New generation of weapons Oct 7, 2008
Alliant Techsystems, which for decades has made the venerable Bushmaster cannons onboard Apache Longbow helicopters, is expanding its product line. The company, which bought the Mesa business from Boeing in 2002, has won a $53 million contract to manufacture crew-operated machine guns for the U.S. Army. (AZCentral -- Business)
Alliant Techsystems Inc. wins $53M contract Oct 4, 2008
Alliant Techsystems Inc. in Mesa has won a $53 million contract to manufacture MK19 40 mm machine guns for the U.S. Army. The company has produced Bushmaster chain guns at the Mesa facility for decades and the new contract represents a significant opportunity to expand its product line. (AZCentral -- Business)
CEI scores $43M Navy pact Sep 8, 2008
Rendering courtesy of composite engineering Inc. The company will share a contract with Alliant Techsystems Inc. to build imitation ship-destroying missiles. Related News. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GeoEye-1 Commercial Satellite Sep 7, 2008
"We are excited to be part of the team that built and launched this advanced satellite technology, which will ultimately provide the highest-resolution view of our home planet ever available to scientists, businesses, the US government, and private citizens." The ULA Delta II 7420-10 configuration vehicle featured a first stage booster powered by a Pratt ey Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and four Alliant Techsystems (ATK) strap-on solid rocket motors. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the... (PR Newswire)
Spiggle and ATK receive awards at MineralCounty UnitedWay banquet Aug 29, 2008
ABL (Alliant Techsystems) is the largest defense contractor in West Virginia and the largest employer in Mineral County, currently employing over 1,300 employees, primarily from WV, MD and PA. Management is an advocate of community involvement encouraging the staff to participate and to give of their time and resources. Its employees serve on and support many organizations, such as Mineral and Allegany County, Chambers of Commerce, The Greater Cumberland Committee, WV Manufacturers Association,... (Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV)
See video of NASA destroying rocket after failed launch Aug 26, 2008
The Alliant Techsystems (ATK) launch vehicle was carrying some small hypersonic research payloads for the space agency. We've collected several of the video angles of the launch and subsequent failure and included them in this post. (Florida Today)
NASA: NASA and ATK Investigate Failed Launch Of Hypersonic Experiments Aug 25, 2008
-- An Alliant Techsystems suborbital rocket carrying two NASA hypersonic experiments was destroyed by range safety officials shortly after liftoff from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia Friday ... Alliant Techsystems, also known as ATK, of Salt Lake City, is conducting the investigation of the rocket malfunction. (USA Today -- Tech)
NASA warns about debris from rocket Aug 24, 2008
Officials said the rocket -- a prototype made by Alliant Techsystems Inc., or ATK -- was destroyed by remote control 27 seconds into the predawn flight. It was between 11,000 and 12,000 feet high when it exploded. (CNN -- Tech)
Alliant Techsystems rocket fails, blown up by NASA Aug 23, 2008
NASA is assembling a multidiscipline team, along with the rocket s maker, Alliant Techsystems ; to begin the investigation promptly. Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) is based in Edina. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Voss Scientific inks partnership Aug 22, 2008
Alliant Techsystems owns the intellectual property, but Voss maintains the software and provides all consulting and support for customers. The software has many applications, including an Air Force project now under way to improve communications with hypersonic vehicles. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
NASA drops plan to fly new spaceships by 2013 Aug 13, 2008
Prime contractors include Lockheed Martin Corp, which is developing the Orion spacecraft; and Alliant Techsystems' ATK Launch Systems; The Boeing Co; and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp company, which are working on new rockets. Also involved are Oceaneering International, which is developing new spacesuits, and SGT Inc, which is providing support services. (MSNBC -- Politics)
ATK Q1 rises 10%; outlook also grows Aug 8, 2008
Edina-based Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) reported income of $57. 9 million, or $1. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
ATK wins $16.4M Navy air missile contract Jul 22, 2008
Under terms of the contract, Edina-based Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) will provide the U.S. Navy s Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Md. with follow-on work for an electronic warfare system, called the AAR-47 A(V)2. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Hands off? Not when our national interest is at stake Jul 21, 2008
At least the current federal government has preserved our boasting rights in the Canadarm by rejecting the attempt by U.S.-owned Alliant Techsystems to swallow up the space division of MacDonald Dettwiler. But this was the first rejection of a commercial foreign acquisition attempt since the introduction of the Investment Canada Act (ICA) in 1985 - the other 16,000-odd takeovers having been routinely approved. (Globe and Mail)
