ATK and KEI Missile Defense Team Successfully Test Fire First-Stage Rocket Motor
Test Brings KEI Development Closer to Booster Flight in 2008Alliant Techsystems completed a successful test firing earlier today of a first-stage Rocket motor for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI), bringing the program closer to a high-tech defense system that will protect the USA, deployed troops and allied forces. This is the third in a series of static motor firings leading up to the program's first booster flight in 2008. Northrop Grumman is leading the industry team charged with developing and testing a KEI capability under contract to MDA. Raytheon Company is responsible for developing and integrating the KEI system's interceptor. The initial test results for the ignition and burn time matched expectations for motor performance and integrity. 'Having three highly successful test firings solidifies that we have a robust design leading to booster flight in 2008 and eventually providing our nation with the most advance missile defense capability.' said Bill Condas, Vice President, Strategic & Commercial Systems, ATK Launch Systems Group. 'Our team's commitment to this technology and mission assurance will ensure success as we move forward through each milestone.' The KEI is deployable anywhere in the world using U.S. military aircraft. Initially a land-based defensive capability, KEI is being designed for easy transition to sea-based platforms. KEI's spectrum of capabilities matches a key objective of missile defense: to engage early and often in defense of the United States and its allies. ATK is the largest propulsion subcontractor on the KEI program. As a member of the Raytheon interceptor team, ATK will produce all stages of propulsion for the integrated flight vehicle. The KEI canister launch eject gas generators will be produced by ATK in Rocket Center, W.Va. |
