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Laser-guided rockets coming to light tactical vehicles

BAE Systems has successfully completed test shots of its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets from a tactical configuration ground-based weapon system for the first time.

The proof-of-concept testing demonstrated the flexibility of APKWS rockets to deliver standoff precision strike capabilities for ground forces, providing warfighters with a unique solution for engaging targets with greater range than small arms fire and without the need for air support.

The company claims its APKWS rocket "is the most cost-effective laser-guided munition in its class. Instead of buying costly new weapon systems, users simply implement our upgrade into existing unguided rocket inventories for long-range precision fires at the industry's lowest total ownership cost."

The mid-body guidance and control section is compatible with existing and new inventories of 2.75-in. (70-mm) rocket motors, warheads, and launchers. It simply inserts between the rocket motor and warhead for easy installation on a variety of platforms, converting a "dumb" missile into a "smart" one with incredible accuracy.

To date, 17 of the world's most utilized rotary- and fixed-wing launch platforms are qualified with BAE Systems' APKWS laser-guided rocket system, including the Apache, Knight Hawk, and Black Hawk helicopters and the F-16 and F-18 fighter jets. In combat, BAE Systems says its APKWS rocket has achieved over a 93 percent hit rate when fired from these flying platforms.

Now the system is coming to light tactical vehicles, such as the next-generation replacement for the Humvee called the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Currently, the APKWS technology is used by all four major branches of the U.S. military.

BAE Systems tested the APKWS rockets this spring at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Arnold Defense, a premier manufacturer of rocket launchers. The team used Arnold's FLETCHER 2.75-in. (70-mm) Weapon System concept -- a purpose-built laser-guided rocket launcher for ground vehicles -- to fire several successful shots. The ground-launch capability builds on the hundreds of successful shots in combat from the rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.

"Demand is growing for ground-to-ground precision munitions that provide a safe standoff distance for small ground units," said Greg Procopio, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. "Our customers see the value in low-cost, precision-strike capabilities that reduce the risk of collateral damage, and they want the flexibility to deliver them from the platform of their choice."

Ground-launched APKWS rockets could provide mounted and dismounted units with a unique way to engage soft and lightly armored targets from a variety of platforms. The low size, weight, and power requirements of ground-launched APKWS rockets make them ideal for tactical lightweight vehicles, remote weapon stations, non-standard tactical vehicles, and stationary platforms, providing warfighters with precision munitions that can improve safety and mission effectiveness.

APKWS laser-guided rockets are the only U.S. government program of record for precision-guided 70-mm rockets.

Source: BAE Systems

Published June 2020

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