Textron– [TXT] subsidiary Bell Helicopter qualified BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) for use on its 407GT helicopter after completing guided shots, according to a BAE statement.
A Bell test pilot fired seven APKWS rockets from a 407GT as part of a qualification of the weapon’s safety and suitability on that platform. In addition to the 407GT, APKWS is qualified on Bell’s AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters. BAE spokeswoman Karen Spiller said APKWS is expected to be qualified on the AH-64D/E Apache helicopter, the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter, the armed MH-60R/S helicopter, the AH-1Z helicopter, the OH-58D helicopter, the AH-6M Little Bird helicopter and the MD500 helicopter. Spiller also said the AT-6 trainer aircraft and the AV-8B, A-10, F-16 and F-18 aircraft are also expected to eventually be APKWS-qualified.
The APKWS technology transforms a standard 2.75-inch, Hydra-type unguided rocket into a laser-guided precision weapon able to strike soft and lightly armored targets in built-up and confined areas. BAE designed the APKWS technology to fill the gap between the Hellfire missile and unguided rockets.
The Navy last July issued APKWS prime contractor BAE a $28 million full-rate production (FRP) contract for APKWS. A FRP contract option for $41 million exercised in November increases the original FRP contract value to $69 million and extends production through 2014.