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Successful Test of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) p

By admin ⋅ January 30, 2010 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

U.S. Marine Corps completed the integrated test phase of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) program Jan. 5, firing five rounds against stationary and moving targets. All five shots hit their intended targets within 2 meters of the laser designator’s spot. APKWS is a low-cost, low-yield alternative to other air-launched munitions currently in inventory. The system transforms a standard 2.75-inch unguided rocket into a smart, highly precise laser-guided missile. Because it uses standard launchers, APKWS requires no platform integration or aircraft modifications, and because it is loaded and fired just like a standard 2.75-inch rocket, very little additional aviator or ordnance crew training is required. Its design enables use of existing warheads, fuzes, and rocket motors, thus protecting government investment in existing inventory.

APKWS has been demonstrated off Marine Cobra and Army Kiowa helicopters, and can be fired from any helicopter that can launch 2.75-inch rockets, including the UH-1 Huey, and AH-64 Apache. The Navy recently announced its intention to investigate, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, the deployment of APKWS from fixed-wing platforms.

The Navy assumed acquisition executive oversight of the program in 2008 and has fully funded it for production. BAE Systems has been the APKWS prime contractor since 2006.

Tags: APKWS, dvanced Precision Kill Weapon System