ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Sensors that enable precision in-air detonation of warheads above their targets are being produced for the U.S. Air Force by ATK under a $22.8 million contract.
Deliveries of the DSU-33D/B proximity sensors will begin in 2015.
The contract is an initial order, ATK said, and issued by the U.S. Army's Contracting Center at Rock Island, Ill. The contract contains four option periods which, if exercised, would add as much as $84 million to the overall value.
"The DSU-33 sensor is a force multiplier for U.S. air power, helping make our nation's weaponry more effective," said Cary Ralston, vice president and general manager of ATK's Missile Products division. "We look forward to partnering with our Army and Air Force customers to deliver the highest quality product, and provide this essential capability to the U.S. Armed Forces."
The DSU-33D/B proximity sensor is an all-weather, radio-frequency, ranging radar that senses the height of the weapon above the target area. It is used in conjunction with FMU-139 and FMU-152 fuses to detonate the weapon at a fixed height above surface targets.
ATK said the sensors will be produced in West Virginia at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory facility, which is owned by the U.S. Navy but operated by ATK.
