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ATK Receives International Ammunition Contracts Exceeding $10.5 Million

LW30mm Proves Itself in Iraq and Afghanistan

Mar 3, 2004

Minneapolis, March 3, 2004 – ATK (Alliant Techsystems, NYSE: ATK) has received two contracts from U.S. allies in the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region to supply light weight (LW) 30mm High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) tactical ammunition. The total value of the contracts is expected to exceed $10.5 million.

Used primarily by Apache AH64 helicopters, the LW30mm ammunition is battle-proven and capable of supporting numerous missions and tactics. The dual-purpose warhead provides the firepower necessary to penetrate armor while maintaining its high-explosive capability for use against other targets. The ammunition is currently in use in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Wayne Farley, president, ATK Ammunition and Powder, said, "LW30mm rounds provide the flexibility air crews need to accomplish numerous missions. Whether they encounter armored vehicles in the open or are involved in urban combat, Apache crews rely on the it to deliver the precision and firepower necessary to defeat the enemy."

LW30mm is fired from the M230 chain gun, produced by ATK Gun Systems in Mesa, Ariz. The HEDP cartridge and M230 chain gun are in use on other platforms, including developmental ground vehicles and current airframes.

ATK Ammunition Systems, Arden Hills, Minn., will produce the fuze and projectile assemblies. The final assembly, load, and pack will take place at ATK’s New River Energetics facility at the Radford, Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, Va. Both companies are operating units of ATK’s Ammunition and Related Products Group, Anoka, Minn.

ATK is a $2.2 billion aerospace and defense company with strong positions in propulsion, composite structures, munitions, precision capabilities, and civil and sporting ammunition. The company, which is headquartered in Edina, Minn., employs approximately 12,600 people and has three business groups: Precision Systems, Aerospace, and Ammunition and Related Products. ATK news and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.