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ATK and AFRL Successfully Test Development Motor for Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology Program

Program Designed to Advance U.S. Solid Rocket Technology

Feb 23, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards Air Force Base have successfully tested a developmental solid rocket motor -- designated Phase II -- as part of the Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) program.

The IHPRPT program is a research and development initiative for government and industry designed to improve U.S. solid rocket propulsion systems for multiple applications. The program helps keep the nation on the cutting edge of solid rocket motor technology to ensure that U.S. defense systems have the highest performing, most cost effective propulsion capabilities.

The Phase II motor test firing was the culmination of an eight year development and production effort. The data and technology from this test will help develop even more robust solid rocket motors with higher energy propellants, lighter components (including next-generation cases and nozzles), and lower production costs. Increased motor energy and reduced weight are key factors to increasing rocket motor performance. The Phase II motor incorporated a higher performance composite case, low-cost improved insulation material, a unique trap-ball nozzle joint and upgraded material on the liner of the exit cone of the nozzle.

The Phase II motor contained more than 2,000 pounds of high-energy propellant, packaged in a 37-inch diameter composite case. The motor produced an average force of more than 17,800 pounds, during the approximately 30 seconds of test duration.

"The IHPRPT program combines the research and development efforts of government and industry to provide the best solution for advanced solid rocket motors," said Kent Rominger, ATK Launch Systems vice president of Advanced Programs.

The technologies developed from the IHPRPT program can be transferred to other existing and future motor programs. Developments from an IHPRPT Phase I motor that ATK and AFRL successfully tested five years ago have been incorporated in both strategic and commercial solid rocket motor programs.

AFRL oversees ATK's Phase II development program. The program is headed by the IHPRPT Steering Committee, which has representatives from each participating agency and service. Industry plays an active role in the program through involvement in planning, participation in Steering Committee meetings and technology programs, and identification of commercial transition opportunities, advocacy programs, and teaming.

ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 17,000 employees in 21 states and approximately $4.5 billion in revenue. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://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: assumptions related to the development of rocket motors; 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.

     Media Contact:                            Investor Contact:

     Trina Patterson                           Jeff Huebschen
     Phone: 801-699-0943                       Phone: 952-351-2929
     E-mail: trina.patterson@atk.com           E-mail: jeff.huebschen@atk.com