customer service expertise is refl ected in its 15th straight year
capturing top honors in Professional Pilot magazine’s annual
customer support survey.
Textron Systems:
Building the right systems for today’s confl icts
In 2008, Textron Systems leveraged the prior year’s acquisi-
tion of AAI Corporation (AAI) and positioned itself as a more
strategic player in the defense industry. Refl ecting the distinct
value proposition and growth potential of Textron Systems and
its businesses, we separated it from the Bell segment in 2008.
We began operating Textron Systems as its own segment,
which includes: AAI, HR Textron, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch
Geospatial Systems, Overwatch Tactical Operations, Textron
Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems.
As a leading supplier of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
and ground control stations for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine
Corps, AAI is an important contributor to Textron Systems’
precision engagement strategy. Its Shadow UAS has logged
more than 375,000 fl ight hours, mostly in Iraq and Afghanistan
where it has proved invaluable to reconnaissance efforts.
The U.S. Department of Defense’s emphasis on intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance has led to increased funding
for Shadow enhancements and additional Textron-operated
Shadow systems being deployed.
Textron Marine & Land Systems’ Armored Security Vehicle
(ASV) continues to protect lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. We
currently are delivering nearly 50 vehicles per month to the U.S.
Army, with a fl awless on-time delivery record through 2008. In
addition, we have received our second reset contract within
two years. The reset process brings battle-damaged and worn
vehicles to a like-new condition while offering the opportunity
4
BUILDING THE RIGHT SYSTEMS
TO PROTECT TODAY’S MILITARY
BEGINS WITH UNDERSTANDING
TODAY’S CONFLICTS.
Textron Marine
& Land Systems’
Armored Security
Vehicle continues
to protect lives
in Iraq and
Afghanistan.