Alliant Tech Says Major Acquisitions Not Attractive Jul 19, 2008
FARNBOROUGH (Reuters) - U.S. rocket maker Alliant Techsystems aims to expand in space systems, advanced weapons and electronics but is shunning big acquisitions after its bid for a Canadian defense business failed. Chairman and Chief Executive Daniel Murphy said he was disappointed by Canada's decision in April to block the purchase, but ruled out a major alternative deal amid what he saw as bloated valuations sought by rival defense companies. (ABC News -- Wire)
ATK and RUAG Aerospace Sign Teaming Agreement to Provide Upgrades for AIM-9P Sidewinder Missiles Jul 15, 2008
Upgraded Missiles Offer Affordable Alternative to New Air-to-Air Missiles MINNEAPOLIS and EMMEN, Switzerland, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ) and RUAG Aerospace of Emmen, Switzerland have signed a teaming agreement to provide full-service and upgrade support of the AIM-9P-3/4/5 Sidewinder family of infrared air-to-air missiles. The agreement will provide the international user community with a primary point of contact for upgrading and extending the service life of... (PR Newswire)
ATK Advances Composite Technology for Next Generation Commercial Aircraft Jul 14, 2008
ATK Provides Low-Cost Composite Technology for Commercial Aerospace ATK Automates Composite Stiffener Forming to Meet Demands of Next Generation Aircraft MINNEAPOLIS, July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ) announced the development of a patented automated stiffener forming machine (ASFM) that provides automation technology for the manufacture of composite stiffeners. A technology built for the construction of next generation commercial aircraft, ATK's patented ASFM... (PR Newswire)
ATK wins $250M Air Force contract Jul 4, 2008
Under terms of the seven-year contract, Edina-based Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) will provide suborbital, solid-fuel rockets, as well as related engineering and integration services. Rockets made by the weapons and aerospace company will be used by Department of Defense and NASA.. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Canada Should Loosen Ownership Rules, Scrap Bank Mergers Ban, Panel Says Jun 27, 2008
In April, the government rejected Alliant Techsystems Inc.'s C$1. 33 billion bid for MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.'s satellite business, the first time Canada blocked a foreign takeover since at least 1985. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
ATK Receives $97 Million in Tank Ammunition Orders Jun 16, 2008
With Options, Production Value Could Exceed $300 Million ATK to Provide U.S. Army with 120mm Tactical and Training Rounds, and 105mm Stryker Training Rounds ATK Produces Complete Family of Tactical and Training Rounds for Main Battle Tanks MINNEAPOLIS, June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ) announced today that it has received $97 million in follow-on production and new contracts for tactical and training tank ammunition from the U.S. Army ... SOURCE Alliant Techsystems. (PR Newswire)
Union: Canada's space program needs boost Jun 6, 2008
3-billion offer by Alliant Techsystems, a U.S. company, for the space division of MacDonald Dettwiler. CAW Director of Aerospace Dawn Cartwright told Newsnet that space industry projects help the overall economy and a variety of other industries. (CTV.ca)
CAW calls for $1.5B in funding for space industry Jun 5, 2008
It also wants the federal government to commit to funding for the Radarsat Constellation mission a series of three satellites based on the Radarsat 2 satellite that was at the centre of the blocked sale of MDA units to U.S. arms maker Alliant Techsystems Inc.. The federal government has already acted to address its perceived lack of direction in the space industry this year, announcing a call for applications to join the astronaut corps and the creation of a four-person advisory committee to... (CBC.ca)
Alliant Techsystems Inc. Jun 4, 2008
Alliant Techsystems employs about 15,000 people in 21 states. Latest News. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
ATK Ultraflex Solar Arrays Deploy and Provide Critical Power to the Mars Phoenix Lander May 27, 2008
ATK Solar Arrays, Thermal Technology, Diaphragm Tank and CoilABLE Boom Assist the Mars Phoenix Mission MINNEAPOLIS, May 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ) announces that the Ultraflex Solar Arrays deployed and now provide power to the Mars Phoenix Lander. This is the first flight for this unique solar array technology developed by ATK's Goleta, California facility. (PR Newswire)
ATK wins $89M contract May 22, 2008
Edina-based defense products maker Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) said under terms of the contract, it was given $72 million to provide the government with small-caliber ammunition. The company said that work on the contract will be performed at its facilities in Lake City and Independence, Mo. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Surgical robot developed with MDA research May 20, 2008
