Orbital ATK Receives Order for Hydra-70 Rocket-launched Illuminating Flares

Orbital ATK announced Monday that it has received a contract modification from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for the purchase of illuminating flares for the Hydra-70 family of rockets.

This follow-on order provides a suite of illuminating flares that deliver tactical illumination in both the visible and infrared spectra. In March 2017, Orbital ATK had received order for the M257 and M278 flares for Hydra-70 family of rockets comes under a follow-on contract modification from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. The firm first received an initial production and first article test contract for the Hydra-70 flare warheads in January 2016.

The Hydra-70 rocket system is a family of 2.75in unguided air-to-surface rockets derived from the Mk 4/Mk 40 folding-fin aerial rocket (FFAR), most commonly used helicopter-launched weapon system. The rockets are used to perform various roles, including anti-material, anti-personnel, air-to-ground suppression and illumination.

“We remain committed to providing our cutting edge illuminating products to our servicemen and women,” said Charlie Precourt, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Propulsion Systems Division. “Knowing our products protect them is a tremendous source of pride for our team.”

Orbital ATK’s safe and reliable Hydra-70 illuminating flares can be fired from a variety of rotary and fixed-wing platforms, including the U.S. Army Apache, the U.S. Marine Corps Cobra attack helicopters, the U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and combat aircraft of many nations worldwide.

The financial value of the order was not disclosed.