Aerospace Systems

Leveraging core competencies for growth in launch vehicle and solid propulsion systems, composite structures, and munitions propellants.

Launch Vehicle and Solid Propulsion Systems

Our strategy: Build on our world leadership position in low-cost, high-quality solid propulsion systems to expand our role as a systems integrator.

Several technologies and processes employed in the Alliant family of rocket motors were first developed for strategic propulsion systems, including Minuteman, Peacekeeper, Polaris, Poseidon, Trident I and Trident II.

These technologies and processes -- updated, automated, and tightly controlled for safety, repeatability, and low cost -- are essential as we continue to expand in the space launch market. This high-quality, repeatable performance was a key factor in a $325 million contact (plus options) awarded by McDonnell Douglas to continue production of Delta II GEMs and to begin development of larger GEMs for the new Delta III vehicle.

The selection of our team for the first phase of the EELV program illustrates our strategy to offer a total systems capability to our customers by capitalizing on our core technologies and teaming with the best companies in the industry.

In addition to the world's most modern large solid rocket motor plant in Utah, Alliant operates the country's most advanced tactical rocket motor facility in West Virginia. Contracts to produce Hellfire missile motors and develop the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile motor reflect the confidence our customers have in our tactical facilities and people.

Above: Left, Mike Kennedy, Director/General Manager of McDonnell Douglas' Delta III Launch Vehicle Division, and Travis Campbell, Aerospace Systems Delta Program Director, with the first composite motor case for the new Delta III space launch vehicle. Aerospace Systems was awarded a $325 million contract to continue production of Delta II propulsion systems and to begin production of the Delta III system. The quality and high repeatability of our motors have contributed to 33 consecutive successful Delta II launches. We will apply our team commitment to process control and affordability improvements to the larger Delta III graphite epoxy motor.

"The McDonnell Douglas/Alliant team has worked through many difficult technical issues. They have done this in a highly professional team approach. They have set the standard for the rest of the program in working together as a team and meeting a very aggressive schedule."

Mike Kennedy

Director/General Manager, Delta III Launch Vehicle Division

McDonnell Douglas Corporation

 

Aerospace Systems' design, analysis, and manufacturing talent have made us a world leader in solid rocket propulsion systems. Our Consolidated Joint Venture manufactures all three stages of the Trident II (D5) strategic missile.
We participate on space launch vehicles ranging from small- to heavy-lift payload classes: Pegasus, Taurus, Delta II, Delta III, and Titan IV. Our leadership in solid rocket propulsion, together with the capabilities of an outstanding industry team, have positioned us to compete for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program.

EELV - Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle
MLV - Medium-Lift Vehicle
HLV - Heavy-Lift Vehicle
SRMU - Solid Rocket Motor Upgrade
GEM - Graphite Epoxy Motor
LDXL - Large Diameter Extra Length

Composite Structures

Our strategy: Leverage our state-of-the-art composite structures manufacturing capabilities to expand into new markets.

Aerospace Systems' world-class composite structures production facilities in Utah and West Virginia position us well for leadership in this growing market. From our current business base, we are pursuing new opportunities, including cryogenic tanks for NASA's X-33 reusable launch vehicle, advanced satellite structures, aircraft engine components, and launch tubes for small tactical weapons. Precision structures for space include optical benches, one of which was used to restore stability to the Hubble space telescope.

In fiscal year 1996, we were awarded the Preferred Supplier Silver Award from McDonnell Douglas Corporation in recognition of our composite work on the F/A-18 E/F fighter aircraft. We also received a contract from Lockheed Martin to develop and produce composite pivot shafts for the F-22, the U.S. Air Force's next-generation fighter aircraft.

Mike Lindsay, left, and Bob Jones of Aerospace Systems' Composite Manufacturing Products at our composite manufacturing facility in Rocket Center, West Virginia, where we produce components for aerospace and defense applications, including launch tubes for the Javelin antitank weapon pictured here.

Munitions Propellants

Our strategy: Capitalize on our leadership position as a low-cost, high-quality supplier to grow our government and commercial munitions propellant business.

During fiscal year 1996, we began a consolidation of our propellant manufacturing operations, which included the relocation of our commercial business from New Jersey to Virginia, where we produce military propellants. The move will enable us to manufacture commercial gunpowders at lower costs with greater efficiency.

Opportunities in the military propellant market include the Modular Artillery Charge System, a 155mm artillery unitary charge which will simplify range selection. In our commercial business, we are introducing new products to meet the changing needs of today's sport shooters. During fiscal year 1996, we added American Select™, a clean-burning shotgun powder, to our popular family of premium smokeless reloading powders.

In fiscal year 1997, our infrared decoy flare business in Toone, Tennessee, was transferred from Defense Systems to Aerospace Systems.

John Schrader, Marketing Director for Alliant Powders, promotes our family of premium smokeless reloading powders at major regional and national sport shooting events.