BAE Systems recently introduced a proximity fuze to standard warheads and motors with APKWS guidance kits to enable them to engage and destroy airborne drones at a fraction of the cost of traditional counter-UAS (C-UAS) strike capabilities.
The company says it successfully tested APKWS laser-guided rockets in precision strike tests against Class 2 UAS at Yuma Proving Grounds.
The 2.75” test rockets combined standard M151 warheads and Mk66 motors with APKWS precision guidance kits and a newly developed proximity fuze – enabling them to engage and destroy airborne drones “at a fraction of the cost of traditional counter-UAS (C-UAS) strike capabilities.”
APKWS guidance kits transform unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions with explosive effects and range capabilities.
“Unmanned aerial vehicles of all sizes are a growing threat increasingly deployed by adversaries around the globe,” said Greg Procopio, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Systems at BAE Systems. “The flexibility and affordability of APKWS rockets make them a good choice for taking out small, tactical military drones. Our successful test strikes demonstrate the creativity of our engineers and an innovative and economical use of existing DoD materiel to address an emerging threat.”
BAE Systems conducted test fires and engineering tests to develop a capable system for US armed forces and allies. The key to APKWS rockets’ counter-UAS capability is the innovative proximity fuze jointly developed by L3Harris Technologies and Technology Service Corporation. The fuze combines target proximity detection and point detonation capabilities, and is a drop-in replacement for existing M423 fuzes – allowing APKWS rockets to destroy UASs without the need for a direct hit.
Unlike expensive C-UAS missiles, APKWS rockets do not need to lock on the target before launch, instead relying on semi-active laser guidance optics that activate on launch, saving warfighters precious seconds when it counts.
