ATK's Propulsion and Control Systems Support Missile Defense Interceptor Test

Published on Wednesday, 13 February 2013 09:02 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

ATK's Solid Propulsion Systems Provide Critical Capability and Mission Flexibility for the Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) Interceptor

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK), the nation's leading solid propellant rocket motor producer, provided two critical components for the most recent successful missile defense test involving a Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) Block IA guided missile.  The test was held over the Pacific Ocean on Feb. 13, 2013. 

ATK supplies the Third Stage Rocket Motor (TSRM) to Raytheon Company, the prime contractor for the SM-3.  The TSRM is a dual-pulse propulsion system with thrust vector control and an integral attitude control system.  This unique combination of subsystems provides the SM-3 with the flexibility to address a broad range of threats and helps to minimize end-game maneuvering required by the kinetic warhead.

ATK also supplies the Solid Divert and Attitude Control System (SDACS) to Raytheon.  The SDACS propulsion system provides end-game maneuvering for the SM-3's kinetic warhead in its final intercept of a target.  It is the only solid propellant DACS that is in full-rate production and fielded for use. 

"We are pleased to support another successful missile defense test.  ATK is proud to be part of the SM-3 guided missile industry team that provides our nation this critical capability," said Cary Ralston, vice president and general manager of ATK's Missile Products division.  "ATK's years of design, development, and production expertise continue to support the success of the SM-3 system.  We are dedicated to making certain our products deliver mission-assured performance." 

ATK manufactures the TSRM and SDACS at its Missile Defense & Controls operation in Elkton, Md.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 21 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally.  News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved.  Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company's competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions.  ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE ATK