Posted by Courtney E. Howard
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., 21 Feb. 2011. ATK won a contract from the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) of the Kingdom of Jordan to modify two of the country's CASA-235 transport aircraft into capable and cost-effective special mission aircraft, according to the combined modification designs of both KADDB and ATK. Subject to U.S. government export licensing approval, the modified aircraft are expected to be delivered by late spring 2013. Terms of the contract were not announced.
ATK's special mission aircraft offerings integrate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, fire control equipment, and a LW30mm link-fed gun system. These capabilities are controlled by ATK's STAR Mission System, which provides both day and night reconnaissance and fire control capabilities, as well as the ability to acquire, monitor, and track items of interest. The CASA-235 gunship provides customers an enhanced capability to conduct responsive defense, counterinsurgency, and border surveillance and security missions.
For the KADDB on behalf of the Jordan Armed Forces, ATK engineers will install and integrate electro-optical targeting systems, a laser designator, aircraft self-protection equipment, and an armaments capability that includes Hellfire laser-guided missiles, 2.75-inch rockets, and a M230 link-fed 30mm chain gun. ATK's scope of work includes development, systems integration, aircraft modification, and testing. Work will be performed in Jordan and at ATK facilities in Fort Worth, Texas; Mesa, Ariz.; and Pelham, Ala.
"Weaponized aircraft is an emerging international opportunity specifically tailored for ATK's unique capabilities," says Mike Kahn, president of ATK Missile Products Group. "Our expertise in mission systems architecture and design, and aircraft integration and certification of complex subsystems positions us well for growth in this area."
"Since its inception, KADDB has established itself as the preferred global partner in the Middle East for the defence industry, initially in land systems, and most recently in aircraft modification. KADDB is well situated and experienced with all the required technical knowledge and infrastructure to move into this field," says "Shadi Ramzi" Majali, KADDB chairman and CEO. "We are proud to embark with our well recognized and esteemed partner ATK to modify aircraft for the Jordan Armed Forces and the MENA region, and look forward to establishing this capability in Jordan."
