Commitment To Future Growth
Investing for future growth, organically and through acquisitions, is a key strategy for Textron. Here are a few notable examples from 2016. There are also additional examples contained within the segment sections.
Textron Aviation achieved the successful first flight of the Citation Longitude, a revolutionary aircraft and an example of the Company's continued investment in its new family of larger business jets. At the NBAA Convention, performance increases were announced on the Longitude's range and payload, and the first full-scale Citation Hemisphere cabin was on display. Also in 2016, Textron unveiled its new single engine turboprop, the Cessna Denali.
Bell Helicopter received type certification on the new 505 Jet Ranger X from Transport Canada Civil Aviation. The new, five-seat helicopter went from concept to first flight in 20 months and is now positioned to be the premier helicopter in the short light single market.
Textron Specialized Vehicles acquired two specialized aircraft deicing manufacturers, Premier and Safeaero, expanding its Ground Support Equipment portfolio. TSV also introduced two sport utility side-by-sides, the Stampede and Stampede XTR, expanding its presence in the off-road vehicle market.
Textron Airland signed a first-of-its-kind cooperative research and development agreement with the United States Air Force to perform an airworthiness assessment of the Scorpion jet. The prototype aircraft completed a successful weapons exercise at White Sands Missile Range and the first production Scorpion jet completed its maiden flight.