ATK Test Demonstrates Pulse-Capable Solid Divert and Attitude Control System Design

The SM-3 (pictured) is a part of the Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system to counter ballistic missile threats in outer space. The Kinetic Warhead ejects from the SM-3 shortly prior to intercept, tracking the target with its infrared seeker and then homing to a kinetic hit-to-kill intercept.

Minneapolis MN (SPX) Jan 04, 2005
ATK and Honeywell successfully completed a hot-fire test of a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Solid Divert and Attitude Control System (SDACS) incorporating design features to improve performance and reliability. The hot fire test, conducted on November 30 at ATK facilities in Elkton, Md., marked a major milestone in the evolutionary enhancement of this proven system design. This SDACS technology is used to control the yaw, pitch, and roll of the Mk 142 Kinetic Warhead (KW) used in the SM-3.

The SDACS test performed a simulated mission that included multi-pulse operations designed to maintain the kill vehicle's energy and lethality during in-flight maneuvers. All test objectives were met.

The SM-3 is a part of the Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system to counter ballistic missile threats in outer space. The KW ejects from the SM-3 shortly prior to intercept, tracking the target with its infrared seeker and then homing to a kinetic hit-to-kill intercept.

The Aegis BMD flight test program has successfully intercepted four Aries target vehicles using an earlier SDACS configuration. The ground test demonstrated increased SDACS performance and durability through incorporation of design enhancements. These features are planned to be part of a flight demonstration after completion of design verification and qualification tests scheduled in 2005.

Bart Olson, Vice President and General Manager, ATK Elkton, said, "The demonstrated technology present in this test promises to push the Aegis BMD System into the next generation of capability. This evolutionary enhancement builds upon flight proven design and processes." The SDACS test confirms ATK's leadership position in advanced missile defense technologies.

Adriane Brown, Vice President & General Manager, Honeywell Engines, Systems and Accessories said, "Honeywell recognizes the importance of this test to the Aegis BMD SM-3 Program, the Missile Defense Agency, and the U.S. Navy. We are proud to play a key role in the advancement of the capabilities of Aegis BMD in defending our national interests." Honeywell designed and fabricated the valves used in the SDACS for ATK, the SDACS design agent.

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