Revenues in the company's information systems division - the division MDA had planned to sell to Alliant Techsystems Inc. for $1. 3 billion before the deal was ultimately rejected by the federal government - were $96 million, the same amount brought in during the first quarter of 2007. (Vancouver Sun)
UPDATE 1-MDA posts higher profit despite stronger C$ May 13, 2008
33 billion sale of MDA's satellite technology business to U.S. rocket-maker Alliant Techsystems Inc (ATK.N: , , ). Canada had first halted the deal a month ago -- in part because it feared it might lose control over top-secret satellite images -- but gave Alliant a month to appeal. (Reuters)
To The Point May 11, 2008
Alliant Techsystems' () purchase was formally axed by the gov't Fri. one-month after it raised its objections. (Investors Business Daily)
Prentice defends decision to kill takeover May 10, 2008
Alliant Techsystems Inc.'s planned $1. 3-billion purchase of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. was unique because MDA owns the Radarsat-2 satellite, developed with the help of taxpayers' money and used by the Canadian government to monitor the North. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Canada blocks sale of space tech firm May 10, 2008
3 billion takeover bid last month for Vancouver-based MDA's space division by Alliant Techsystems Inc., a U.S.-based munitions and rocket component maker. Alliant Techsystems had 30 days to appeal the decision and the deadline passed Thursday ... Alliant Techsystems said in a statement on its web site that it was disappointed that Prentice disapproved of the sale. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Ottawa reaffirms decision to block MDA deal May 9, 2008
3-billion takeover bid for the Information Systems Business of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. by Alliant Techsystems Inc. of Minnesota last month ... Alliant Techsystems had 30 days to appeal the decision and the deadline passed Thursday. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Alliant Tech profit rises on arms, rocket sales May 8, 2008
NEW YORK Alliant Techsystems Inc. said Thursday quarterly profit rose 19 per cent, helped by strong sales of its artillery and rocket engines. The company, which is the largest maker of bullets and small ammunition for the U.S. armed forces and also makes rocket motors for NASA, reported a profit of $64. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Alliant prepared to hear ‘No' from Industry Canada May 8, 2008
VANCOUVER Alliant Techsystems Inc. has received absolutely no indication of a change in the Canadian government's position since federal Industry Minister rejected Alliant's proposed $1. 3-billion takeover of the space division of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. last month, Alliant chief executive officer Daniel Murphy said Thursday on a conference call. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Time to fix the Canadian space program May 5, 2008
So MDA made a deal to sell its space business to U.S.-based Alliant TechSystems Inc.. I am not active in MDA any more and have not been since 1998, but I watched with interest as the drama unfolded. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
MDA deal on life support May 3, 2008
Would-be purchaser Alliant Techsystems Inc., a Minneapolis-based space and weapons company, has said MDA's satellite and robotic capability are important factors in the deal. Alliant remains involved in discussions with Ottawa, a spokesman said yesterday. (Globe and Mail)
ATK Conducts Successful Test Firing of Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor May 2, 2008
Data Collected to Aid Both Shuttle and Ares I Programs Oldest Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor Ever Fired MINNEAPOLIS, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Utah desert was filled with the sight and sound of power today as Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ) conducted a successful test firing of NASA's space shuttle reusable solid rocket motor (RSRM) as part of continuous testing to improve performance and ensure safety of the space shuttle and to aid development of the first stage of Ares I. An... (PR Newswire)
Canada rejects space technology sale to US Apr 21, 2008
Industry Minister Jim Prentice said in a statement that Ottawa cannot agree with selling the space technology division of Vancouver-based MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) to U.S. rocket-maker Alliant Techsystems Inc. The proposed deal involves 1. 325 billion U.S. dollars. (Macedonia)
Smart politics, bad business Apr 20, 2008
3-billion sale of the space business of MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates of Richmond, B.C. to Minnesota-based Alliant Techsystems of Minnesota. The Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a smart political decision to block the sale, which polls revealed was opposed by a majority of the population. (Vancouver Sun)
Canada in space Apr 19, 2008
MDA tried to sell its space division to Alliant Techsystems of Minnesota for $1. 3-billion, but this month Ottawa rejected the deal which ignited national security concerns saying it did not meet Investment Canada Act requirements. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Canada blocks American space takeover Apr 17, 2008
