ATK Selected to Produce Propellant for U.S. Army's Modular Artillery Charge System
Jul 12, 2000
ATK (Alliant Techsystems) (NYSE: ATK) said it has been awarded a contract valued at $6 million from the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC), Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., to produce propellant for the Army's Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS). If exercised, options to the contract could increase the total value to approximately $11 million over the next two years.
The next generation in artillery propellant technology, the Modular Artillery Charge System will enable the U.S. Army's Crusader self-propelled howitzer to fire 155mm rounds in excess of 40 kilometers at a rate of up to 10 rounds per minute using an automated loading system. It also is designed to be compatible with currently fielded howitzer systems, including the M109A6 Paladin.
The MACS propellant will be produced by Alliant Ammunition and Powder Company at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, Va.
Patrick S. Nolan, president, Alliant Ammunition and Powder Company, said, "This award ratifies ATK as a key member of the U.S. Army's MACS team. We are pleased to be working with our Army partners at Picatinny Arsenal on this state-of-the-art artillery propellant technology, which will increase the range and overall effectiveness of 155mm howitzers."
Nolan said the ATK and Picatinny Arsenal team developed and co-patented the first "green," or environmentally friendly, propellant for use on the MACS program. The new contract represents the first production build of the propellant.
Nolan added that ATK will be applying its rigorous process control standards at every stage of MACS propellant production, ensuring the control necessary to achieve the highest levels of quality and reliability.
Alliant Ammunition and Powder Company is a leading supplier of ammunition and propellant to the U.S. Department of Defense and the operator of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant and the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in DeSoto, Kan. It is one of four operating companies within ATK's Conventional Munitions business segment, which reported fiscal year 2000 sales of $430 million.
ATK is a $1.1 billion aerospace and defense company with leading market positions in munitions, smart weapons and precision capabilities, solid propulsion, and composite structures. The company, which is headquartered in Hopkins, Minn., employs approximately 6,500 people and has three business segments: Conventional Munitions, Aerospace, and Defense Systems. ATK news and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/
SOURCE: ATK
Contact: Media, Rod Bitz, 612-931-5413, rod_bitz@atk.com, or Investors,
Melanie E. R. Miller, 612-931-6921, melanie_miller@atk.com
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