Combined with the previous announcement for A350 XWB composite engine components, this new contract makes the A350 XWB aircraft the largest commercial programme in ATK's history.

The Airbus A350 XWB will have an airframe over 50% reinforced plastic composite, including a carbon composite wing and reinforced plastic fuselage.

ATK will produce the composite components at its composite manufacturing centre of excellence in Iuka, Mississippi, USA. At peak production, ATK could produce up to 25 miles of A350 XWB composite components per month.

ATK's proprietary automated stiffener forming machines (ASFM) will be used in the development and manufacture of low-cost composite stringers and frames in a wide variety of shapes that will be required throughout the composite fuselage structure. ATK reports that its proprietary production processes reduce manufacturing time by 90% over traditional hand lay-up methods, while its advanced ultrasonic inspection process ensures quality and rapid delivery.

"The A350 XWB programme builds on ATK's decades of composite production experience in military aircraft and launch vehicle programmes," says John Shroyer, interim CEO, ATK. "This production programme showcases the unique capabilities of ATK's composite manufacturing expertise and provides ATK a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enter on the ground floor of a revolution in the way commercial airliners will be produced in the decades to come."

ATK (NYSE: ATK), headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, is an aerospace and defence company with revenues in excess of $4.8 billion.