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It is probable
that the rockets are used in operations as their delivery has been concluded
in seven months after NAVAIR received the requirement from the headquarters
of the United States Marine Corps. According to AV-8B Harrier Weapon
System (PMA-257) programme manager, Col. Fred Schenk, “this capability
will provide commanders with a warfighting alternative to better enable
weapon-to-target pairing.”
The fielding of the rockets has been divided in two phases. The first
one, which was recently implemented, included the delivery of 80 guidance
kits, to verify the flight envelope capability. The next phase will
bring the flight envelope capabilities to the maximum range for the
Harrier VSTOL aircraft.
The BAE Systems APKWS II is a 2.75-inch, semi-active laser rocket. As
a beam-riding weapon, it follows the laser energy reflected on a target
by an airborne or ground-based designator. The weapon provides a great
alternative to expensive air-to-ground missiles, with higher destructive
capabilities, especially against lightly armoured targets or targets
in confined areas. |
