BAE System’s APKWS Successfully Shot 100 Times In Afghanistan

BAE Systems today announced that its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System or APKWS has enjoyed a successful stint in Afghanistan and has successfully been about 100 times.

“The vast majority have been direct hits,” U.S. Navy Captain Brian Corey, APKWS program manager for PMA-242. “Since the missions require good precision, with reduced collateral damage, the APKWS laser-guided rocket systems are low cost weapons that U.S. Marine aviators on the battlefield can fly ‘day in and day out’”. 

APKWS is the U.S. government’s only record program for the semi-active laser-guided 2.75-inch rocket. Inserted between the rocket motor and warhead of the Hydra 70 rocket, it provides precision engagement with lower collateral damage, while giving the military greater flexibility for enemy engagement, according to an official statement.  

“The APKWS technology, at one-third of the cost and weight of the existing forward firing laser-guided system, fills the weapons gap by providing a precision-guided rocket that will eliminate lightly armored targets. Instead of buying costly new weapons systems, the military can implement a simple upgrade to an existing system” said Joe Tiano, BAE Systems’ APKWS program manager.

APKWS has been launched from a variety of fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, including the AH-1W, UH-1Y, and AT-6C.