APKWS Rocket Successfully Completes First Flight Test

Released on Tuesday, September 16, 2003

General Dynamics has announced that the first system design and development phase flight test of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) has been completed successfully.

The first flight test occurred in August 28 at the US Army's Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. During the test a 70mm APKWS guided rocket achieved a direct hit on a laser-designated stationary target three kilometers away.

The APKWS rocket point of impact was less than a meter from the center of the laser spot. This test has demonstrated the new rocket feasibility at medium range. Future tests will focus on improved accuracy and performance at longer ranges.

The APKWS is a derivative of the combat-proven Hydra 70mm unguided rocket currently employed by Apache attack helicopters and other aerial platforms as well.