Hardware and large composite structures for Phase 1 of the U.S. Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program are to be supplied by ATK.

Included in the deal for EELVs the Air Force is procuring from United Launch Alliance is hardware for Atlas V and Delta IV launch vehicles.

"ATK's continued involvement in the Atlas V and Delta IV launch vehicles is a strong demonstration of our workforce's engineering and manufacturing abilities," said Joy de Lisser, vice president and general manager of ATK's Aerospace Structures division. "Our ongoing support of ULA missions is a critical element of our business, and we are proud to provide support for these successful programs."

The contract is worth $178 million, with deliveries of large composite structures beginning this year.

ATK, an aerospace and defense company, said the composite structures measure 13 to 18 feet in diameter with lengths as much as 63 feet, including fairings, payload adapters and diaphragms, inter-stages, nose cones and structures providing main engine thermal/aerodynamic protection.