CRESTVIEW, Fla., 10 May 2007.BAE Systems conducted a successful test flight of its 2.75-inch guided rocket, the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), on May 8.
The test, held in partnership with the U.S. Navy program office, was the first with the APKWS in its production-ready configuration. The rocket hit the target within the two-meter requirement.
APKWS is a low-cost precision munition designed to be accurate and effective against soft to lightly armored targets.
APKWS is a joint-interest program with Army and Navy/Marine Corps participation. The Navy funded this test flight under its scope in the contract.
"This test again demonstrates the missile seeker's ability to lock on and guide the rocket precisely to its laser-designated target," Richard Paul, Army product manager for aviation rockets, says. "It demonstrates further the maturity of the technology for possible use in a wide range of Army programs."
The primary objective of the May 8 test was to collect tactical guided-rocket performance data.
The Army awarded the APKWS prime contract to BAE Systems in April 2006.
