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Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
ATK Demonstrates In-Flight Maneuverability at Mach 4
ATK's Rocket Motor Design Enhances Lethality at Beyond Line of Sight Range
MINNEAPOLIS, May 1 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK) announced today that it has successfully demonstrated maneuverability of its guided Mid Range Munition Kinetic Energy (MRM-KE) precision projectile. The test took place at the Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma Ariz.
ATK fired the round from an M1 Abrams main battle tank. After exiting the barrel, the rocket motor ignited to propel the round to a speed of approximately Mach 4. During the test flight, the projectile performed a series of pre-programmed maneuvers designed to assess its agility in a high Mach regime. All test objectives were achieved. In addition to maneuvering, the round achieved its range target of more than five and one half miles.
ATK's unique projectile design employs a number of embedded thrusters that give it significant maneuvering capability at high speeds. At the same time, by limiting the number of moving parts, the round is capable of surviving the significant G-forces associated with gun-launched projectiles. The MRM-KE projectile will provide the U.S. Army with an advanced weapon system designed to defeat enemy targets at significant stand-off ranges.
"This test is a significant milestone in the MRM program and clearly establishes ATK as a leader in the development of next-generation precision kill weapons," said Dave Wise, Vice President and General Manager, ATK Mission Systems Advanced Weapons Division.
ATK will use the test data from this successful flight to continue development of the program. The company plans to perform a first-ever guided and boosted test flight of its MRM-KE later this year.
The MRM program is jointly developed and managed by Army Research and Development Command (ARDEC) and the Office of the Project Manager - Maneuver Ammunition Systems (OPM-MAS) at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ.
ATK is a $3.3 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,000 people in 23 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/ .
Media Contact: Bryce Hallowell Phone: 952-351-3087 E-mail: bryce.hallowell@atk.com
Investor Contact: Steve Wold Phone: 952-351-3056 E-mail: steve.wold@atk.com
Source: Alliant Techsystems
Web site: http://www.atk.com/
Contacts:
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