Alliant Techsystems (ATK) received a $50 million follow-on contract modification for production of the Mortar Guidance Kit (MGK) under the U.S. Army's Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) program.  The contract is in response to an Army urgent Operational Needs Statement (ONS) and will mean more precision mortars going to U.S. forces in Afghanistan.  ATK was previously awarded a contract in June 2010 to field an initial quantity of rounds under the Army's ONS.

Combining GPS guidance and directional control surfaces into a package that replaces standard fuzes, the MGK transforms existing 120mm mortar bodies into precision guided munitions. This puts organic, precision engagement capability into the hands of local battlefield commanders.  The design is based on ATK's Precision Guidance Kit technology for artillery.

"Delivering affordable precision is a core capability of our business," said Bruce DeWitt, ATK Advanced Weapons Vice President and General Manager.  "Using our expertise in guidance, fuzing, and gun-hardened electronics, we have proven that the timeline and cost of producing a precision weapon can be greatly reduced.  In under a year, we have proven a reliable design, initiated production and fielded a precision weapon.  This is truly unprecedented in our industry."

ATK also received a $49 million contract from the U.S. Navy to produce a new special operations ammunition round with improved accuracy, stronger barrier penetration, and a lower muzzle-flash.

ATK Security and Sporting developed the round in partnership with the Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division under the Special Operations Science and Technology (SOST) ammunition program.

The SOST ammunition will be manufactured in 5.56 x 45 mm and 7.62 x 51mm calibers, and is short-barrel optimized. It is designed for use with the MK16 and MK17 Special Operations Combat Assault Rifle Weapon System. Production will be performed at ATK's Federal Premium Ammunition plant in Anoka, Minnesota. Deliveries are expected to be completed in 2015.

"ATK is the clear leader in developing new ammunition technologies for commercial use," said Ron Johnson, President of ATK's Security and Sporting group. "We are now applying our research and development capability to satisfy the needs of our special operation forces."

The new SOST 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition adds to ATK's portfolio of specialized ammunition, including long-range products for both law enforcement and military applications.