PGMM Scores Three Hits in Guided Flight Development Tests

Released on Monday, April 30, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS, April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) went three-for-three in a series of guided flight tests of its Precision Guided Mortar Munition (PGMM). The flight tests were conducted at the Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma Arizona on March 20-21. Each of the projectiles flew approximately 2.5 miles to the target, demonstrating in-flight maneuverability, repeatability and precision strike capability.

"The guided flight tests prove that ATK's Precision Guided Mortar Munition will be an extremely effective and reliable precision munition our soldiers can count on," said Dave Rathe, PGMM Program Director. "It will be particularly effective in urban combat and will significantly reduce the possibility of collateral damage."

In December 2004, ATK received the initial $80 million System Design and Development (SDD) contract to give the U.S. Army an unmatched precision advantage in 120mm mortars. Since commencing work under the SDD contract, ATK has achieved a number of key milestones, including a successful preliminary design review, guided flight tests and a successful critical design review. ATK remains confident that it will meet all technical, cost and schedule requirements of the SDD contract, assuming all of the initial funding is provided to the company.

"The precision and affordability of ATK's PGMM gives our warfighters the ability to place indirect fire on enemy targets quickly and independently of whether there is artillery support in the combat area or not," said Rathe. "There is a clear need for this ammunition and it is our hope that it will be fielded as rapidly as possible to support the urgent requirements of our nation's warfighters."