ATK and Elbit Systems Conduct Successful Flight Test of GATR from Helicopter

Elbit Systems and Alliant Techsystems announced today that they have successfully conducted flight tests of the Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR).

In a recent demonstration, conducted in Israel, GATR was deployed from a helicopter using a "lock-on before launch" method to engage an off-boresight target at a range of approximately three (3) kilometers. ATK and Elbit Systems validated flight worthiness, safe separation launch, and autonomous laser designated guided flight through a series of tests.

The laser designated guided flight, launched from a standard 2.75 inch launcher, resulted in a direct impact on the target.

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 is a low-cost, precision strike weapon that 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 of 1.5 to 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.