Orbital ATK producing alternative rocket warhead

DULLES, Va., Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Orbital ATK is to produce a new alternative warhead for the U.S. Army's Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, it announced Wednesday.

The contract, which marks the initial phase of production of the warhead, was issued by Lockheed Martin and is worth $14 million.

The warhead uses the company's Lethality Enhanced Ordnance technology. Rockets of the GLMRS system with the new warhead achieved the Army's stated requirements for area effects in testing, but left behind no unexploded ordnance, the company said.

"This type of warhead represents a significant capability for the Army," said Pat Nolan, vice president and general manager for Orbital ATK's Missile Products Division, Defense Systems Group. "We are very excited to be part of the Lockheed Martin GMLRS program fielding this technology and its many applications within the military."

The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System is mounted on a truck. Rockets fired have a range of about 43.5 miles.

Orbital ATK's LEO technology has been successfully tested on warheads ranging in size from 0.5 to 250 pounds. These warheads include the Small Organic Precision Munition, M1061 mortar round, 155mm unitary cannon cluster munition replacement and the Small Diameter Bomb.

Full contract details were not disclosed.