IDEX 2019 : Arnold Defense displays Fletcher laser guided rocket launcher.

Arnold Defense, the Saint Louis-based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, is showcasing the Fletcher laser- guided rocket launcher. The Fletcher 2.75-inch/70mm weapon system is mounted on NIMR’s Ajban Long Range Special Operations Vehicle (LRSOV) on Stand Number 05-A05.

Arnold's Fletcher at IDEX 2019, United Arab Emirates (Picture source : Army Recognition)

Arnold Defense’s Fletcher weapon system, first unveiled in 2017 at London’s DSEi Exhibition, has completed rigorous test-firing protocols, with laser target designation from both ground and air platforms, and is now in initial production. With Fletcher, 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 ordinarily delivered by aviation assets. Arnold’s evolution has Fletcher using advanced rocket-guidance technology to utilize ground-based launch platforms, meeting the demands of modern, vehicle-mounted and dismounted asymmetric warfare.

Fletcher’s unique design allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment. It employs an existing suite of guidance modules, rockets and warheads, already used in well-known programs and readily available to global forces. Fletcher recently successfully completed a four-round live firing using multiple airborne laser platforms, confirming the ability to use laser designation from ground and air from various angles and offsets to a distance nearly 6km.

Following exceptional levels of interest expressed in Fletcher, Arnold Defense is also developing a number of supplementary ground and maritime-based concepts. These exciting new concepts will expand Fletcher’s utility into the arena of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), naval and littoral platforms. It his anticipated that the first of these integrated systems will be unveiled within months.

Fletcher is supported by a team of global defense industry companies, collaborating under Arnold Defense’s leadership to combine their complimentary expertise. The team is able to provide a full-system approach to Fletcher; incorporating design, validation, testing, manufacture and full-system integration within a wide range of ground-to-ground engagement scenarios.

Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense said “Since launching Fletcher, Arnold Defense has exhibited the system widely on the international market, where it has garnered significant interest, especially from military special operations units. Our rocket launchers are already well-established internationally on airborne platforms, so transitioning into the land and marine environments with Fletcher has been a natural progression and will provide these forces with a completely new capability.”

He added: “Exhibiting Fletcher in partnership with NIMR Automotive demonstrates the wide scope and utility of our concept and we look forward to maximizing the opportunities that IDEX 2019 is offering to establish and deepen relationships with regional government departments, defense and security agencies and international businesses.”