ATK Receives $110 Million Contract for F-35 Lightning II Composite Components

Production Will More than Double from Three to Eight Ship Sets Per Month

ATK has Delivered 850 F-35 Wing Skin Components to Date

May 3, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS, May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — ATK (NYSE: ATK) announced today that it has received a $110 million contract from Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) to produce composite components for low rate initial production (LRIP) Lots 5 through 9 of the F-35 Lightning II – Joint Strike Fighter.  The contract includes production of multiple components through the LRIP 9 phase of the program.

Under the terms of the contract, ATK will use advanced hand lay-up processing techniques to manufacture upper fixed aft skins for both the carrier variant (CV) and short-take off/vertical landing (STOVL) variant, upper access covers on the CV and conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant, and the upper access center covers for the STOVL variant.  Production will take place at ATK’s Clearfield, Utah facility beginning in 2011 continuing through 2015.

« This contract award confirms our commitment to providing Lockheed Martin with the highest quality composite structures affordably and on time, » said Joy de Lisser, Vice President and General Manager of the Aerospace Structures division of ATK Aerospace Systems.

ATK began F-35 production in October 2002 with a System Design and Development contract for 19 ship sets of the one-piece, 35-foot composite upper wing skin. The company has delivered over 850 wing skin components to date through LRIP Lot 4. During this contract the company will increase production rates from three ship sets per month to more than eight ship sets per month.

In addition to this contract award, ATK manufactures several other composite structures for the F-35, including the seven-piece upper wing skin, lower wing skins, engine nacelle skins, inlet ducts, and the upper wing strap using both automated fiber placement and hand lay-up techniques.  ATK’s composite manufacturing expertise has contributed to the F-35 since the development phase of the program.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, advanced sustainment, and lower operational and support costs.

ATK is an industry leader in advanced composite structures and pioneered the automation of composite fabrication through the fiber placement process in the early 1980s.  ATK operates 11 fiber-placement machines and proprietary production processes that shorten the manufacturing cycle, and produce extremely high quality, complex composite components with unmatched repeatability.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 23 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion.  News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

ATK Receives $488M in Small-Caliber Ammunition Orders

MINNEAPOLIS

ATK has received orders totaling more than $488 million for small caliber ammunition pursuant to an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island (ACC-RI). This order includes a mix of 5.56mm, 7.62mm and .50 caliber military ammunition to be produced at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Mo.

ATK is the world’s leading producer of small-caliber military and commercial ammunition. The company successfully partnered with the Army to design and produce the new 5.56mm cartridge known to the U.S. warfighter as the Enhanced Performance Round (EPR).

« This latest set of orders includes an increase in the demand for the new M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round, which is getting very positive reviews by the warfighter, » explained ATK Small Caliber Systems Vice President and General Manager Mark Hissong. « We’ve produced more than 100 million rounds of the M855A1 EPR since transitioning it into full-rate production last year. We will increase EPR production rates this year as we complete the modernization of high-speed, high-volume 5.56mm production equipment used to manufacture this new high performance round. »

ATK has operated Lake City since April 2000, improving manufacturing efficiencies, increasing manufacturing rates, and partnering with the Army to modernize the facility’s infrastructure, and production processes and equipment.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 23 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion.

Pentagon Contract Announcement: Alliant Techsystems

Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Plymouth, Minn., was awarded on March 24 a $65,807,670 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the engineering and manufacturing development of the Counter Defilade Target Engagement System.

Work will be performed in Plymouth, Minn., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received.

The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-11-C-0024).

ATK Receives $50 Million Contract Modification to Deliver Additional Precision Mortars to Meet U.S. Army’s Urgent Operational Needs

ATK-Developed Precision Mortar Will Provide Battlefield Commanders an Organic, Precision Weapon Capability in Afghanistan

ATK Mortar Guidance Kit Converts Conventional Mortar Bodies into Precision Guided Munitions

Program Work Conducted at Minnesota and West Virginia ATK Facilities

Mar 24, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS, March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — ATK (NYSE: ATK) has received a $50 million follow-on contract modification for production of the Mortar Guidance Kit (MGK) under the U.S. Army’s Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) program.  The contract is in response to an Army urgent Operational Needs Statement (ONS) and will mean more precision mortars going to U.S. forces in Afghanistan.  ATK was previously awarded a contract in June 2010 to field an initial quantity of rounds under the Army’s ONS.

Combining GPS guidance and directional control surfaces into a package that replaces standard fuzes, the MGK transforms existing 120mm mortar bodies into precision guided munitions.  This puts organic, precision engagement capability into the hands of local battlefield commanders.  The design is based on ATK’s Precision Guidance Kit technology for artillery.

