The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a fixed-wing guidance system from BAE Systems, is designed to work on many aircraft types. It converts a 2.75-inch rocket unguided into a precision-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 probability of hitting targets within five meters of its spot. This precision-guided weapon has a very low collateral damage and can hit targets within five meters.
APKWS is designed on the Hydra70 unguided rocket. It has been in active service with the United States Marine Corps since the early 90s. The system can be fired from attack helicopters and light aircraft. This includes the USMC’s AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter, Bell 407GT scout helicoptor, and UH-1Y Vennom utility helicopter. The USMC MQ-8 Fire Scout rotarywing aircraft is also equipped with the guidance system. The guidance kit not only provides surgical strike capability but also increases the rocket's effective range by 30%.
The USMC has completed qualification testing on the APKWS systems, which were also tested in Afghanistan. The live-warhead trials included eight direct hits of the USMC against AH-1W Super Cobra attack aircrafts. APKWS was also evaluated on an AT-6C turboprop light-attack HawkerBeechcraft AT-6C turboprop aircraft at Eglin AFB in Fla. In January 2012, it fired from an aircraft. This testing revealed the APKWS's potential to be fielded on a wide variety of platforms.
BAE Systems was selected by the US Navy as the prime contractor to carry out the weapon development phase in APKWS. The contract includes a low-rate initial production contract at $45.7 million, which will be taken over by the Department of Navy. Within 60 days, the Navy will announce a production decision. The weapon will be integrated onto a variety platform, including the AH 64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, MQ-8 Fire Scouts, UH-1Y Vennom utility helicopters, and the MH-60R Seahawk naval 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 also tested APKWS on its EC665 Tiger ARH scout/attack helicopter. Australia will purchase the APKWS system to equip the EC665 Tiger. Australia plans to purchase the APKWS system for its MH-60R Seahawk navy helicopter.
In January 2012, US Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 finished the initial operational and evaluation (IOTE). APKWS has been declared operationally successful by NAVAIR, an independent test 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 permit aerial fire support missions in urban areas.