ATK and Elbit Systems Conduct Successful Flight Test of GATR From OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Helicopter

Alliant Techsystems and Elbit Systems have successfully conducted flight tests of the Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) from a US Army rotary-wing helicopter: the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.

The tests took place during a recent US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) demonstration, conducted at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. GATR was fired from an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter using "lock-on before launch" to engage targets at ranges exceeding five kilometers.

The multiple laser-designated guided test flights, launched from a standard 2.75-inch launcher, resulted in direct impacts on all targets. The pilot of the OH-58D was able to confirm lock-on of the GATR prior to launch.

"ATK and teammate Elbit Systems have rapidly developed and deployed a low-cost precision system to meet our customers' needs," said Mark DeYoung, ATK Senior Vice President and President Armament Systems.

Originally announced in July 2008, GATR benefits from a robust design, which combines combat-proven performance, a minimum smoke signature and the reliability of an ATK-produced propulsion system, similar to a system employed on millions of rockets produced for the United States Army. GATR contains a guidance and control system built with the experience of Elbit Systems' heritage in high-performance laser seekers for the United States and international customers. 

It employs advanced acquisition, tracking and guidance algorithms to achieve one-meter accuracy against stationary and moving targets.  In its tactical configuration, GATR will incorporate an Insensitive Munitions (IM) rocket motor and a family of IM warheads to include blast/fragmentation and penetration.  GATR minimizes collateral damage, while providing stand-off deployment against a wide array of target sets.

GATR supports lock-on before or after launch as well as autonomous or remote laser designation.  The system can be deployed against targets at ranges exceeding 8 kilometers from fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. It is compatible with existing 2.75"/70mm launcher hardware.  GATR will be particularly effective in urban areas or against targets where a low collateral damage solution is required.

The GATR system fills the gap between larger, more expensive guided missiles and the current family of unguided rockets.