Alliant Techsystems announced that in a period of nine days from February 13-21, three of the company's flagship precision weapon systems scored direct hits in a series of high profile and extremely challenging flight demonstrations. On February 13-14, ATK and the U.S. Army successfully performed three consecutive Guide-To-Hit (GTH) tests of the Precision Guided Mortar Munition. PGMM is a 120mm, laser-guided, direct fire mortar. The flight tests were conducted at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona.
According to Dan Murphy, Chairman and CEO, "The demonstrated ability to defeat three widely different targets, with three uniquely capable weapon systems, in a nine day period highlights ATK's industry leadership in precision fire capability."
ATK provides innovative and cost-effective launch systems solutions through ATK Launch Systems, the world’s leading manufacturer of rocket motor systems for human-rated and unmanned space launch vehicles, strategic missiles, prompt global strike missiles, and missile defense interceptors. ATK provides mission systems solutions through ATK Mission Systems, a leading supplier of aerospace systems, space systems, weapons systems, and technical services.
The projectiles hit their target at approximately 5.3km. The tests were conducted in moderate to high wind conditions, demonstrating in-flight maneuverability, repeatability and precision strike capability. On February 20, the company's Third Stage Rocket Motor (TSRM) and its Solid Divert and Attitude Control System (SDACS) performed flawlessly on a modified U.S. Navy Standard Missile -3 (SM-3) which successfully shot down a disabled U.S. government satellite.
Raytheon is the prime contractor for the SM-3, which was launched by the USS Lake Erie, positioned northwest of Hawaii. During the flight, ATK's SDACS provided the maneuvering capability to allow the Kinetic Warhead to precisely intercept the satellite approximately 153 miles above the Earth. The resulting impact destroyed a tank full of toxic hydrazine rocket fuel carried aboard the 5,000-pound satellite.
On February 21, ATK and the U.S. Navy successfully completed a challenging missile firing of the company's Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile. AARGM is a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile. It features an advanced multi-sensor system, including a Millimeter Wave terminal seeker, advanced digital Anti-Radiation Homing receiver and a GPS/INS. It is capable of rapidly engaging traditional and advanced enemy air defense targets as well as non-radar time-sensitive strike targets
The operationally realistic launch profile posed a significant challenge to the missile as its sensor did not have direct line-of-sight to the target. The AARGM test, conducted at the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, was a critical milestone in the program and keeps it on track for low-rate initial production. The missile was launched off-axis and at low altitude from the wing of an F/A-18C Hornet. After launch, the missile successfully detected, identified, located, and guided to a representative enemy air defense radar installation, scoring a direct hit.
