AUSA 2019: Arnold Defense Fletcher laser-guided rocket launchers for combat platforms.

Continuing an exceptionally busy program of worldwide exhibits, Arnold Defense, the St. Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, have four LAND-LGR4 “FLETCHER” laser-guided rocket launchers on display at the edition 2019 of Association of the United States Army (AUSA) defense exhibition in Washington D.C.

LAND-LGR4 “FLETCHER” laser-guided rocket launchers mounted on Navistar SOTV Special Operations Tactical Vehicle at AUSA 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

With FLETCHER, first unveiled just over 2 years ago, Arnold Defense has made a bold departure from the traditional concept of use for 2.75-inch rocket systems; that of an area suppression weapon delivered by aviation assets. FLETCHER,optimized for use by both special and conventional forces to provide surface-to-surface precision effect, uses advanced rocket-guidance technology and ground-based launch platforms, meeting the demands of modern, vehicle-mounted and dismounted asymmetric warfare.

Following exceptional levels of international interest since its launch, Arnold Defense has further developed a number of supplementary ground and maritime-based concepts, expanding FLETCHER’s utility into the arena of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), naval and littoral platforms.Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense has said “Since launching FLETCHER, Arnold Defense has exhibited widely on the international market where it has garnered significant interest worldwide, especially from special operations units. Our rocket launchers are already internationally well-established on airborne platforms, so transitioning into the land and marine environments with FLETCHER is a natural progression”.

LAND-LGR4 “FLETCHER” laser-guided rocket launchers on swing arm (Picture source Army Recognition)

Arnold Defense has also recently revealed the newest member of their rocket launcher family, the Multiple Launch Hydra System (MLHS). Offering the same capability as FLETCHER but with dramatically greater capacity, the MLHS holds 23 rockets, over FLETCHER’s 4and is set to transform the surface defense world by delivering a low-cost, high-capacity surgical strike capability. Whilst the MLHS is a new system, it represents a significant product development of Arnold Defense’s FLETCHER system.

The configurations of FLETCHER on display at this year’s AUSA will showcase some of the system’s versatility and will be found on the following stands: Navistar Defense - on the SOTV-B at Booth 2625; Dillon Aero - on a Toyota Hilux at Booth 8323; Moog Inc. - on the XM813 turret at Booth 3025; and BAE - on a swing arm at Booth 6343.

Jim Hager: “The development of FLETCHER and MLHS demonstrates our commitment to driving innovation; this facet of Arnold Defense’s ethos being key to our ability to remain ahead of a constantly and rapidly evolving defense environment.” He added “We are delighted to be showcasing FLETCHER at this year’s AUSA. The opportunity to have several systems on display demonstrates the exceptional levels of interest in our highly versatile FLETCHER system.”