GQM-163A Supports U.S. Navy Ship Defense and Fleet Training
Cost-Effective Target Simulates Supersonic Threats
DULLES, Va.Oct. 5, 2015--
Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE:OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense
technologies marked the 50th and 51st missions of
GQM-163A Coyote target vehicle for the U.S. Navy, as they completed
flights tests launched from White Sands Missile Range last month.
(Photo: Business Wire)
Marking over 50 missions is a major accomplishment for the program,
said Scott Lehr, Orbital ATK President Flight Systems Group. The
Coyote s high-performing capabilities are critical to ensuring the
Navy s defense systems remain on the cutting-edge and ready to respond.
The supersonic Coyote target vehicle is based on a solid fuel ramjet
propulsion system that is integrated into a compact missile airframe.
Rail-launched from naval test and training ranges, the highly
maneuverable Coyote has two optional flight trajectories: sea skimmer
and high-diver.
These Coyote missions were conducted in a high-diver trajectory which
reaches speeds more than Mach 3.5, marking the fourth and fifth
successful launches completed this year.
We are committed to providing our customers with a reliable
high-quality platform, said Rich Straka, Vice President and General
Manager Orbital ATK Launch Vehicles Division. There is a sense of pride
involved as we deliver cost-effective, robust and flexible systems that
enable the Navy to train and be prepared for real-world threats.
The development and manufacturing of the Coyote vehicles occurs at
Orbital ATK s facility in Chandler, Arizona.
Throughout the history of the program, Coyote targets have been
successfully launched from four sites including San Nicolas Island in
the Point Mugu Test Range; the Pacific Missile Range on Kauai, Hawaii;
Ile du Levant near the French Mediterranean coast; and White Sands
Missile Range, New Mexico.
Orbital ATK was awarded an initial development contract in 2000. Since
that time, the company has received multiple orders from the U.S. Navy,
as well as orders from the Royal Australian Navy, French, Direction
g n rale de l armement (DGA) and other foreign military sales customers.
Approximately 120 units of the supersonic sea-skimming target missile
have been ordered to date.
About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.
The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation
systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and
merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related
propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense
electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition;
satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced
aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK
employs more than 12,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in
several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.
Source: Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK:
Media
Trina Helquist (480) 814-6504
Group
Lead Public Relations
trina.helquist@orbitalatk.com
or
Investors
Barron
Beneski (703) 406-5528
Public and Investor Relations
barron.beneski@orbitalatk.com