The Air Force recently added BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWSTM) laser-guided rockets to the F-16 and A-10 aircraft.
The BAE Systems APKWSTM transforms a standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 millimeter) rocket into a precision laser-guided rocket. With a name like ‘Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System’ what more could any military pilot want? This system has been successfully used in combat by the US Navy, Marine Corps and Army since 2012. Now the Air Force has gotten on board with the program for use in ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Photo Courtesy of BAE Systems
“The APKWS rocket’s innovative ‘plug and play’ design makes it possible to deploy these systems on a variety of platforms,” said David Harrold, director of precision guidance solutions at BAE Systems. “The Navy and Air Force deserve immense credit for streamlining the acquisition process by leveraging an existing Navy program of record to meet the needs of all our military services. We are confident that the addition of this highly accurate, low-collateral-damage weapon system will be a game-changer for F-16 and A-10 users in the U.S. Air Force and around the world.” – BAE Systems
Watch the APKWS System in Action
The goal of the APKWS system is to give warfighters a precision low cost weapon that minimizes collateral damage. According to BAE the system boasts a 93 percent hit rate. No modification to the rocket or firing system is required.
Featured Image Courtesy of BAE Systems