PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md., 11 April 2010. Leaders at the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., say the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) -- a helicopter weapon for lightly armored targets from BAE Systems -- is ready to enter low-rate production.
APKWS transforms standard 2.75-inch unguided rockets into smart laser-guided missiles, and can be fired from any helicopter able to launch 2.75-inch rockets. The U.S. Marine Corps will deploy APKWS from AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters, and the weapon also has been demonstrated from a U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa Warrior combat helicopter.
APKWS uses standard launchers, requires no platform integration or aircraft modifications, and requires little additional aviator or ordnance crew training. Its guidance section enables use of existing warheads, fuzes, and rocket motors.
For more information contact BAE Systems online at www.baesystems.com.
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