ATK Test Demonstrates Pulse-capable Solid Divert and Attitude Control System Design
ATK Demonstrates High-pressure Multi-pulse Operation
Dec 28, 2004
Minneapolis, December 28, 2004 – ATK (NYSE: ATK) and Honeywell (NYSE: HON) successfully completed a hot-fire test of a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Solid Divert and Attitude Control System (SDACS) incorporating design features to improve performance and reliability. The hot fire test, conducted on November 30 at ATK facilities in Elkton, Md., marked a major milestone in the evolutionary enhancement of this proven system design. This SDACS technology is used to control the yaw, pitch, and roll of the Mk 142 Kinetic Warhead (KW) used in the SM-3.
The SDACS test performed a simulated mission that included multi-pulse operations designed to maintain the kill vehicle’s energy and lethality during in-flight maneuvers. All test objectives were met.
The SM-3 is a part of the Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system to counter ballistic missile threats in outer space. The KW ejects from the SM-3 shortly prior to intercept, tracking the target with its infrared seeker and then homing to a kinetic hit-to-kill intercept. The Aegis BMD flight test program has successfully intercepted four Aries target vehicles using an earlier SDACS configuration. The ground test demonstrated increased SDACS performance and durability through incorporation of design enhancements. These features are planned to be part of a flight demonstration after completion of design verification and qualification tests scheduled in 2005.
Bart Olson, Vice President and General Manager, ATK Elkton, said, "The demonstrated technology present in this test promises to push the Aegis BMD System into the next generation of capability. This evolutionary enhancement builds upon flight proven design and processes." The SDACS test confirms ATK’s leadership position in advanced missile defense technologies.
Adriane Brown, Vice President & General Manager, Honeywell Engines, Systems and Accessories said, "Honeywell recognizes the importance of this test to the Aegis BMD SM-3 Program, the Missile Defense Agency, and the U.S. Navy. We are proud to play a key role in the advancement of the capabilities of Aegis BMD in defending our national interests." Honeywell designed and fabricated the valves used in the SDACS for ATK, the SDACS design agent.
SM-3 and its KW are produced by Raytheon Company at its Missile Systems business unit in Tucson, Arizona. ATK provides the SDACS under a subcontract to Raytheon.
ATK is a $2.4 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing 13,700 people in 23 states. 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: the challenges inherent in the development of advanced missile technologies, changes in governmental spending and budgetary policies, economic conditions, the company's competitive environment, the timing of awards, program performance, and sales projections. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, reference should be made to ATK’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and annual reports on Form 10-K.
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