Orbital ATK, a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies marked a significant milestone with the Iraqi Air Force this year celebrating ten years of continuous service.
Orbital ATK began its relationship with the Iraqi Air Force in 2007 and soon after delivered its first missionized Cessna 208 aircraft.
“Orbital ATK is honored to have had the opportunity to partner and collaborate with the Iraqi Air Force for the last ten years. The success of our relationship is a result of the dedicated professionals both within Orbital ATK and the Iraqi Air Force. The camaraderie and mutual respect have been vital and we look forward to continuing our partnership,” said Cary Ralston, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Defense Electronic Systems Division of the Defense Systems Group.
Over the years, Orbital ATK has converted the Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, a popular single engine turboprop, into three variants for the Iraqis. They have received three armed aircraft (AC-208B), three intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft (RC-208B), and five trainer aircraft (TC-208B). Additionally, Orbital ATK has continuously provided in-country maintenance, logistics support and student training on the maintenance of these missionized Caravans.
Orbital ATK’s certified and battle-proven AC-208B Armed Caravan configuration is an affordable, highly-reliable solution that requires minimal personnel and facilities to operate and maintain. Operational readiness since initial fielding continues to be outstanding.
The AC-208 Eliminator is the newest addition to Orbital ATK’s Special Mission aircraft product portfolio, which provides affordable, innovative, battle-proven, responsive and advanced capabilities to customer-preferred platforms. The company’s expertise includes outfitting various aircraft – including the Cessna 208B Caravan, Alenia C-27J Spartan, CASA CN-235/295, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Bombardier Dash-8, Hawker Beechcraft King Air, Sikorsky H-60 Blackhawk, AgustaWestland AW139 and others - with integrated ISR and attack capabilities, as well as providing contractor logistics support services.
Orbital ATK’s extensive expertise in weaponization, mission systems architecture, as well as aircraft integration and certification of complex subsystems, enables rapid fielding of these capabilities.
Orbital ATK’s Defense Systems Group is an industry leader in providing innovative and affordable precision and strike weapons, advanced propulsion and hypersonics, missile components across air-, sea- and land-based systems, ammunition and related energetic products.
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies. The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures.
Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 13,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in several international locations.
