ATK to develop alternative GMLRS warhead

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has contracted Alliant Techsystems to develop a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System alternative warhead for evaluation.

U.S. company ATK was selected by the Army Aviation and Missile Command for a 17-month Integration and Demonstration contract. Under the $4 million award, ATK will develop a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System alternative warhead that will be tested at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

ATK says the alternative warhead development is part of an Army initiative to have a "drop-in replacement" for the current GMLRS Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions, a news release said.

"ATK's GMLRS alternative warhead design is a prime example of our ability to develop innovative and advanced technical approaches to deliver safer, more effective and affordable products for our warfighters," Bart Olson, ATK Tactical Propulsion and Controls division vice president and general manager, said in a statement.