HYDERADBAD, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today unveiled its new 429 model at the India Aviation 2008. This new helicopter has seen strong worldwide demand and has captured the markets imagination and garnered over 300 orders including a sizeable number in India.

Speaking about its plans for India, Richard Millman, president and CEO, announced that Bell sees great potential for the helicopter market in India. "The offshore oil and gas exploration has taken off and our 412 helicopter is the preferred solution for that requirement. Additionally, other Bell models have been very successful in charter operations and VIP transportation. Bell's orders for India have increased sharply in the last three years. Last year orders, booked by Indian customers were the highest in the Asia Pacific region.

Showcasing the 429, the latest helicopter from the Bell stable, Millman remarked," This is a fantastic helicopter with a wide open, flexible cabin that is easily configured for a variety of missions. We got a lot of customer input when we were designing this model and it reflects what the customers told us they wanted in a helicopter. "

Apart from this, Bell, with its partner Agusta Westland, is developing the first commercial tilt-rotor, the 609. Currently there are two of these aircraft in flight test and there will be two more joining this year. This aircraft combines the vertical lift advantages with the speed and range of a turbo-prop airplane. Bell has already received orders for this from Indian customers.

Beginning in 1958 when Bell sold its first helicopter in India, Bell and its parent company, Textron, have invested heavily in this country. Textron has a Global Technology Center (GTC) in Bangalore that employs over 350 people where a wide variety of technologies are developed for all the Textron companies and will be applied across the entire Textron product range.

Bell's current product line seems to match well with Indian customer requirements and includes the entry level 206L, the single engine 407, the 412 twin-engine workhorses and the newest model, the 429. Because of the versatility of these models, they can all fulfill roles in all key market segments. Depending on the requirements of customers each of these models offers unique capabilities that can be further enhanced with customization to meet any specific capabilities required.

Bell has established deep business roots in Delhi with the setting up of its India office and partnership with Jubilant Enpro who serves as Bell's Independent Representative. Bell has invested not only money, but time and expertise to help develop the aerospace industry in India. Among other things Bell has sent pilot instructors to India to carry out proficiency checks of pilots and plan to continue to do so. Bell also offers flight training and MR&O.

Bell is the industry leader in vertical lift. Based on customer surveys, Bell is consistently ranked as number one in customer support. The tilt-rotor technology introduced by Bell has created a new class of aircraft; Bell is expanding its global manufacturing footprint and other company owned operations to enhance its ability to build, maintain and support their products in the field. Bell works closely with its customers to understand their needs and build products and services that help them build their businesses and achieve greater success. Once products are delivered Bell offers services like SkyBOOKS, an electronic log book service that helps customers track usage and maintenance requirements, fleet management programs, and a full pilot and maintenance training curriculum

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter 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 $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, 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.

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