Aerospace and defense company Alliant Techsystems Inc’s (ATK) propulsion and control systems made a significant contribution to the success of the latest missile defense test of a Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) Block IA missile, conducted on April 15, 2011. The Missile Defense Agency exclaimed that the test was the toughest till 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. This marked the 19th successful intercept performed by the SM-3 Blocks I and IA missiles.
Alliant Techsystems, a producer of rocket motors, is an integral member of the SM-3 team. Alliant supplies the Solid Divert and Attitude Control System (SDACS) to Raytheon Company (RTN), 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.
Alliant produces the SDACS for the SM-3 program at its facility in Elkton, Maryland. Over the years, the company has produced more than 150 SDACS. Alliant also manufactures the Third Stage Rocket Motor (TSRM) for the SM-3 Block IA and IB missile.
Following the success of this challenging test, Alliant looks forward to continue working for the SM-3 program, hoping to see its years of design, development, and production expertise come to play.
Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Alliant Techsystems supplies aerospace and defense products to U.S. government agencies, and its prime contractors and sub-contractors. The company also supplies ammunition and related accessories to law enforcement agencies and commercial customers.
We retain our long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock, supported by a short-term Zacks #3 Rank (Hold).
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