Aerojet Rocketdyne Delivers 100 Percent Mission Success with SM-3 Block IB Intercept Test

Aerojet Rocketdyne, a GenCorp (NYSE: GY) company, announced today that its propulsion systems played a crucial role during a first-of-its-kind missile defense test conducted by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the U.S. Navy.

During Flight Test Standard Missile-25 (FTM-25), conducted at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, multiple targets were intercepted over the Pacific Ocean.

The Developmental Test/Operational Test event demonstrated several “firsts,” including the first live firing engagement of both Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) and Standard Missile-2 guided missiles against MDA Ballistic Missile Defense targets and cruise missile targets.

“In missile defense, system reliability is the paramount criteria – it has to be accurate and work the first time and every time,” said Aerojet Rocketdyne Vice President of Missile Defense and Strategic Systems, Michael Bright. “We clearly understand the vital role we play with Raytheon Missile Systems in defending our homeland and our allies, and we are extremely proud of the 100 percent mission success of our SM-3 propulsion systems.”

Aerojet Rocketdyne’s MK 72 booster and MK 104 dual-thrust rocket motor provided the first- and second-stage propulsion on the SM-3 Block IB guided missile used in the test, while Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Throttling Divert and Attitude Control System (TDACS) maneuvered the kinetic warhead to successfully impact the short-range ballistic missile target.

In concert with Raytheon, Aerojet Rocketdyne is developing the third generation of sea- and land-based U.S. missile defense capabilities by providing reliable, low-risk propulsion technologies. In addition to the current production of MK 72 and MK 104 rocket motors and the SM-3 Block IB TDACS, the company is developing the TDACS for SM-3 Block IIA, the planned missile variant upgrade to the current SM-3 Blocks IA and IB guided missiles.

Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader providing propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, tactical systems and armaments areas, in support of domestic and international markets. GenCorp is a diversified company that provides innovative solutions that create value for its customers in the aerospace and defense, and real estate markets. Additional information about Aerojet Rocketdyne and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies’ websites at www.Rocket.com and www.GenCorp.com.