Aerospace Systems
Business Overview

Leading designer, developer, and manufacturer of space and strategic propulsion systems, spacecraft and aircraft structures, munitions propellants, and tactical missile propulsion systems and warheads for the U.S. Department of Defense, allied nations, and commercial customers. Operations in Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. Approximately 4,000 employees. Fiscal year 1996 sales: $553 million.

  Group Vice President:
Peter A. Bukowick

 

Competencies
  • Low-cost producer of rocket motors
  • Systems integration
  • Integrated product teams
  • Safe manufacture of high-energy propellants
  • Low-cost launch systems
  • Quality and process control systems
  • Propellants and hardware for insensitive munitions
  • Design/production of composite structures
  End Users

 

 

Major Programs
  • SFW Rocket Motor
  • Titan IV SRMU strap-on boosters and launch support services
  • Delta II and Delta III GEM strap-on boosters
  • Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV)
  • Trident II solid propulsion system
  • Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), TOW II, AGM-130, Sparrow, Hellfire rocket motors
  • MK90 propellant for Hydra 70
  • Propellants for tank and medium caliber ammunition
  • Reloader and OEM gunpowders
  • Composite structures for spacecraft and aircraft
  • Infrared decoy flares
Significant Events
May 1995 Alliant-Thiokol joint venture selected to produce propulsion systems for Trident II (D-5) intercontinental ballistic missile under $155 million contract.
June 1995 Awarded $325 million contract to produce solid rocket propulsion systems for Delta II and Delta III space launch vehicles.
July 1995 Selected to develop the rocket motor for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile under a $12 million engineering and manufacturing development contract.
August 1995 New River Energetics subsidiary formed to produce commercial gunpowder at lower costs and greater efficiency by consolidating operations at Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, Virginia.
August 1995 Industry team led by Aerospace Systems awarded $30 million contract for the first development phase of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle.
October 1995 Selected to produce rocket motors for the Hellfire tactical missile with total value of deliveries expected to be approximately $25 million.
January 1996 Awarded $13.1 million contract to produce composite pivot shafts for the F-22 aircraft, the Air Force's next-generation fighter.
March 1996 Awarded $98 million follow-on contract to provide operations and technical launch support services for the Titan IV B