BAE Systems Successfully Conducts APKWS Test Flight

Released on Wednesday, May 09, 2007

CRESTVIEW, Florida � BAE Systems conducted a successful test flight of its 2.75-inch guided rocket, the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), on May 8, 2007.

The test, held in partnership with the U.S. Navy program office, was the first with the APKWS in its production-ready configuration. The rocket hit the target within the 2 meter requirement of a laser spot that was designating the target.

This upgrade of the venerable 2.75-inch rocket system meets today's Marine Corps operational needs, said Michelle McBride, the Navy's APKWS program manager. "This is a great achievement by an outstanding government and industry team," McBride said.

APKWS is a low-cost precision munition that is highly accurate and effective against soft to lightly armored targets. It provides pinpoint accuracy for the unguided Hydra-70 rockets � making them smart enough to home in on and destroy enemy targets while minimizing collateral damage.

APKWS is a joint-interest program with Army and Navy/Marine Corps participation. The Navy funded this test flight under its scope in the contract.

"This test again demonstrates the missile seeker's ability to lock on and guide the rocket precisely to its laser-designated target," said Richard Paul, Army product manager for aviation rockets. "It demonstrates further the maturity of the technology for possible use in a wide range of Army programs."

The primary objective of the May 8 test was to collect tactical guided rocket performance data. The test was the program's eighth successful ground launch and the first using the system's production-ready configuration. The Army awarded the APKWS prime contract to BAE Systems in April 2006.

"The test clearly shows that the APKWS production baseline configuration is mature, and we look forward to completing the System Development and Demonstration program and getting this system fielded," said Frank Wilson, vice president and general manager of precision targeting for BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire. "We are steadfast in our commitment to providing this affordable, precision capability to our warfighters as quickly as possible."