APKWS to be integrated into MQ-8B Fire Scout
BAE Systems has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the US Navy to integrate the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) onto the MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV. The contract marks the first time the system has been integrated onto a UAV, allowing the Fire Scout to engage targets at land or sea with laser-guided accuracy.
According to BAE Systems, the system is being integrated onto the Fire Scout in response to an urgent operational need and is being prepared for rapid deployment. The company will support this rapid APKWS integration by performing system analyses and modelling based on its high fidelity, integrated flight simulator.
Following demonstrations on both rotary and fixed-wing manned platforms, the APKWS will expand the types of missions that can be conducted by UAVs from surface ships that are too hazardous for manned aircraft.
The APKWS is a US government programme of record for the semi- active laser-guided 2.75-inch rocket. US Marine aviators recently completed the initial operational test and evaluation phase of the APKWS programme, firing successfully against stationary and moving targets from AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters. The APKWS system has since been deployed in Afghanistan and the company continues to ship units to theatre for use against insurgent forces. BAE Systems has been the APKWS prime contractor since 2006.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Reamda upgrades Grasshopper UGV observation mast
Reamda, an Irish engineering company with a focus on UGVs and defence applications, delivered its Riddler platformed to the Irish Defence Forces last year.
-
Roke unveils new CUAS solution
The Roke Agile CUAS has been designed to provide protection for military and civilian situations, as well as to handle swarms of UAS by using a range of sensors.
-
Russia reaches new monthly record for Lancet use in Ukraine
The aggressor’s armed forces have adapted Lancet to Ukrainian conditions via iterative developments accompanied by a significant expansion in production capacity
-
India’s pursuit of UAVs fuels domestic innovation and industrial growth
In response to escalating border tensions and the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities, the Indian Army is ramping up its drone acquisitions, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern defence strategies.
-
Australia to adopt new predatory OWL species
The Australian Defence Force will introduce the One-Way Loitering (OWL) platform by Innovaero, the country’s first long-range loitering munition, to enhance strike capabilities and understanding of loitering munitions.
-
Dedrone’s latest uncrewed solutions offers “complete CUAS DTI-M kill chain”
DedroneOnTheMove, which integrates advanced sensor-fusion and mitigation technologies, was showcased at Eurosatory 2024 and has been designed for deployment to enhance airspace security in high-risk environments.