Council on Competitiveness Showcases Power of High Performance Computing at AAI

Leading American Aerospace and Defense Technology Company Reaches Business Goals Through Modeling and Simulation

WASHINGTON AND HUNT VALLEY, Md., April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on Competitiveness, in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), released a case study today highlighting the potential for high performance computing (HPC) to spur innovations in the global aerospace and defense technology sector.  The report, "AAI Corporation Builds Competitiveness with HPC and the 'Black Art' of Computational Fluid Dynamics," studies how HPC and computer-aided engineering are helping AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and designer of the renowned Shadow® Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System, lead innovation in the industry.

"The use of high performance computing and advanced CFD software enables us to provide our customers with optimized products within their critical time and budget constraints," said Dr. Michael Guterres, AAI's aircraft design and product engineering department lead. "HPC allows us to accelerate the product development cycle, keeping us competitive and further expanding our position as a premier designer and manufacturer of tactical unmanned aircraft systems."

The report was one of ten case studies released under the project with DARPA. The case study series seeks to address the challenges facing the U.S. manufacturing sector and how the use of HPC can increase national productivity and competitiveness.

"This case study clearly demonstrates the significant opportunity and value that HPC offers to companies such as AAI to boost research and maintain a competitive leadership position in the global marketplace," said Council Senior Vice President Dr. Cynthia McIntyre, who is leading the national focus on expanding HPC.

The Council on Competitiveness' High Performance Computing initiative is intended to stimulate and facilitate wider usage of HPC across the private sector to propel productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

ABOUT THE COUNCIL ON COMPETITIVENESS — The Council on Competitiveness is the only group of corporate CEOs, university presidents and labor leaders committed to the future prosperity of all Americans and enhanced U.S. competitiveness in the global economy through the creation of high-value economic activity in the United States.

ABOUT AAI — AAI Corporation and its indirect wholly owned subsidiaries Aerosonde Pty Ltd and ESL Defence Limited design, produce and support industry- leading aerospace and defense products and services, including unmanned aircraft and ground control technologies; high-fidelity training and simulation systems; automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment; armament systems; and logistical, engineering, supply chain and operational support services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.

ABOUT TEXTRON SYSTEMS — Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.

ABOUT TEXTRON INC. — Textron Inc. 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.

SOURCE Council on Competitiveness