BAE Systems uses Hydra APKWS rockets with new proximity fuze to shoot down small unmanned aerial vehicles
WASHINGTON – Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) increasingly employ common warfare and surveillance technologies, and military forces are funding projects to knock drones out of the sky. Slashgear reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
21 Oct. 2021 -- The latest company taking this approach is BAE Systems, which has tested a modified rocket and laser guidance system to shoot down drones for less cost than existing missile options.
Recent tests at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., involved Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets used to take down UAVs, which can be tricky to target because they move so quickly. BAE Systems officials say the APKWS rockets paired with the Mk66 motors and M151 warheads, a new proximity fuze, and the APKWS guidance kits.
BAE systems officials say the proximity fuze is key to this new capability, because it gives the rockets point detonation and proximity detection; the rockets don’t need to hit the target to take out the drones.
Related: Air Forces chooses Kaman to provide programmable fuzes for airborne weapons
Related: Air Force weapons experts brief industry on near-term and far-term fuzing research
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
