BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System(APKWS), which can be used on many types of aircraft, is a compact fixed-wing guidance kit that turns a 2.75-inch unguided rocket into an accurate-guided weapon. The system's seeker, a semiactive laser that can also be directed to targets further than the launcher, is available. The system has a high likelihood of hitting targets within five meter of its spot. This precision-guided weapon will hit targets with minimal collateral harm.
APKWS uses the Hydra 70 Unguided Rocket. This rocket has been in service since the early 1990s with the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Air Force (USAF). This system can fire from attack helicopters or light attack aircraft. These include the USMC's AH-1 Cobra attack and helicopter, Bell 407GT scout helicopter, UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter, and Bell 407GT scout. The USMC MQ-8 Fire Scout rotarywing aircraft is also equipped with the guidance system. The guidance system not only allows for surgical strike, but it also increases rocket's effective range to 30%.
The USMC completed qualification testing for the APKWS, which was also tested in Afghanistan. This includes eight live-warhead hits against AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters by the USMC. APKWS was also evaluated on an AT-6C turboprop light-attack HawkerBeechcraft AT-6C turboprop aircraft at Eglin AFB in Fla. It was fired from an aircraft in January 2012. This test revealed that the APKWS could be used on many platforms.
The US Navy selected BAE Systems to be its prime contractor for APKWS' weapon development phase. The contract includes a $45.7 million low rate initial production contract, which will be assumed by the Department of Navy. Within 60 days, the Navy will announce a production decision. The Navy plans to integrate the weapon onto a variety platforms, including the AH64D Apache Longbow attack and rescue helicopter, MQ-8 Fire Scout utility helicopter, UH-1Y Vennom utility helicopter, and MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter. The department also plans to integrate the guidance kit on the Lockheed Martin F-16 platform.
In addition to the US Navy's integration efforts, the Air Force is pursuing integration on the Lockheed Martin F-16 platform and the US Marine Corps has begun activities to integrate the APKWS on its AV-8B maritime patrol aircraft. Australia has tested APKWS also on its EC665 Tiger ARH scout/attack helicopter. Australia plans to buy the APKWS systems for the EC665 Tiger. Australia also plans on purchasing the system to equip its MH-60R Seahawk Naval Helicopter.
In January 2012 the US Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 successfully completed the initial operational testing and evaluation (IOTE), phase of the program. APKWS was declared operationally viable by NAVAIR's independent tester agency. The test agency also concluded that the system would be operationally suitable for the Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter, which will be the first USMC aviator to carry the APKWS. This would enable aerial fire support missions on urban terrain.