« Delivering affordable precision is a core capability of our business, » said Bruce DeWitt, ATK Advanced Weapons Vice President and General Manager.  « Using our expertise in guidance, fuzing, and gun-hardened electronics, we have proven that the timeline and cost of producing a precision weapon can be greatly reduced.  In under a year, we have proven a reliable design, initiated production and fielded a precision weapon.  This is truly unprecedented in our industry. »

In less than one year’s time, the APMI team met an aggressive schedule to field the rounds for operational assessment in theater.  These achievements included the following:

• Completed sequential environmental testing for performance and safety (SET-P and SET-S, respectively)
• Established a production line with capacity to meet deliverable production quantities and quality on time
• Passed First Article Acceptance Testing (FAAT)
• Executed the necessary Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT)
• Delivered the required quantities on time for shipment to theater
• Received Urgent Material Release (UMR) authorization

 

Leading up to the UMR, ATK was awarded a contract in April 2010 for Phase II of the APMI program having successfully completed Phase I; a four-month design, maturation, and demonstration program that concluded with ATK winning a competitive « shoot off » at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona.  At the conclusion of the shoot off, ATK’s MGK was selected as the best-value solution to meet the requirements for the Army’s APMI.  During the competition, MGK demonstrated the ability to achieve a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters, a substantial improvement over conventional mortars that are accurate to about a 136-meter CEP.

Program design and management is headquartered in ATK’s Plymouth, Minn. facility while production takes place at the company’s proving grounds near Elk River, Minn. and also in Rocket Center, W. Va.  ATK specializes in developing innovative, advanced weapon systems that provide affordable precision and effectiveness for artillery, mortars, tanks, naval gun systems, and tactical aircraft.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 24 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion.  News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

ATK Wins $65.8 Million Army Contract for XM25, Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System

« Game Changing » Weapon Allows Soldiers to Quickly Engage Targets With Greater Precision While Reducing Risk of Collateral Damage

Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase Contract Brings Program Closer to Army-Wide Fielding

Mar 28, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS, March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — ATK (NYSE: ATK) has received a $65.8 million Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract from the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier for its XM25, Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System. The 30-month contract calls for the continuing design, integration, production, and testing of full-up systems to ensure the weapon’s final design meets performance requirements and is production-ready prior to fielding.

« The XM25 provides the soldier on the ground a precision weapon to quickly and accurately engage targets behind cover or exposed targets, at ranges and accuracies not seen in today’s small arms, » said Bruce DeWitt, Vice President and General Manager of ATK’s Advanced Weapons Division. « A soldier using basic rifle marksmanship skills can effectively engage targets in less than five seconds while also reducing the chances for collateral damage. »

The XM25 consists of a rifle that fires a 25mm airbursting round that is programmed by the weapon’s integrated target acquisition and fire control system to detonate directly above an intended target. The system allows soldiers to quickly and accurately engage targets by displaying an adjusted aim point based on range, environmental factors, and user inputs. The weapon’s target acquisition and fire control integrates a thermal capability with direct-view optics, laser rangefinder, compass, fuze-setter, ballistic computer, laser pointer and illuminator. These capabilities enable the weapon to be used during day or night and in all weather conditions.

The Army is currently conducting a forward operational assessment with XM25 prototype weapons deployed to Afghanistan.  This effort began in November 2010. The Army’s Project Manager Soldier Weapons conducted new equipment training with select units and is monitoring the XM25’s use and performance. The weapons are actively carried on patrols and in various combat outposts in areas that are experiencing high levels of enemy activity. Soldier feedback from this assessment will assist future decisions regarding budget, tactics, basis of issue, and improvements soldiers want to see in the weapon’s fielded version.

ATK is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the XM25 program. Program management is headquartered at ATK’s Advanced Weapons Division in Plymouth, Minn. Program partners include Heckler & Koch, Sterling, Va. and L-3 Brashear, Pittsburgh, Pa.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 24 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

 

ATK Awarded $49 Million Special Operations Ammunition Contract

New Ammunition Developed by ATK Security and Sporting, in Conjunction with the U.S. Navy

New Round adds to ATK’s Portfolio of Specialized Ammunition Products

Mar 23, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS, March 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) announced today that it has received a $49 million contract from the U.S. Navy to produce a new special operations ammunition round with improved accuracy, stronger barrier penetration, and a lower muzzle-flash.  ATK Security and Sporting developed the round in partnership with the Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane Division under the Special Operations Science and Technology (SOST) ammunition program.

The SOST ammunition will be manufactured in 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm calibers, and is short-barrel optimized.  It is designed for use with the MK16 and MK17 Special Operations Combat Assault Rifle Weapon System.  Production will be performed at ATK’s Federal Premium Ammunition plant in Anoka, MN.  Deliveries are expected to be completed in 2015.

