US Marine Corps FA/18 Super Hornets has started fielding their latest weapon capability, the APKWS guided rockets. The low-cost, low-c...
US Marine Corps FA/18 Super Hornets has started fielding their latest weapon capability, the APKWS guided rockets.
The low-cost, low-collateral damage and high-precision weapon marked its initial deployment last week.
U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) completed the integration within 7.5 months.
Developed by BAE Systems, the 2.75 inch has become a weapon of choice for ground attack missions in the Middle East.
The APKWS mid-body guidance kit transforms standard unguided Hydra 70 (2.75-inch) rockets into highly accurate precision munitions by easily screwing into place between the warhead and the motor.
The rocket uses Semi-Active Laser (SAL) guidance technology to strike targets in built-up and confined areas. The SAL is a laser seeker which allows the system to beam-ride reflected laser energy. The reflected laser energy is sourced by either airborne or ground-based laser designators providing positive target acquisition.
The guidance section is designed to lock onto targets from over 3 kilometers away, keeping aircraft and laser designators at a safe distance from threats.
The APKWS rocket includes advanced DASALS seeker optics located on all four guidance wings. Once fired, the wings deploy, and the optics lock in, guiding the rocket to the target – delivering accuracy when it matters most.
When deployed from fixed wing aircraft, the APKWS has a range from 2 to 12 km.
In 2016 APKWS II was fielded on the USMC AV-8B Harrier, USAF F-16 and USAF A-10 aircraft.
