ATK and Elbit Systems Conduct Successful Flight Test of GATR

Released on Monday, October 06, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) and Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) announced today that they have successfully conducted flight tests of the Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Targets were engaged at ranges up to six kilometers when the GATR semi-active laser seeker guided the rockets to within one-meter accuracy, resulting in "direct hits." All rockets were fired from an M261 launcher.

The rocket benefits from a robust design, which combines combat-proven performance, a minimum smoke signature, and the reliability of an ATK-produced propulsion system, similar to a system employed on millions of rockets produced for the United States Army. GATR contains a guidance and control system built with the experience of Elbit's heritage in high-performance laser seekers for the United States and international customers. It employs advanced acquisition, tracking, and guidance algorithms to achieve one-meter accuracy against stationary and moving targets. In its tactical configuration, GATR will incorporate an Insensitive Munitions (IM) rocket motor and a family of IM warheads to include blast/fragmentation and penetration. GATR will be a low-cost, precision strike weapon that minimizes collateral damage, while providing stand-off deployment against a wide array of target sets.

GATR supports lock-on before or after launch as well as autonomous or remote laser designation. The system can be deployed against targets at ranges of 1.5 to 8+ kilometers from fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles. It is compatible with existing 2.75"/70mm launcher hardware. GATR will be particularly effective in urban areas or against targets where a low collateral damage warhead is required. The GATR system is designed as a complementary weapon to fill the gap between larger, more expensive guided missiles and the current family of unguided rockets.