BAE Systems’ APKWS Laser-guidance Kits Successfully Tested by U.S. Counter-drone Office
March 29, 2023 | Business WireEstimated reading time: 1 minute
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/3116/9087/1272/BAE_Systems.jpg)
The Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) has successfully tested BAE Systems’ APKWS laser-guidance kits in a counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) mission. The testing against Class-2 UAS paves the way for fielding of the precision-guided rockets to partner nations around the globe.
APKWS transforms unguided rockets into smart munitions for precision strikes on soft and lightly armored targets. A newly developed proximity fuze for the standard M151 warhead allows the laser-guidance kits to target Class 2 and Class 3 drones, which typically weigh less than 55 pounds. The fuze retains the legacy point denotation capability for maximum flexibility of the weapon in the field. APKWS now enables rockets to engage and destroy drones at a fraction of the cost of existing C-UAS systems with unprecedented precision.
During the Department of Defense-led exercise at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, the 70 mm APKWS-guided rockets demonstrated 100 percent effectiveness when fired against 25 to 50 pound drones traveling at more than 100 miles an hour. The APKWS C-UAS solution is platform agnostic, permitting multiple options to accelerate fielding.
“Our engineers’ passion for APKWS technology led to the development of this new product designed to meet drones head-on,” said Aimee D’Onofrio, a director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “This is a solution that comes at a remarkably affordable price point, and with APKWS already at full-rate production, we can ramp up to 25,000 units per year to make an immediate impact.”
APKWS laser-guidance kits are produced at BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hudson, New Hampshire. The kits are available to all U.S. armed forces, as well as allies via Foreign Military Sales.
Suggested Items
Airbus to Lead NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability Concept Study
07/26/2024 | AirbusThe NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters to lead a concept study in the frame of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) project under which the participants combine efforts to work on design, development and delivery of a medium multi-role helicopter.
Innovative and Cost-effective BGA Re-balling
07/23/2024 | Shavi Spinzi, Nano Dimension/EssemtecA new, high-quality BGA re-balling process, which is integrated into an all-in-one solution of dispensing and placement equipment developed by Essemtec, brings new opportunities for the reapplication of expensive BGA components. This new method seamlessly integrates the sequence of flux deposition and ball (sphere) placement with the subsequent soldering process.
SEMI Applauds U.S. Chips Act Award For Entegris Semiconductor Materials Facility in Colorado
07/01/2024 | SEMISEMI, applauded the United States Department of Commerce's announcement of a Preliminary Memorandum of Terms for an award under the CHIPS and Science Act to support Entegris construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing center for advanced materials and process solutions for leading-edge semiconductors in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Lockheed Martin Celebrates Opening Of 122,000-Square Foot, $18M Engineering Facility In North Alabama
05/31/2024 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin, U.S. Department of Defense, state and local officials celebrated the opening of the company’s new $18 million engineering facility, labs and demonstration center in Huntsville. The 122,000-square foot facility has space for 500 employees who will advance national security capabilities and drive innovation in North Alabama.
RTX's Collins Aerospace Awarded Survivable Airborne Operations Center Subcontract
05/27/2024 | RTXCollins Aerospace, an RTX business was awarded a multi-billion-dollar subcontract as part of a team led by SNC to design, develop and deliver systems and products for a new aircraft under the U.S. Air Force's Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) program.