MESA, Ariz., April 16, 1997 -- McDonnell Douglas (NYSE: MD) and Alliant Techsystems' Ammunition Systems Business Area have signed a teaming agreement designed to increase worldwide sales of 35/50mm armament systems using McDonnell Douglas' new Bushmaster III cannon.
The agreement, signed last month, calls for the two organizations to develop the Bushmaster III system, which offers potential users a reliable weapon system that can defeat heavily armed threats. McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems in Mesa, Ariz., is developing the Bushmaster III cannon and feed system while Alliant Techsystems, Hopkins, Minn., is providing ammunition expertise. Alliant Techsystems, a recognized leader in production of medium-caliber ammunition, recently announced a licensing agreement with Oerlikon-Contraves Pyrotech for its family of 35mm ammunition for U.S. applications.
The McDonnell Douglas Bushmaster III, the newest member of the Chain Gun® family, has applications in several markets.
Brad Pedersen, director of Ordnance Programs at McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, said the Bushmaster III has "great potential" with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, which are developing programs for the Bradley A3PI including Upgun; Future Infantry Vehicle, Future Scout and Cavalry System, Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle, and other similar programs for new vehicles or for retrofit of existing vehicles.
In addition to the Bushmaster III, McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems produces the proven 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon used on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and a variety of land and sea vehicles; the M230 automatic cannon, the standard area weapon system on the
AH-64D Apache Longbow multi-mission combat helicopter; and the 30mm Bushmaster II, which is in production for the Norwegian army.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems is a component of McDonnell Douglas Aerospace within McDonnell Douglas Corporation, one of the world's leading aerospace and defense corporations with more than 63,000 employees. The helicopter company has 4,400 employees in Mesa, Ariz., where it produces a wide range of civil and military helicopters in addition to its ordnance programs.
Alliant Techsystems' Ammunition Systems Business Area is a part of the Defense Systems Group, which reported fiscal year 1996 sales of $437 million. It employs approximately 2,500 people at facilities in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico and Wisconsin. Major customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, allied military services and prime contractors.
Alliant Techsystems is a $1.1 billion aerospace and defense company with approximately 6,700 employees and operations in 23 states. The company, headquartered in Hopkins, Minn., comprises three business groups: Aerospace Systems, Defense Systems, and Emerging Business. Company news and information can be found on the Internet at www.ATK.com.
Photos of the Bushmaster III on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle are available by calling Hal Klopper at (602) 891-5519 or by faxing your request to him at (602) 891-5599.
97-86
McDonnell Douglas
(602) 891-5519