Textron starts laser weapons program

WILMINGTON, Mass. – Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit owned by Providence-based Textron Inc., last month announced the creation of a “directed-energy” weapons business that will focus on the development of the company’s laser technologies.
Textron said in a news release that laser research and development at Textron Defense Systems spans four decades. That expertise “provides the foundation for this business line and solidifies the company’s position in the emerging directed-energy weapons market,” Textron said.
“We’re looking over the horizon at the future of weapons systems and directed energy has been identified as an area of interest by the U.S. Department of Defense,” said Textron Defense Systems Senior Vice President Mark Catizone. “Directed Energy Laser Weapons is an evolving technology, and with solid-state laser technology developing toward more compact systems we believe that practical application will be achieved in the near future.”
The program will be led by John Boness, who has more than 30 years experience in business development and management positions with Textron Defense Systems, the company said.
Also last month, Textron said it posted a second-quarter profit that topped analysts’ estimates.
Profit from continuing operations, excluding special items, was 8 cents a share, the company said in a July 31 statement. The average estimate of nine analysts in a Bloomberg survey was for a 1 cent loss.
Textron is winding down its finance arm, selling assets, slashing production and cutting 9,600 jobs, including 8,200 at Cessna, because of the global recession. &#8226