3 billion to Alliant Techsystems (who seem to be called ATK these days) ... 27bn, 800m, 650m) bid by Alliant Techsystems of the US for the space division of MacDonald -Dettwiler all the more unusual. (Nature News Service)
Alliant still quietly reaching for the stars Apr 17, 2008
Suitor Alliant Techsystems of Minnesota has its executives in talks with federal officials trying to resurrect the $1. 3-billion (U.S.) bid. (Globe and Mail)
Alliant lobbies Ottawa Apr 16, 2008
Carl Marchetto, president of Alliant Techsystems Inc.'s space division, led a delegation to Ottawa for private talks with industry department officials, the company said. By law, Alliant has 30 days to try to persuade Industry Minister Jim Prentice to reverse last week's decision to reject the U.S.-based weapons and space contractor's $1. (Toronto Star)
ATK Composite Technology Supports Atlas V Launch of a Mobile Communications Satellite for ICO Global Communications Apr 15, 2008
ATK's Heat Shield and Base Plate Protect Launch Vehicle During Ascent MINNEAPOLIS, April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems' (NYSE: ) composite technology supported today's successful launch of an United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The launch placed a mobile communications satellite into orbit for ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited (Nasdaq: ). (PR Newswire)
Alliant to press Ottawa over MDA veto Apr 14, 2008
Alliant Techsystems Inc. executives will descend on Parliament Hill Monday in a last-ditch attempt to persuade Ottawa to lift its veto of the U.S. company's $1. 3-billion takeover of a key part of Canada's premier space company. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Support, but no cash for space Apr 13, 2008
Under the deal, Alliant Techsystems Inc. would have been permitted to acquire surveillance-satellite and other space technology from MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. of Richmond, B.C., the company behind the iconic Canadarm. "We need to own our technology and the intellectual property that comes with it," Mr. Prentice said in a speech at the headquarters of the Canadian Space Agency, which is on the south shore of Montreal. (National Post)
The death knell of a deal Apr 12, 2008
OTTAWA A few weeks after Alliant Techsystems announced plans to buy the space divisions of Canada's MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., executives from the companies were at an aerospace industry reception at Ottawa's Rideau Club, along with dozens of Tory MPs. The executives saw no movement to quash their deal. (Globe and Mail)
Prentice defends takeover veto Apr 12, 2008
Mr. Prentice's speech, posted on the Industry Canada website, provided further insights into the reasons for blocking the sale to Alliant Techsystems Inc., a Minnesota-based weapons and space contractor ... The federal government's hard line on the MDA sale caught many off guard and provoked an angry response from Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad, whose district is home to Alliant Techsystems. (Globe and Mail)
...unprecedented move Apr 11, 2008
3 billion bid by Alliant Techsystems of Minneapolis for the space operations of MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates is the first under Canada's 23-year-old foreign investment law. The proposal raised sensitive issues about Canada's Arctic sovereignty that crossed party lines. (The Drudge Report)
Canada blocks sale of MDA satellite unit to U.S. Apr 11, 2008
325 billion sale of sensitive satellite technology to U.S. rocket-maker Alliant Techsystems Inc. The move marked the first time Ottawa had prevented the sale of a domestic firm to a foreign buyer. (ABC News -- Wire)
Canada objects to ATK deal Apr 11, 2008
In January, the Business Journal that Edina-based Alliant Techsystems Inc. (NYSE: ATK) planned to buy a unit of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates in a $1. 325 billion deal, in an effort to boost its space and satellite business. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Industry Minister wins applause with blocked sale Apr 11, 2008
And then later in the week, the 50-year-old politician was front and centre again, refusing the sale of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., the Canadian space company, to Alliant Techsystems Inc. of Edina, Minn. He argued the transaction would not provide a net benefit to Canada. (Globe and Mail)
Ottawa's new hard line: Blocking foreign acquisitions Apr 11, 2008
The potential acquirer is Alliant Techsystems Inc. , a Minnesota-based weapons and space contractor ... Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad, whose Minnesota district is home to Alliant Techsystems, reacted angrily. (Globe and Mail -- National)
New Zealand kills Canadian bid for airport stake Apr 11, 2008
32-billion sale of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.'s space division to U.S.-based Alliant Techsystems Inc.. "We are obviously very disappointed in the outcome. We had the support of 29,000 of the airport's shareholders in New Zealand," said Mark Wiseman, senior vice-president of private investments at the CPPIB.. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Ottawa rejects space firm's sale Apr 10, 2008
Industry Minister Jim Prentice made the decision to issue an initial rejection of the deal on Tuesday, when he wrote a letter to the potential buyer, Alliant Techsystems Inc. of Edina, Minn. that said the takeover of MDA Corp. would not provide a net benefit to Canada. (Globe and Mail -- National)
