Orbital ATK has received a contract modification from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for the purchase of M257 (visible) and M278 (infrared) illuminating flares for the Hydra-70 family of rockets.
The Hydra 70 rocket is a 2.75-inch fin-stabilized unguided rocket used primarily in the air-to-ground role. It can be equipped with a variety of warheads, and in more recent versions, guidance systems for point attacks.
The Hydra-70 warheads 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 family of Hydra 70 (70 mm) 2.75 inch rockets perform a variety of functions.
The war reserve unitary and cargo warheads are used for anti-materiel, anti-personnel, and suppression missions. The Hydra 70 family of folding-fin aerial rockets also includes smoke screening, illumination, and training warheads.
Hydra 70 rockets are known mainly by either their warhead type or by the rocket motor designation, Mk 66 in US military service.
“Orbital ATK’s illuminating flares give our servicemen and women the edge they need,” said Charlie Precourt, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Propulsion Systems Division.
“We take pride in knowing our products protect them. Our commitment to the warfighter is unwavering.”
As the manufacturer of these warheads, Orbital ATK remains committed to investing in cutting edge illumination technology, production methods and other product improvements.
This follow-on order by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is to satisfy a U.S. Government requirement for a suite of illuminating warheads for the Hydra-70 rocket system that delivers tactical illumination in both the visible and infrared spectra.
(GoPro view of a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Super Huey helicopter firing Hydra 70 Rockets during Exercise Koolendong 16 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia on August 29, 2016. Unit – Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367). Courtesy of Gung Ho Vids and YouTube)
Orbital ATK received an initial production and First Article Test contract in January 2016.
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, designing, building and delivering space, defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier.
