BAE Systems' Laser-Guided Rockets Are Now Used to Take Down Drones

As the threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) grows, so does the requirement for low-cost solutions. While many are considering lasers and microwaves, BAE Systems, a London-based military contractor, has gone with what it knows best: rockets. Except for the fact that these rockets are just 2.75 inches (7 cm) in length.

BAE Systems has been supplying the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) since 2012, which employs a laser guidance system to turn 2.75-inch Hydra 70 unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons. APKWS rockets are already in service and have a demonstrated track record of attacking stationary and moving targets from a variety of military vehicles and remote weapon stations.

Now, the business has created a proximity fuze that permits the employment of ordinary warheads and motors as low-cost explosives against drones, according to a news statement. The proximity fuze combines target proximity and point detection capabilities and may be used in place of the existing M423 fuzes on contemporary rockets.

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These unique and ingenious fuzes, developed by L3Harris Technologies and Technology Service Corporation, now enable these lethal small rockets to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) without making physical contact with them. The business recently conducted a test of the technology against Class 2 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at Arizona's Yuma Proving Grounds. "Our successful test strikes illustrate our engineers' ingenuity and a novel and cost-effective use of current Department of Defense weaponry to combat a growing danger," said Greg Procopio, BAE Systems' director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Systems.

The APKWS's distinguishing trait is applied to its counter-UAS activities as well. Rather of latching onto the drone, the rockets may be fired first and then guided to their target, the business stated. This saves vital seconds during critical moments.

"Because of their versatility and cost, APKWS rockets are an excellent alternative for eliminating tiny tactical military drones," Procopio stated. According to the business, the APKWS delivers a counter-drone capability at a tenth of the cost of conventional strike capabilities.