Air-launched rockets converted for land use; UK's new rocket completes its first ground-to-ground test launch
According to a June 1 report by US Defense News, Arnold Defense's launcher, specifically designed
Publish Time:
2024-10-11 11:32
Keywords:
Transportation,Launcher
US media reported that BAE Systems announced on June 1, local time, that its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rocket successfully completed its first ground-to-ground test firing.
According to a June 1 report by US Defense News, during the test at the US Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, Arnold Defense's launcher, specifically designed for ground transport vehicles, successfully launched the APKWS precision-guided rocket multiple times.
The report stated that this rocket (originally a modified 70mm unguided aerial rocket, this website's note) was previously launched from attack helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. In 2018, a ground-based version of the APKWS rocket, launchable via a launcher developed by Arnold Defense, made its debut.
Greg Procopio, head of Precision Guided and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems, said in a statement: "The demand for ground-to-ground precision-guided munitions that can provide small ground forces with safe standoff distances is increasing. We are working closely with customers and partners to provide this capability."
The US Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have all used APKWS laser-guided rockets in combat.
According to US media, this rocket has also been disseminated to more than a dozen countries through foreign military sales. However, after a "Night Court" budget review, the US Army decided to stop procuring this rocket. In its fiscal year 2021 budget request, the US Army stated that it would redirect the $122 million earmarked for this rocket to more important options.
The report indicated that even before the US Army made this decision, BAE Systems was working to enhance the flexibility of the APKWS rocket, positioning it as a low-cost, precision strike option. In late 2019, the US Air Force successfully tested the system for missile defense, and the ground-to-ground version would increase the weapon's military options.
By the end of 2019, the company had delivered over 35,000 APKWS rockets, and was expected to deliver 18,000 in 2020.
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