US State Department clears sale of 768 APKWS Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II to UK.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on April 28 announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Kingdom of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II) for an estimated cost of $31.2 million.

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Equipping a Hydra 70 rocket with the WGU-59/B guidance unit as part of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (Picture source: Wikipedia)

The Government of the United Kingdom has requested to buy up to seven hundred sixty-eight (768) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II) All Up Round (AURs) (Single Variant). Also included is support equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $31.2 million.

The principal contractors will be BAE Systems, Nashua, New Hampshire. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips by approximately five (5) U.S. Government representatives and the assignment of approximately five (5) contractor representatives to the United Kingdom on an intermittent basis for a period of approximately five (5) years to support delivery and integration of items and to provide supply support management, inventory control, and equipment familiarization.

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II) is a laser-guided rocket system designed to provide increased accuracy and precision to a variety of military aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. It is an upgraded version of the original APKWS, which was developed in response to the need for a low-cost, low-collateral-damage, precision-strike weapon.

The APKWS-II system includes a guidance section that is attached to a standard unguided rocket motor, allowing the rocket to be guided to its target with a high degree of accuracy. The guidance system uses semi-active laser guidance technology, which requires the operator to designate the target with a laser designator. The rocket then homes in on the laser energy reflected off the target and adjusts its flight path accordingly.

The APKWS-II is compatible with a wide range of aircraft and can be integrated into existing weapon systems with minimal modifications. It is effective against a variety of targets, including vehicles, buildings, and personnel, and can be used in both day and night operations. The system's small size and low weight also allow for a high number of rockets to be carried on board an aircraft, providing a significant increase in the number of precision-strike options available to military personnel.