BAE Systems yesterday said its combat-proven Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™) laser-guided rocket achieved another first, launching from a helicopter over water and disabling multiple maritime targets.
The successful test expands the technology’s reach from land to sea.
“This demonstration proves the APKWS rocket’s ability to engage maritime targets including fast-inshore attack craft,” said David Harrold, director of precision guidance solutions at BAE. “The APKWS product gives the U.S. Navy a powerful, mission-ready capability in a very mature and cost effective weapon that will enable them to defend against today’s non-traditional threats.”
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| APKWS Courtesy BAE Systems |
APKWS is a guided 2.75-inch rocket system that uses semi-active laser guidance technology to strike soft and lightly armored targets in built-up and confined areas.
It has been shot more than 100 times in combat operations in Afghanistan and has quickly become the weapon of choice since its March 2012 deployment, enabling low collateral damage precision engagements against moving and stationary targets in urban terrain operations.
In its first over-water testing, the APKWS rocket was fired 10 times and scored 100 percent accuracy, landing direct hits on single and multiple maritime targets using inert warheads, Mk152 high explosive warheads, and MK149 flechette warheads. The guided rockets were fired from a Marine UH-1Y at stationary and moving small boat targets at ranges of 2 to 4 kilometers. The targets were designated by a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter in a buddy lase scenario.
The Navy intends to integrate the laser-guided rocket system onto the Sikorsky [UTX] MH-60R/S naval helicopters and other Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. A Joint Capability Technology Demonstration is underway to prove the military utility of the APKWS weapon on the AV-8, A-10 and potential future platforms such as the F-16, and F/A-18.
To date, APKWS is fully qualified on the Marine AH-1W and UH-1Y.
BAE has successfully launched APKWS from a variety of fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, including, the OH-58D(I) Kiowa Warrior, B407-GT, both of which are built by Bell Helicopter Textron [TXT], and the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6C. The weapon’s versatility and proven success in theater have driven the company to look to expand its use on additional U.S. and international platforms.
BAE has seen significant interest from a number of international customers for the APKWS rocket, which is one-third of the cost and one-third of the weight of other laser-guided munitions used by U.S. forces, the company said. The system is available through the foreign military sales process.