EXHIBIT 23.1


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-84599) and related Prospectus
Supplement of Textron Inc. for the registration of $300,000,000 Notes due
June 1, 2012 and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated January 24, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Textron Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 29, 2001 and the related financial
statement schedules included therein, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                              /s/  Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
May 20, 2002