« ATK is the clear leader in developing new ammunition technologies for commercial use, » said Ron Johnson, President of ATK’s Security and Sporting group.  « We are now applying our research and development capability to satisfy the needs of our special operation forces. »

The new SOST 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition adds to ATK’s portfolio of specialized ammunition, including long-range products for both law enforcement and military applications.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 24 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

ATK Receives $50 Million Contract Modification to Deliver Additional Precision Mortars to Meet U.S. Army’s Urgent Operational Needs

ATK-Developed Precision Mortar Will Provide Battlefield Commanders an Organic, Precision Weapon Capability in Afghanistan

ATK Mortar Guidance Kit Converts Conventional Mortar Bodies into Precision Guided Munitions

Program Work Conducted at Minnesota and West Virginia ATK Facilities

Mar 24, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS, March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — ATK (NYSE: ATK) has received a $50 million follow-on contract modification for production of the Mortar Guidance Kit (MGK) under the U.S. Army’s Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) program.  The contract is in response to an Army urgent Operational Needs Statement (ONS) and will mean more precision mortars going to U.S. forces in Afghanistan.  ATK was previously awarded a contract in June 2010 to field an initial quantity of rounds under the Army’s ONS.

Combining GPS guidance and directional control surfaces into a package that replaces standard fuzes, the MGK transforms existing 120mm mortar bodies into precision guided munitions.  This puts organic, precision engagement capability into the hands of local battlefield commanders.  The design is based on ATK’s Precision Guidance Kit technology for artillery.

« Delivering affordable precision is a core capability of our business, » said Bruce DeWitt, ATK Advanced Weapons Vice President and General Manager.  « Using our expertise in guidance, fuzing, and gun-hardened electronics, we have proven that the timeline and cost of producing a precision weapon can be greatly reduced.  In under a year, we have proven a reliable design, initiated production and fielded a precision weapon.  This is truly unprecedented in our industry. »

In less than one year’s time, the APMI team met an aggressive schedule to field the rounds for operational assessment in theater.  These achievements included the following:

• Completed sequential environmental testing for performance and safety (SET-P and SET-S, respectively)
• Established a production line with capacity to meet deliverable production quantities and quality on time
• Passed First Article Acceptance Testing (FAAT)
• Executed the necessary Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT)
• Delivered the required quantities on time for shipment to theater
• Received Urgent Material Release (UMR) authorization

Leading up to the UMR, ATK was awarded a contract in April 2010 for Phase II of the APMI program having successfully completed Phase I; a four-month design, maturation, and demonstration program that concluded with ATK winning a competitive « shoot off » at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona.  At the conclusion of the shoot off, ATK’s MGK was selected as the best-value solution to meet the requirements for the Army’s APMI.  During the competition, MGK demonstrated the ability to achieve a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters, a substantial improvement over conventional mortars that are accurate to about a 136-meter CEP.

Program design and management is headquartered in ATK’s Plymouth, Minn. facility while production takes place at the company’s proving grounds near Elk River, Minn. and also in Rocket Center, W. Va.  ATK specializes in developing innovative, advanced weapon systems that provide affordable precision and effectiveness for artillery, mortars, tanks, naval gun systems, and tactical aircraft.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 24 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion.  News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) Awards Contract to ATK to Modify Two CASA-235 Military Transport Aircraft

ATK Introduces New Light Gunship Special Mission Aircraft Capabilities Package

Feb 19, 2011

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — ATK (NYSE: ATK) announced it has received a contract from the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) of the Kingdom of Jordan to modify two of the country’s CASA-235 transport aircraft into highly-capable and cost-effective special mission aircraft, according to the combined modification designs of both KADDB and ATK.  Subject to U.S. government export licensing approval, the modified aircraft are expected to be delivered by the late spring of 2013.  Terms of the contract were not announced.

ATK’s special mission aircraft offerings integrate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, fire control equipment, and a LW30mm link-fed gun system.  These capabilities are controlled by ATK’s STAR Mission System which provides both day and night reconnaissance and fire control capabilities, and the ability to acquire, monitor and track items of interest.  The CASA-235 gunship provides customers an enhanced capability to conduct responsive defense, counterinsurgency, and border surveillance and security missions.

« Weaponized aircraft is an emerging international opportunity specifically tailored for ATK’s unique capabilities, » said Mike Kahn, President of ATK Missile Products Group. « Our expertise in mission systems architecture and design, and aircraft integration and certification of complex subsystems positions us well for growth in this area. »

« Since its inception, KADDB has established itself as the preferred global partner in the Middle East for the defence industry, initially in land systems, and most recently in aircraft modification. KADDB is well situated and experienced with all the required technical knowledge and infrastructure to move into this field, » said « Shadi Ramzi » Majali, KADDB Chairman and CEO.   « We are proud to embark with our well recognized and esteemed partner ATK to modify aircraft for the Jordan Armed Forces and the MENA region, and look forward to establishing this capability in Jordan. »

« We are pleased to partner with the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau of Jordan to develop and enhance the military aircraft capability for the Jordan Armed Forces, » said Robert Faille, ATK Director of International Business Development for the Middle East & Africa region.

