Bell Helicopter's Aeronautical Accessories brand has added a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Special Ops Platform/Step to its product line for the Bell 429 aircraft. This new convenience accessory received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA in September.

The Special Ops Platform/Step is a lightweight, all-aluminum construction that includes all mounting hardware. The step is machined to provide a long lasting anti-slip enhancement and improve mission capabilities and security for special operations.

The platform assists crews that use hoists, fast rope or rappelling kits by providing a large, stable step. The product can be installed on one or both sides of the aircraft and is available with a customized skid tube hoist guard for right-hand installations.

Benefits include:

• Quick, easy installation with minimal down-time

• More stable, flat platform for crew compared to standing on round skid gear while operating equipment

• Anti-skid surface provides "teeth" for more secure footing

• Customized skid tube hoist guard available for right- hand side that provides gear protection from hoist cable damage

"The new Special Ops Platform was developed specifically with direct input from our customer," said Jennifer Lunceford, manager of Sales for Aeronautical Accessories. "This is a product that incorporates enhancements designed to create a more stable environment for the crew while assisting our customers in accomplishing their missions. We expect this accessory to be a must-have for parapublic, search and rescue and other customers looking for a newly designed step that provides increased stability and convenience."

For more information on the new Bell 429 Special Ops Platform/Step, visit Aeronautical Accessories at www.aero-access.com .

About the Aeronautical Accessories Brand

Aeronautical Accessories is a Bell Helicopter brand dedicated to offering advanced helicopter parts and accessories for all rotorcraft makes and models direct and through Bell Helicopter's worldwide network. The brand currently offers more than 4,000 unique part numbers and 1200 supplemental type certificates (STCs).

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

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, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit www.textron.com .