Providence, Rhode Island - February 12, 2003 - As winter break begins at schools across the country, families will flock to entertainment and theme parks seeking the thrill and adventure of high tech rides, shows and attractions. The magic behind the special effects that make alien monsters creep around corners or breathe life into animatronic creatures is the result of precise, high tech motion control components originally designed for aerospace applications by HR Textron.

The key elements in the hydraulic or pneumatic motion control systems giving these creatures their lifelike movements are valves and actuators produced by Textron Systems' HR Textron Operation in Valencia, Calif. The servovalves precisely control the flow of fluid to the actuators and the mechanical output of these devices make the movement possible. The ability to produce a small, lightweight part which precisely controls this flow and creates flawless movement is what sets HR Textron's products apart from the competition.

HR Textron's unique R-DDV Servovalve technology was originally developed for aircraft and helicopter flight controls, engine controls, missile controls and launch vehicles. Now it is also responsible for the excitement of a 3D theme park adventure, a movie scene with a fishing trawler struggling as it is caught in a storm and the swimming motion of the sharks that surround the boat.

HR Textron has been supplying the entertainment industry for almost 40 years. "It's a wonderful feeling to see the expression on people's faces as they enjoy what our technology provides," said Mark Tandy, business line manager at HR Textron. "As our technology has advanced, so has the experience for the viewer."

Textron Systems Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the global aerospace and defense industries. Textron Systems supports military precision engagement and dominant maneuver with strike weapons, mobility and surveillance systems. Textron Systems is well known in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft control components, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is an $11 billion multi-industry company with 49,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services in industries such as aircraft, fastening systems, industrial products and components and finance. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others.