Posted on 04/10/2010 7:30:12 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
U.S. Marine Corps will initially deploy Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) from AH-1W Cobra helicopters, developed by BAE Systems in partnership with the U.S. government.
APKWS provides aviators with a highly precise weapon that is effective against soft and lightly armored targets while minimizing collateral damage.
It is mainly important in urban areas and other situations in which non-combatants or friendly forces are near hostile targets.
“The weapon system, which transforms standard 2.75-inch unguided rockets to smart, highly precise laser-guided missiles, "is a game-changer for our nation's war fighters," said Mike Lewis, vice president and general manager of soldier and vehicle solutions at BAE Systems in a official news release.
"Its demonstrated precision and small warhead mean aviators can prosecute very specific targets from a greater distance without incurring collateral damage. The technology's low weight compared to other precision-guided munitions is critical to mission success on helicopters operating in high-altitude environments," he added.
APKWS is a low-cost alternative to other air-launched munitions currently in inventory.
APKWS can be fired from any helicopter that can launch 2.75-inch rockets. While the initial platform is the AH-1W Cobra, APKWS also has been successfully demonstrated from a U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, it said
(Excerpt) Read more at brahmand.com ...
Some very cool background and technical data on the APKWS:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/apkws.htm
Clever new twist on a tried-and-true weapon system.
It was originally a US Army weapon system. The Army passed it off to the Navy and their subordinate organization the marine corps.
Regardless of merit, serivce, ideology, integrity, kindess to puppies, and table manners,
ANYONE who says “game changer” should be soundly beaten.
It’s a balance of the universe kind of thing.
Cool about the rockets though.
Don’t forget “Viable alternative” (fingernail on chalkboard noise)
FOr the record, at $10,000 (as in 10 grand, 10 Large) EACH, they had damn well better be magic!
Say what? Read it and weep, it’s your wallet.
70mm Hydra-70: Weight: (7-Round Pod) 16 kg, (19-Round Pod) 37.2 kg, (Per Rocket) 31 kg; Price: (7-Round Pod) $750 (C/S), (19-Round Pod) $1500 (C/S), (Per Rocket) $900 (C/R)
SO this magic is only 10X the cost for ‘dumb”.... Dunno, maybe it’s just me, but that is just waaaaay too much.
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