Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK – News) successfully certified its Advanced Propulsion Research Complex (APRC) during a recent direct-connect test of a Variable Flow Ducted Rocket (VFDR) propulsion system. APRC is the only domestic facility capable of developing accurate pre-flight assessments of next-generation tactical missile propulsion systems for high speed, long range, time critical strike mission needs.
The technologies demonstrated in the APRC are critical to the development of next-generation air-to-air, air-to-surface, and surface-launched tactical missile applications. It is a clean-air facility capable of evaluating solid- fuel integral rocket ramjet and scramjet propulsion systems without incurring the costs associated with airborne flight tests.
When combined with ATK’s X-43A program, which set the world speed record for air-breathing powered flight at Mach 10, the APRC propulsion demonstration places ATK on the leading edge of hypersonic ramjet and scramjet technology innovation.
VFDR engines use the same solid propellants found in current missile propulsion systems. However, VFDR technology can more than triple the energy output. ATK’s technology demonstration will significantly enhance the effectiveness of next-generation missiles by giving them up to three times the range of current rocket systems while flying at Mach speeds that today’s technology can not meet.
The APRC can test propulsion systems over a range of Mach numbers up to Mach 6, and simulated altitudes of up to 42,000 feet. Additional upgrades to the facility are under way to enhance both Mach number and altitude test capabilities with Mach 10 and 100K feet set as goals, respectively. Located in Rocket Center, W.Va., ATK operates this facility for the Naval Sea Systems Command — NAVSEA.
ATK is a $2.4 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 14,000 people in 23 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://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: the challenges of developing hypersonic scramjet technologies, changes in governmental spending and budgetary policies, economic conditions, equity market returns, the company’s competitive environment, the timing of awards and contracts, the outcome of contingencies, including litigation and environmental remediation, program performance, and sales projections. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, reference should be made to ATK’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and annual reports on Form 10-K.
