EXHIBIT 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K/A)
of Textron Inc. of our report dated January 23, 2003, included in the 2002
Annual Report to Shareholders of Textron Inc.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements: Form S-8 No. 333-101183 pertaining to the Textron Savings Plan, Form
S-8 No. 333-101180 pertaining to the 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, Form S-3 No.
333-84599 pertaining to the $2 Billion Shelf Registration, Form S-8 No.
333-78145 pertaining to the 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan, Form S-8 No.
333-50931 pertaining to the Textron Canada Savings Plan, Form S-8 No. 333-07121
pertaining to the Elco Plans, Form S-8 No. 33-63741 pertaining to the Textron
Savings Plan, Form S-8 No. 33-57025 pertaining to the 1994 Long Term Incentive
Plan and Form S-8 No. 33-38094 pertaining to the 1990 Long Term Incentive Plan
of Textron Inc. and in the related Prospectus and Prospectus Supplements of our
report dated January 23, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Textron Inc. incorporated by reference in this Annual Report (Form
10-K/A) for the year ended December 28, 2002.


                                          /s/Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
March 10, 2003