Two More Critical Design Tests for the U.S. Navy's Extended Range Munition Program

Alliant Techsystems, MINNEAPOLIS: Alliant Techsystems announced today that it has successfully fired a Ballistic Trajectory Extended Range Munition (BTERM) rocket motor in support of the U.S. Navy's Extended Range Munition (ERM) program. 
 
Following the successful validation test of its rocket motor, ATK demonstrated the effectiveness of its Ignition Safety Device (ISD). Both tests were conducted at the Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma, Ariz., on April 14, 2006. 
 
The first test was a boosted, unguided shot of ATK's rocket motor design. After exiting the barrel, the rocket motor ignited and achieved a complete burn. “We are confident that the BTERM rocket motor and ATK's demonstrated guidance capability will provide the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with a highly accurate, long-range precision projectile,” said Jack Cronin, President, ATK Mission Systems. ATK is now preparing for its next phase in the development plan, a series of boosted and guided flight tests. 
 
In a separate flight test, ATK demonstrated the capability of its unique ISD design. As intended, the ISD ignited the rocket motor four seconds after exiting the gun. The ISD is critical to the round's range performance across the entire set of range requirements, which extends from 15 nautical miles to 55 nautical miles. 
 
In February this year, ATK conducted a successful guided, unboosted short- range test that demonstrated the effectiveness of its low cost guidance electronics unit (LCGEU) and its innovative single axis control actuation system. “The recent series of guided and unguided tests clearly establishes ATK as a leader in the development of robust and affordable solutions for gun- launched precision projectiles,” concluded Cronin.  
 
ATK is a $3.3 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,000 people in 23 states.