For the KADDB on behalf of the Jordan Armed Forces, ATK will install and integrate electro-optical targeting systems, a laser designator, aircraft self-protection equipment, and an armaments capability that includes Hellfire laser-guided missiles, 2.75-inch rockets, and a M230 link-fed 30mm chain gun.  ATK’s M230 family of guns serves on the Apache helicopter.

ATK’s scope of work includes development, systems integration, aircraft modification, and testing.  Work will be performed in Jordan and at ATK facilities in Fort Worth, TX, Mesa, AZ and Pelham, AL.

Although the light gunship represents KADDB’s first endeavor in aircraft modification, it lays the foundation for further potential growth with experienced partners to accommodate Jordan and the MENA region’s requirements.

The light gunship capability package is the latest addition to ATK’s Special Mission Aircraft product portfolio, which provides affordable, responsive and advanced capabilities to customer-preferred platforms. ATK’s expertise includes outfitting various aircraft — including Cessna Caravans, Lockheed Martin C-130s, Bombardier Dash-8s, Hawker Beechcraft King Airs and others — with integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

About KADDB

The King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) was established by Royal Decree on the 24th of August 1999 to provide an indigenous capability for the supply of independent, high quality, efficient and cost-effective scientific and technical services to the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF).  KADDB is an independent government entity within the JAF that acts as the Jordanian research and development facility created to provide a one-stop solution for the supply of defence and commercial equipment. KADDB aims at harnessing science and technology to fulfill Jordan’s defence needs and, in the process, assist the nation in creating a sustainable defence industrial base. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.KADDB.com.

About ATK

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 24 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion.  News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

ATK Receives $54 Million Training Tank Ammunition Order from U.S. Army

ATK has Delivered More Than Four Million Rounds of 120mm Tank Ammunition Since 1980

Program Work Conducted at ATK-Operated Facilities in Minnesota and West Virginia

Mar 10, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) has received a $54 million order for 120mm training tank ammunition from the U.S. Army. The award is for the fourth year of a four-year contract.

The 120mm training ammunition, used by the M1A1/A2 Abrams main battle tank, includes the M865 kinetic energy and the M1002 multi-purpose anti-tank training rounds. These training rounds closely replicate tactical ammunition in appearance and ballistic performance to provide the warfighter with an affordable, yet realistic training experience.

« High-quality training ammunition is essential to the warfighter who must be prepared to react decisively on today’s battlefield, » said Bruce DeWitt, ATK Advanced Weapons Vice President and General Manager. « By leveraging our expertise in tactical 120mm tank ammunition, we have produced rounds that are visually and ballistically similar to their counterpart tactical rounds while meeting the reliability and safety performance requirements for use on U.S. and European ranges. »

Since 1980, ATK has delivered more than four million rounds of 120mm tactical and training tank ammunition to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and allied militaries. Through its proven, system-level contracting approach that reduces the risk to the customer, ATK has delivered a constant supply of 120mm ammunition that is consistently reliable and affordable.

Propellants for ATK’s tank ammunition are produced by ATK at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Radford, Va.  ATK’s manufacturing center of excellence in Rocket Center, W. Va. provides the high-quality metal and composite components; projectiles; and cartridge load, assembly and pack operations. Program management is headquartered in ATK’s Plymouth, Minn. facility.

As a prime contractor, ATK specializes in developing innovative, advanced weapon systems that provide affordable precision and effectiveness for artillery, mortars, tanks, naval gun systems, and tactical aircraft.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 24 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

 

Pentagon Contract Announcement :

No. 185-11
March 08, 2011

CONTRACTS

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

This is a contract award notice for the Missile Defense Agency’s Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Target class to Orbital Sciences Corp.  This award is for the manufacture of intermediate range ballistic missile targets, associated objects, and integrated logistics support to include inventory storage and maintenance management, pre- and post-mission analysis, launch preparation and execution, engineering services, and modeling and simulation support.  The award is for complete “tip to tail” targets under contract number HQ0147-11-C-0006.  The contract will be firm-fixed-price with provisions for fixed-price incentive, cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-reimbursement.  The total value of the contract is $1,100,000,000 if all options are exercised.  The total value of the base award is $217,080,944.  The total contract period of performance is from March 2011 to January 2018.  Major subcontractors for this effort are Honeywell and ATK Aerospace Systems Group.