Orbital ATK s Medium-Class Upper Stage Motor Provides New Capability
to Air Force
DULLES, Va.Nov. 11, 2015--
The U.S. Air Force and Orbital ATK (NYSE:OA) successfully conducted a
ground level static fire test of the Medium-Class Stage III (MCS-III)
solid rocket motor on November 5. This test was a demonstration of
advanced technologies being studied for use in the forthcoming Air Force
Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) system.
Orbital ATK successfully conducted a ground level static fire test of the Medium Class Stage III solid rocket motor at their facility in Promontory, UT. This was a demonstration test of advanced technologies being studied for use in the forthcoming U.S. Air Force Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) system. (Photo: Business Wire)
The new advanced technologies demonstrated are important stepping
stones for the future GBSD program, said Charlie Precourt, vice
president and general manager of Orbital ATK s Propulsion Systems
Division. This test of new propulsion technologies is a significant
achievement for our company and the Air Force.
Orbital ATK developed the high-performance upper stage motor for the
MCS-III program. The objectives of the static fire test were to
demonstrate an advanced strategic grade propellant, validate feasibility
of motor thrust reversal/thrust termination system in a graphite epoxy
case, and demonstrate a performance enhancing, vectorable nozzle with
electro-mechanical thrust vector control. Preliminary test results
indicate the motor performed within predictions.
The Air Force plans to replace Minuteman III propulsion elements with a
modern propulsion system as part of the GBSD program. The Air Force is
preparing for the upcoming development work by maturing and
demonstrating available technologies in a medium-class solid rocket
motor, applicable to the GBSD propulsion systems.
Orbital ATK has a successful history of designing, fabricating,
integrating, testing and delivering more than 3,800 motors in direct
support of Department of Defense missions. Orbital ATK s medium-class
stage motors could support multiple missions such as GBSD, Conventional
Strike Missile and Operationally Responsive Space.
The MCS-III program, which is managed by the Air Force Nuclear Weapons
Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, is conducted under the
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Demonstration/Validation Propulsion
Application Program funding to support the demonstration of technologies
applicable to future strategic programs.
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 approximately 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:
Hillary Searle, 801-657-9627
Propulsion
Systems Public Relations
hillary.searle@orbitalatk.com
or
Investors:
Barron
Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public and Investor Relations
barron.beneski@orbitalatk.com