APKWS BAE Systems’ Successful trial of the laser-guided rocket by Australian Defense Forces

Australian Defense Forces recently concluded a highly successful trial of the (APKWS™) BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System a laser-guided rocket for the use of the Navy and helicopters. The said ground trial marks as the first of the APKWS technology, which will transform a standard unguided 270-millimeter rocket into a precision laser—guided weapon.

“Through its long track record of success with the U.S. military, the APKWS technology has always been used with a Hydra rocket,” said by the director of precision guidance at BAE Systems. “This demonstration highlights the unique mid-body design and versatility of the APKWS technology by showcasing the ease of deployment on the FZ rocket and its native launcher.”

During ground—based live fire event held at Woomera a Prohibited Area test range somewhere in South Australia, APKWS technology was on target with seven shots fired while integrated with FZ90 rocket warhead and motor. No modification required to the said guidance kit in order to integrate with FZ rocket.

The successful test was based by the Australian Army which intends to conduct live fire flight trial that could lead to APKWS rocket fielding on Army’s Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter and Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk platforms beginning in 2015.