Orbital ATK secures patent for helicopter protection system

DULLES, Va., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Orbital ATK a patent for its Helicopter Active Protection System, which protects helicopters from airborne threats.

The patent is the company's first for a protection system for an aerial platform. The system, known as HAPS, combats aerial threats by deploying a kill vehicle. Cary Ralston, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK's Defense Electronic Systems division of the Defense Systems Group, says the system was developed with a focus on protecting military helicopters and their crews.

"Orbital ATK is dedicated to maturing the development of this first-of-a-kind active protection system for helicopters and to put it into the hands of our armed forces," Ralston said in a statement. "Using advanced technologies to help protect our armed forces is a key focus for our company and our innovative design will fill a critical gap in technology, addressing a real problem."

HAPS is designed to assist helicopter pilots and crews with avoiding threats posed by rocket-propelled grenades. Helicopters are particularly vulnerable to RPG attacks due to their low-altitude hover position, according to Orbital ATK.

Once equipped, HAPS defends the helicopter by identifying incoming threats, launching and guiding a kill vehicle, and detonating a warhead to render the RPG ineffective.