ATK, MINNEAPOLIS: Alliant Techsystems recently delivered the 100,000th DSU-33 Proximity Sensor to the U.S. Air Force. The company reached this production milestone after consolidating fuze operations in 2005 into its Allegany Ballistics Laboratory manufacturing center of excellence in Rocket Center, West Virginia.
The DSU-33 provides proximity sensor functionality for weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), as well as general purpose bombs such as the Mk 80 and M117. The advanced proximity sensor detonates the warhead at the precise moment to maximize weapon effects.
“The delivery of the 100,000th DSU-33 is a testament to ATK's commitment in support of nations' warfighters,” said Bart Olson, Vice President and General Manager, ATK Tactical Propulsion and Controls. “This program is a great example of partnering with our customers to provide the highest quality fuze and consistently deliver them on-time, while driving a relentless cycle of continuous improvement.”
The DSU-33 is an all-weather, battery-operated, active-radio frequency-ranging radar and is a single-mission device that is capable of operating even when subjected to electronic countermeasures. The sensor is capable of both high-drag and low-drag releases from aircraft and it meets the demanding requirements of both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy.
ATK is under contract by the U.S. Air Force's Air Logistics Center (ALC), Hill AFB, Utah, for production of the DSU-33. The ALC manages this very successful joint service program, with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps also procuring the highly effective DSU-33 sensor.
ATK has manufactured and delivered 51,741 DSU-33B/B sensors, 48,565 DSU-33C/B sensors, and recently began delivering the newest member to the family, the DSU-33D/B variant. The DSU-33 has evolved over the years with each variant providing greater capability. Updated electronics have contributed to improved height of burst accuracy, reduced material costs, lower production costs, easier assembly and testing, and improved warhead mechanical interface. These improvements in manufacturing and materials have allowed ATK to reduce the unit price of each successive variant, delivering on ATK's commitment to affordable precision.
ATK is a premier advanced weapon and space systems company with annual revenues in excess of $4.1 billion that employs approximately 17,000 people in 21 states.
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