Description

The APKWS II is a design conversion of an unguided Hydra 2.75-inch rocket with a laser guidance kit to give it precision-kill capability. It is intended as an inexpensive way to destroy targets while limiting collateral damage in close combat. The APKWS II guidance section is threaded between the legacy 10-pound high-explosive war­head and Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor. Production began in 2011. Successful Initial Operational Test and Evaluation was comple­ted January 2012 on AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters. IOC was declared in March 2012. APKWS is now in Full Rate Production. Successfully employed in Operation Enduring Freedom from UH-1Y and AH-1W, APKWS II has demonstrated a probability of hit in excess of 90 percent. In March 2014, APKWS II was successfully integrated onto MH-60S; MH-60R. AH-1Z integration is underway.

Specifications

Length: 18.5 inches (APKWS II guidance section only); 73.77 inches (APKWS II all-up round)
Wingspan: 9.55 inches
Diameter: 2.75 inches
Weight: 9.8 pounds (APKWS II guidance section only); 32.6 pounds (APKWS II all-up round)
Speed: Maximum, 1,000 meters per second
Range: 1,500-5,000 meters
Propulsion: Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor
Warhead: M151 or Mk 152 10-pound high-explosive warhead
Contractor: BAE Systems
Platforms: AH-1W, UH-1Y, MH-60