Stream Raid of "High-Diver" Variant of Coyote Target Demonstrates
System's Expanding Capability
DULLES, Va.Jun. 17, 2015--
Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense
technologies, successfully launched two GQM-163A Coyote Supersonic
Target Vehicles for the U.S. Navy, marking the 47th and 48th
mission of Coyote program since its inception 15 years ago.
GQM-163A Coyote launches as part of a routine test (Photo: Business Wire)
The recent flight test showcases the robustness of the Coyote target
and the commitment of our team to the success of our customer s
mission, said Keven Leith, Orbital ATK s Senior Director of Navy
Programs. We are proud to provide an important capability to the Navy
that is critical to the defense of this country.
The launches took place from San Nicolas Island, which is part of the
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), Point Mugu Sea Test
Range, which is responsible for testing and evaluating weapons systems
for all branches of the military and allied forces.
The Coyote target vehicle is based on a ramjet propulsion system that is
integrated into a compact missile airframe measuring 18 feet long and 14
inches in diameter. Rail-launched from naval test and training ranges,
the highly maneuverable Coyote has two optional flight trajectories:
sea skimmer and high-diver. This test was flown as a high-diver
mission in which the Coyote ascended to approximately 35,000 feet,
reaching Mach 3.3 cruise speed under ramjet power, and then executed a
planned 40-degree unpowered dive to its objective point near the ocean s
surface at the end of its 110 mile journey.
A high-diver test truly showcases the full capability and flexibility
of this system, said Leith.
Throughout the history of the program, Coyote targets have been
successfully launched from three sites including San Nicolas Island in
the Point Mugu Test Range, the Pacific Missile Range on Kauai, Hawaii,
and Ile du Levant near the French Mediterranean coast. In addition, the
GQM-163A Coyote will launch from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
this summer.
The Coyote program is managed by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR),
based at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland. Launches are
managed by the Pacific Target and Marine Operations Division (PTMO)
NAWCWD in Point Mugu, California.
Orbital ATK was awarded an initial development contract in 2000 to meet
the U.S. Navy s requirement for an affordable system to simulate
high-speed anti-ship cruise missiles for fleet training and weapon
systems research, development, test and evaluation. Development and five
flight tests were conducted from the start of the contract to when the
program became operational in 2005.
Since that time, Orbital ATK 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 Japan, Technical Research
Development Institute (TRDI). Approximately 120 units have been ordered
to date, of which 97 have been delivered to customers. The company has
supported 48 Coyote launches that include 11 flight tests or
demonstration launches and 37 operational missions. Of these 37
operational launches, seven have been "high diver" trajectories with the
remaining 30 being sea skimmer trajectories.
The development and manufacturing of the Coyote vehicles occurs at
Orbital ATK s production facility in Chandler, Arizona. Orbital ATK s
major subcontractors include Aerojet Corporation in Gainesville,
Virginia and Sacramento, California for the solid-fuel ducted-rocket
motor, and Goodrich Sensors & Integrated Systems in Vergennes, Vermont
for the vehicle s fin actuation system.
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 20 states across the U.S. and in
several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.
Source: Orbital ATK, Inc.
Media Contact:
Orbital ATK
Trina Helquist, 480-814-6504
Flight
Systems Group
trina.helquist@orbitalatk.com
or
Investor
Contact:
Orbital ATK
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public
and Investor Relations
barron.beneski@orbital.com