ATK Completes Testing of System For GMDS (July 19)
ATK (Alliant Techsystems) said it has successfully completed final testing of the thrust vector control (TVC) system on its first-stage motor for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Segment (GMDS) interceptor, completing all requirements to qualify the motor for flight.
The GMDS program is a key element of the of the Bush administration's missile defense initiative, which involves the development and testing of a potential system to detect, track, and destroy incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles before they reach the U.S. ATK Aerospace Propulsion Company, Magna, Utah, is developing the motor for Boeing, the prime contractor for the GMDS program.
"This major program milestone puts ATK solidly on track to support Boeing's first boost vehicle launch scheduled for August of this year," said Jeff Foote, president, ATK Aerospace Propulsion Company.
The solid propulsion motor, a vectorable version of ATK's proven Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM) 40 used on Boeing Delta II launch vehicles, provides the first-stage boost assist for the three-stage GMDS interceptor missile. The motor and nozzle completed qualification in January 2001, while work continued on the TVC system by subcontractor Moog, East Aurora, N.Y., through the end of June, when final qualification testing was completed.
Bob Winter, GMDS program manager, ATK Aerospace Propulsion Company, said the TVC system, which provides guidance for the first-stage GMDS booster, is unique in a number of ways.
"Unlike most rocket thrust vector control systems, which rely on a hydraulic system for control, the TVC system we have developed for the GMDS booster employs a self-contained, battery-powered electro-mechanical motor that provides tremendous power and easy handling," said Winter. "The system's slew rate - the speed at which it can shift booster direction - is 70 degrees per second, and the actuator force is 3,000 pounds. Its unique packaging also allows for easy assembly and check out and a maintenance-free 20-year shelf life."
Winter said that in addition to state-of-the-art design requirements, the GMDS TVC system meets rigorous military-standard launch vehicle qualification requirements.
ATK estimates that sales resulting from the GMDS program could total over $200 million over the next eight years.
-ends-
ATK Completes Qualification of Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Segment Booster