United Space Alliance Looks to New Horizons Apr 8, 2008
The company is also working with Alliant Techsystems on the development and production of the Ares I rocket first stage. Under USA's existing Space Program Operations Contract, more than 1,300 USA employees have contributed their skills and experience to a variety of projects related to NASA's Constellation Program. (PR Newswire)
Canada party seeks to scupper Alliant Tech deal Apr 8, 2008
OTTAWA, April 7 (Reuters) - Canada's left-leaning opposition New Democrats are seeking legal ways to block the sale of satellite technology to U.S. firm Alliant Techsystems Inc (ATK.N: , , ), the party's leader said on Monday. The New Democrats say Canadian sovereignty will be imperiled if Ottawa allows MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) (MDA.TO: , , ) to sell the technology as well as land-based data processing centers to Alliant Tech. (Reuters)
NDP plans legal action to block satellite sale Apr 7, 2008
MDA, of Richmond, B.C., wants to sell its space business to weapons and aerospace giant Alliant Techsystems Inc. for $1 ... But a foreign policy group, the Rideau Institute, has argued that U.S. laws would require Alliant Techsystems to respond to national-security and defence demands of the U.S. government, even if they were in conflict with Canadian interests ... Mr. Layton said many Canadians are worried Alliant Techsystems will not use the information it can get from Radarstat-2 in a... (Globe and Mail -- National)
MPs call for details of US-Canada satellite agreement Apr 6, 2008
Officials from the U.S. defence manufacturer Alliant Techsystems told the House industry committee Thursday they would honour intergovernmental agreements on the management of Radarsat 2, should the federal government approve its purchase of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, the Canadian firm that built the satellite. But MPs are concerned that the satellite, developed with more than $400 million in Canadian tax dollars, would be subject to control of the U.S. government under the Patriot Act... (Vancouver Sun)
US arms maker says it bought Radarsat-2 with eye on future satellites Apr 5, 2008
Steve Cortese, the Washington vice-president for Alliant Techsystems told a House of Commons committee that while Canadian government control over the Radarsat-2 is guaranteed under the country's agreement with MDA, the next generation of the satellites wouldn't be bound to the same guarantees. The comments, toward the end of a two-hour session of the standing committee on industry, science and technology, raised the issue thateven ifthe Canadian governmentmaintains control over Radarsat-2... (CBC.ca)
No easy answer to MDA sale Apr 4, 2008
The aspiring new owner, Alliant Techsystems, acknowledges that it wants the satellite technology so it can go after more military contracts. It would certainly be politically popular for the Harper government to wrap itself in the Canadian flag and turn down the transaction. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Space division sale no threat to Arctic sovereignty, CEO says Apr 2, 2008
3-billion deal to sell the company's geospatial unit to a U.S. weapons and space contractor, Alliant Techsystems Inc., has raised objections from opposition politicians and concerns from Conservative backbenchers ... A foreign-policy group, the Rideau Institute, has argued that U.S. laws would require Alliant Techsystems to respond to national-security and defence demands of the U.S. government even if they conflict with Canadian interests. (Globe and Mail)
Canada looks for more astronauts Apr 1, 2008
3 billion sale of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA)'s space technology division to Minneapolis-based Alliant Techsystems, a major supplier to the U.S. military. Font. (Canada.com)
MDA sale faces challenge Mar 27, 2008
33-billion sale by Vancouver-based MacDonald Dettwiler iates Ltd. to Minnesota-based Alliant Techsystems Inc., or ATK, has triggered fierce criticism among politicians and Canadian space luminaries. But blocking it -- which Jim Prentice, the Industry Minister, has the power to do -- could open the door for ATK to sue the federal government for loss of future revenue, said John Boscariol, head of the trade law group at McCarthy Tetrault in Toronto. (Financial Post)
Sale of Canadarm maker threatens Arctic sovereignty: Garneau Mar 24, 2008
3-billion sale of the geospatial unit of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. to U.S. weapons-maker Alliant Techsystems Inc.. "I think it would be a great mistake for us to sell the company, a most unfortunate decision, and I hope it won't be taken," Mr. Garneau said yesterday on CTV's Question Period. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Keep Radarsat-2 in Canada Mar 24, 2008
Last week, Industry Minister Jim Prentice announced that he would take 30 extra days to consider whether to approve the proposed sale of the space division of B.C.-based MacDonald Dettwiler iates (MDA) to Alliant Techsystems of Minnesota ... Once the satellite is sold to Alliant Techsystems, Ottawa will lose the ability to control the satellite and commandeer it in emergencies. (National Post)
