US Navy orders APKWS rockets
BAE Systems has received a $180.5 million contract from the US Navy to continue producing Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets, the company announced on 12 June.
The contract is funded under the IDIQ contract announced by the company in October 2016.
The APKWS uses distributed aperture semi-active laser guidance technology and a mid-body guidance section that fits between the motor and the warhead to transform a standard unguided 2.75in munition into a precision laser-guided rocket.
The design requires no modifications to the rocket, launch platform, or launcher system, and it allows militaries to leverage existing infrastructure and munitions investment. BAE Systems designed the APKWS technology to fill the gap between the Hellfire missile and unguided rockets.
Rachel Guill, director of precision guidance solutions at BAE Systems, said: ‘We’re delivering ahead of schedule even with the growing demand. Our APKWS rockets are critical to the mission success of our US government and allied nation customers. This high-quality, reliable product is easy to use and provides accurate strike capability at a fraction of the cost of other precision munitions.’
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