APKWS 3: The Low-Cost, High-Impact Solution for Counter-Drone and Counter-Vehicle Operations

APKWS 3: The Next Generation of Laser-Guided Rockets

If you are looking for a cost-effective, precise, and versatile weapon system that can hit targets with minimal collateral damage, you might want to check out the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). This system transforms unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions (PGMs) by adding a laser guidance kit. And if you are looking for the latest and most advanced version of this system, you might want to check out the APKWS 3. This is the upgraded and improved version of the APKWS that offers greater strike range, accuracy, lethality, and compatibility. In this article, we will explain what APKWS is, how it works, why it matters, and what makes APKWS 3 different from its predecessors.

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What is APKWS?

APKWS stands for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System. It is a design conversion of Hydra 70 unguided rockets with a laser guidance kit to turn them into precision-guided munitions (PGMs). PGMs are weapons that can adjust their flight path to hit a specific target, usually designated by a laser or GPS signal. PGMs are more accurate and effective than unguided weapons, which rely on ballistic trajectories and have a higher chance of missing or causing collateral damage.

The history and development of APKWS

The idea of converting unguided rockets into PGMs dates back to the 1970s, when the U.S. Army experimented with adding laser seekers to Hydra 70 rockets. However, the project was canceled due to technical difficulties and budget constraints. The concept was revived in the late 1990s, when the U.S. Navy initiated the APKWS program to fill the gap between the Hydra 70 and the AGM-114 Hellfire systems. The Hellfire is a powerful anti-tank missile that can destroy armored vehicles and bunkers, but it is also expensive and heavy. The Hydra 70 is a cheap and lightweight rocket that can be fired in large numbers, but it is also inaccurate and has a low yield. The APKWS aims to provide a middle ground between these two systems, offering a cost-effective method of engaging lightly armored point targets with precision and minimal collateral damage.

The features and benefits of APKWS

The APKWS system consists of four main components: the launch platform, the rockets equipped with the WGU-59/B mid-body guidance unit, the rocket launcher, and the storage kits. The launch platform can be any rotary-wing or fixed-wing aircraft that can carry Hydra 70 rockets, such as helicopters, fighter jets, or drones. The rockets are standard Hydra 70 rockets that have been modified with a guidance unit that contains a semi-active laser seeker and four control canards. The rocket launcher is a modified version of the LAU-68 launcher that can accommodate seven rockets instead of six. The storage kits are containers that protect the rockets and guidance units from damage and moisture in the field.

The main feature that distinguishes the APKWS from other PGMs is its Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker (DASALS) technology. This technology allows a laser seeker to be located in the leading edge of each of the four control canards, working in unison as if they were a single seeker. This configuration enables the rocket to lock onto targets from over six kilometers away, even if they are moving or obscured by dust or smoke. It also allows the rocket to adjust its flight path mid-air and hit targets at steep angles of attack for enhanced lethality. Moreover, it enables the use of existing warheads from the Hydra 70 system without the need for a laser seeker in the missile nose.

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The APKWS system has been in service since 2012 and has been used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force in various combat operations, such as Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya. The system has also been exported to several allied countries, such as the United Kingdom, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the Netherlands.

The APKWS system can be used to engage a wide range of targets, such as vehicles, boats, buildings, bunkers, personnel, and even drones. The system can also be integrated with various sensors and designators, such as electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, radars, laser rangefinders, and laser target markers. The system can be fired from multiple launch platforms, such as helicopters, fighter jets, drones, and ground vehicles. The system can also be fired in single or ripple mode, allowing the operator to engage multiple targets with one trigger pull.

What is APKWS 3?

APKWS 3 is the latest and most advanced version of the APKWS system that was developed by BAE Systems in collaboration with the U.S. Navy. APKWS 3 is an upgrade and improvement of the existing APKWS 2 system that offers greater strike range, accuracy, lethality, and compatibility. APKWS 3 was first tested in 2019 and is expected to enter service in 2023.

The upgrade and improvement of APKWS 3

The main upgrade and improvement of APKWS 3 is the addition of a new rocket motor that extends the effective range of the system from 5 kilometers to 8 kilometers. This increase in range allows the launch platform to stay further away from enemy threats and engage targets beyond the line of sight. The new rocket motor also improves the flight performance and stability of the system, reducing drag and increasing speed. The new rocket motor is compatible with all existing warheads and guidance units of the APKWS system.

The advantages and challenges of APKWS 3

The main advantage of APKWS 3 is that it provides a more capable and flexible weapon system that can meet the evolving needs and challenges of modern warfare. APKWS 3 can strike targets at longer distances and higher altitudes, enhancing survivability and mission success. APKWS 3 can also hit targets with greater precision and lethality, reducing collateral damage and increasing effectiveness. APKWS 3 can also be integrated with more platforms and sensors, expanding its operational utility and versatility.

The main challenge of APKWS 3 is that it requires more power and cooling for the guidance unit and the rocket motor. This means that the launch platform has to provide more electrical energy and thermal management for the system to function properly. This also means that the system has to be tested and certified for different environmental conditions and scenarios. Another challenge of APKWS 3 is that it has to compete with other PGMs in the market, such as the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) and the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). These PGMs have different capabilities and limitations than APKWS 3, and may be more suitable for certain missions or platforms. The potential and prospects of APKWS 3

The potential and prospects of APKWS 3 are promising and exciting. APKWS 3 is expected to be a game-changer in the field of precision strike weapons, offering a low-cost, high-performance, and multi-purpose solution for various missions and threats. APKWS 3 is also expected to be a valuable asset for the U.S. and its allies, enhancing their interoperability and readiness. APKWS 3 is also expected to be a catalyst for innovation and development, inspiring new ideas and applications for laser-guided rockets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, APKWS 3 is the next generation of laser-guided rockets that offers greater strike range, accuracy, lethality, and compatibility than its predecessors. APKWS 3 is an upgrade and improvement of the existing APKWS system that transforms unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions by adding a laser guidance kit. APKWS 3 is a cost-effective, precise, and versatile weapon system that can hit targets with minimal collateral damage. APKWS 3 is a more capable and flexible weapon system that can meet the evolving needs and challenges of modern warfare. APKWS 3 is a promising and exciting weapon system that has the potential to change the game in the field of precision strike weapons.

FAQs

What does APKWS stand for?

APKWS stands for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System. It is a design conversion of Hydra 70 unguided rockets with a laser guidance kit to turn them into precision-guided munitions.

What is the difference between APKWS 2 and APKWS 3?

The main difference between APKWS 2 and APKWS 3 is the addition of a new rocket motor that extends the effective range of the system from 5 kilometers to 8 kilometers.

What are the advantages of APKWS 3 over other PGMs?

The advantages of APKWS 3 over other PGMs are that it is cheaper, lighter, more accurate, more lethal, and more compatible than other PGMs.

What are the challenges of APKWS 3?

The challenges of APKWS 3 are that it requires more power and cooling for the guidance unit and the rocket motor, and that it has to compete with other PGMs in the market.

What are the potential and prospects of APKWS 3?

The potential and prospects of APKWS 3 are promising and exciting. APKWS 3 is expected to be a game-changer in the field of precision strike weapons, offering a low-cost, high-performance, and multi-purpose solution for various missions and threats. 44f88ac181