ATK, BAE team to develop JATAS prototype

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Alliant Techsystems has partnered with BAE Systems under a contract to develop a new missile warning technology for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Minneapolis-based ATK and BAE have been selected by the Navy and Marines as part of a joint development contract to work on the Joint Allied Threat Awareness System for tilt-wing aircraft and helicopter applications.

Under the $32.2 million contract deal, the ATK-BAE industry team will develop a prototype for the JATAS, or next-generation missile warning system capable of protecting air crews from shoulder-launched missiles and other enemy threats, ahead of a technology demonstration phase.

"ATK and BAE Systems have developed and fielded combat-proven systems which have saved dozens of aircraft and their crews from hostile fire," Bill Kasting, ATK Integrated Systems division vice president and general manager, said in a statement.

"Our JATAS team brings together the best capabilities of our industry to develop an affordable, innovative and more capable system that aircrews can trust with their lives when flying in harm's way."