ATK Propulsion and Controls Supports Most Challenging Missile Defense Test to Date

MINNEAPOLIS, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK), the nation's leading solid rocket motor producer, provided a key component for the latest successful missile defense test of a Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) Block IA missile. 

ATK supplies the Solid Divert and Attitude Control System (SDACS) to Raytheon Company, the prime contractor for the SM-3.  The SDACS is a propulsion system that is used to guide the SM-3's kinetic warhead in its final intercept of a target. 

According to the Missile Defense Agency, the April 15 test was the most challenging test to date.  The SM-3 Block IA missile was launched from a U.S. Navy Aegis-equipped destroyer off the Hawaiian coast and successfully intercepted a separating intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) target over the Pacific Ocean. "The SM-3 maneuvered to a point in space as designated by the fire control solution and released its kinetic warhead. The kinetic warhead acquired the target, diverted into its path, and, using only force of a direct impact, destroyed the threat in a 'hit-to-kill' intercept," stated an MDA press release on the test. This marks the 19th successful intercept performed by the SM-3 Blocks I and IA missiles. 

"We are extremely pleased to see how well our system performed in this very challenging test, and are excited for the program's continued mission success," said Mike Kahn, President of ATK's Missile Product Group.  "ATK is an integral member of the SM-3 team, and we look forward to seeing our years of design, development, and production expertise leveraged on future systems."

ATK manufactures the SDACS at its Elkton, Maryland facility and has produced more than 150 SDACS over the years.  ATK also manufactures the Third Stage Rocket Motor (TSRM) for the SM-3 Block IA and IB missile.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 23 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion.  News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved.  Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company's competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions.  ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE ATK

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