Our History
ATK was launched as an independent company in 1990, when Honeywell spun off its defense businesses to shareholders. The former Honeywell businesses had supplied defense products and systems to the U.S. and its allies for 50 years, including the first electronic autopilot that enabled B-17 aircraft to accomplish pinpoint bombing missions during World War II.

ATK expanded into the aerospace market with the acquisitions of Hercules Aerospace Company in 1995 and Thiokol Propulsion in 2001, which transformed the company into the world's largest supplier of solid propellant rocket motors and a leading provider of high-performance composite structures.

A series of other acquisitions and key contract wins have continued to increase the company's presence in the aerospace, defense, and commercial ammunition markets:

• 2000
  Selected to operate Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, the U.S. Government's only small-caliber ammunition manufacturing facility.
• 2001
  Acquired the commercial ammunition businesses of Blount International, which made ATK the nation's largest manufacturer of ammunition.
• 2002
  Acquired the ordnance business of Boeing, which brought together ATK's munitions portfolio with the products and capabilities of a leading military gun manufacturer.
• 2002
  Acquired the assets of Science and Applied Technology, Inc., which added critical precision seeker, guidance, and system-level expertise.
• 2003
  Acquired Composite Optics, Inc., which made ATK the world leader in composite space structures.
• 2003
  Acquired GASL and Micro Craft, which added leading-edge propulsion and airframe technologies for highly demanding aerospace and defense applications.
• 2004
  Acquired Mission Research Corporation, which enabled an advanced aerospace and defense technology pipeline spanning concept development to full-scale production.
• 2004
  Acquired the PSI Group, which strengthened ATK's space systems portfolio and positioned the company to capture emerging opportunities in spacecraft integration and satellite technology.
• 2007
  Acquired Swales Aerospace, adding enhanced systems engineering and engineering services to ATK’s existing space launch, space exploration, small satellite, and spacecraft markets.