APKWS is a low-cost precision-guided 2.75-inch rocket system that integrates a low-cost Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker guidance section with existing Hydra 70 rocket motors and either the Mk 152 or M282 warheads
As reported by Janes.com a pre-solicitation notice posted by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) on Jul. 25, 2017 revealed that the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is planning to integrate the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) on its F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters.
Furthermore the pre-solicitation notice specified that a sole-source award to BAE Systems is planned.
APKWS II is a low-cost precision-guided 2.75-inch rocket system that integrates a low-cost Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker (DASALS) guidance section with existing Hydra 70 rocket motors and either the Mk 152 or M282 warheads.
The APKWS laser-guided rocket demonstrates extreme precision, reliability, and versatility in theater and in testing. The system also provides new combat capabilities for air, ground, and sea-based platforms. The weapon in fact uses its semi-active laser guidance technology to strike both soft and lightly armored targets in confined areas, providing greater accuracy and mission effectiveness.
Currently the USMC has already integrated the APKWS on its AV-8B fleet. As we have explained in fact the weapon gives Harrier pilots, who usually fire unguided rockets or drop unguided 500 pound bombs to destroy enemy threats, a lighter, precision air-to-ground attack option.
Noteworthy the AV-8B jump jets from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 tested the APKWS for the first time in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region on Jun. 9, 2017 when they carried out a live fire exercise with the weapon at the W-183 range training area, off Okinawa, Japan.
Photo credit: U.S. Navy
Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com
