Ongeleide 70 mm Hydra raket -ook in gebruik bij de KLu- wordt massaal omgebouwd tot lasergeleide variant
27 September 2019
12:15
BAE Systems won a $2.7 billion firm-fixed-price contract external link to procure the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II full rate production Lots 8-12. The deal procures WGU-59/B units to upgrade the current 2.75-inch rocket system to a semi-active laser guided precision weapon to support the US Navy, Army, Air Force, and Foreign Military Sales requirements to include the governments of Iraq, Lebanon, Netherlands, Jordan, Afghanistan, United Kingdom, Tunisia, Philippines and Australia. The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System is a combat-proven, laser-guided 70mm rocket system designed and manufactured by BAE Systems in collaboration with the US Government.
The versatile Hydra 70mm rocket family is primed for a new lease on life, thanks to widespread programs aimed at converting these ubiquitous rockets into cheap laser-guided precision weapons. Conversion benefits include cost, use on both helicopters and fighters, more precision weapons per platform, low collateral damage, and the activation of large weapon stockpiles that couldn’t be used under strict rules of engagement.
(Foto: screenshot van Baesystems productomschrijving – .pdf)
De APKWS II was reeds in productie, naar verluidt ook voor Nederland. Waar het nog niet op de lijst van bewapening staat om onder vliegtuigen en helikopters te hangen.
