Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

ATK announces US Navy contract award

1st November 2011 - 16:24 GMT | by Shephard News Team

RSS

ATK has announced that it has been awarded a $54.4-million contract by the US Navy for a third lot of low-rate initial production (LRIP) Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM).

The contract, announced 31 October 2011, authorizes production of AARGM missiles and associated support equipment for the US Navy and Italian Air Force.

According to ATK, the AARGM supersonic, air-launched tactical missile carried on the FA-18, EA-18G and Tornado ECR aircraft, is currently in the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) phase and has undergone more than 300 hours of missile flight testing with the Navy in the last twelve months, including over 200 hours and multiple live fires in the IOT&E phase. Upon IOT&E phase completion in early 2012, the missile will achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the FA-18C/D Hornet aircraft.

AARGM is also being integrated into the Navy's EA-18G Growler electronic warfare and FA-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft, as well as the Italian Air Force Tornado ECR electronic combat and reconnaissance aircraft. As a contributing sensor with advanced lethal defense suppression capability, ‘AARGM is expected to greatly enhance the electronic warfare capabilities for the Growler and the Tornado ECR aircraft’, an ATK company statement said.

ATK commenced low rate production for AARGM in 2008 and was awarded a second LRIP contract in 2010. This third LRIP contract award will bring the total number of production missiles for the US Navy and Italian Air Force to 115.