Alliant Techsystems,
Test Brings KEI Development Closer to Booster Flight in 2008
MINNEAPOLIS: Alliant Techsystems completed a successful test firing late last week of a first-stage rocket motor for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI), bringing the program closer to a high-tech defense system that will protect our homeland, deployed troops and allied forces.
This is the fourth in a series of static motor firings leading up to the program's first booster flight in 2008. Northrop Grumman is leading the industry team charged with developing and testing a KEI capability under contract to MDA. Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN – News) is responsible for developing and integrating the KEI system's interceptor. The initial test results for the ignition and burn time matched expectations for motor performance and integrity.
“Having four successful test firings solidifies that we have a robust design leading to booster flight in 2008 and eventually providing our nation with the most advanced missile defense capability,” said Bill Condas, Vice President, Strategic & Commercial Systems, ATK Launch Systems Group. “Our team's commitment to this technology and mission assurance will ensure success as we move forward through each milestone.”
The KEI is deployable anywhere in the world using U.S. military aircraft. Initially a land-based defensive capability, KEI is being designed for easy transition to sea-based platforms. KEI's spectrum of capabilities matches a key objective of missile defense: to engage early and often in defense of the United States and its allies.
ATK is the largest propulsion subcontractor on the KEI program. As a member of the Raytheon interceptor team, ATK will produce all stages of propulsion for the integrated flight vehicle. The KEI canister launch-eject gas generators will be produced by ATK in Rocket Center, W.Va.
ATK is a $4 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 16,500 people in 21 states.
