Orbital ATK Puts Aircraft Protection System to Live-Fire Test; Mike Kahn Comments

Orbital ATK has demonstrated an airborne technology designed to guide kill vehicles to protect helicopters from incoming rocket-propelled grenades.

During live-fire testing, the Helicopter Active Protection System kill vehicle launched from an ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser, performed off-axis aerial maneuvers and headed to a simulated detonation point, Orbital ATK said Tuesday.

The test also sought to validate the HAPS platform’s launch cartridge, thrusters, control algorithms and wireless command guidance link.

“Our aircraft protection systems demonstrate a commitment to protecting the warfighter,” said Mike Kahn, president of Orbital ATK’s defense systems group and an inductee into Executive Mosaic‘s Wash100 list for 2015.

“We took an innovative approach to meet operational needs that can make a real difference in the level of safety for helicopters and their crews,” Kahn added.

The HAPS evaluation took place in Socorro, New Mexico, and was backed by the U.S. Defense Department‘s rapid reaction technology office.

Orbital ATK designed the system with an engagement management module and to also counter man-portable air defense systems.