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ATK Tactical Systems Supports Successful Sea-Based Ballistic Missile Defense System Test

Nov 22, 2002

Minneapolis, Nov. 22, 2002 – ATK (Alliant Techsystems, NYSE: ATK) said its Mk 136 Third-Stage Rocket Motor (TSRM) and Mk 142 Kinetic Warhead (KW) Solid Divert and Attitude Control System (SDACS) operated successfully in support of the intercept of a ballistic missile target in space by a STANDARD Missile-3 (SM-3) during a system flight test yesterday. The Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) test occurred off the Hawaii coast.

The success of the Flight Mission-4 (FM-4) test, the third consecutive successful SM-3 target intercept, moves the U.S. Navy a step closer to fielding a sea-based BMD capability. The first SM-3 intercept occurred Jan. 25, 2002, followed by a second intercept on June 13.

The ATK TSRM and SDACS propulsion systems – both key elements of the SM-3 missile system – performed as expected during the flight test. The FM-4 mission marked the third flight of an operational SDACS and the fourth flight of an operational TSRM. ATK Tactical Systems, Elkton Operations, Elkton, Md., is developing both systems under a subcontract to Raytheon.

In congratulating the SM-3 team on its success, Donald E. Shaffer, vice president and general manager, ATK Tactical Systems, Elkton Operations, said, "Earlier SM-3 flight tests have demonstrated the fundamental capability of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system. FM-4 represents the first in a series of tests that will demonstrate the system’s readiness for deployment against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. ATK is proud to be a member of the Aegis BMD team."

Shaffer reiterated that the TSRM and SDACS multiple-pulse propulsion subsystems provide unique capabilities in energy management that are breaking new ground in the field of solid propulsion.

In the test, an Aries target was launched from the Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. The USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70) tracked the target as it rose above the horizon and then launched the SM-3 missile, which intercepted the target approximately 100 standard miles above the ocean. This was a more stressing test of the system than in previous intercepts, requiring missile launch during the target’s ascent phase.

The launch is part of an ongoing planned series of developmental flight tests for the Aegis BMD project. SM-3 is designed to intercept an incoming theater ballistic missile outside the earth’s atmosphere. The KW is based on technology developed during the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) program. SM-3 and the KW are under development by Raytheon Company at its Missile Systems business unit in Tucson, Ariz.

With headquarters in Lexington, Mass., Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is a global technology leader in defense, government and commercial electronics, and business and special mission aircraft.

ATK Tactical Systems will continue to support SM-3 flight tests over the coming months as part of a plan to further demonstrate and develop a sea-based missile defense capability.

Headquartered in Rocket Center, W. Va., ATK Tactical Systems is a leading supplier of tactical missile propulsion systems and warheads, launch vehicle and satellite propulsion systems, precision metal parts for munitions, composite structures, and electronic early warning systems for aircraft and weapon systems.

ATK is a $2.1 billion aerospace and defense company with leading positions in propulsion, composite structures, munitions, and precision capabilities. The company, which is headquartered in Edina, Minn., employs approximately 11,500 people and has three business groups: Aerospace, Ammunition, and Precision Systems. ATK news and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.