BAE Systems is getting set to demonstrate its advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) on fixed-wing tactical fighter platforms.
"We are doing a modification to it now so that it can be used on fixed-wing aircraft," says John Watkins, BAE's director of precision guidance solutions. The company will be demonstrating the weapon as part of the Pentagon Joint Concepts Technology Demonstrations process.
For use on fixed-wing aircraft, the rocket's control fin extension system had to be modified. Development is complete, Watkins says. Testing will start next year, and could run for six months.
If the Pentagon deems the weapon to have military value, the APKWS round could become operational on the Fairchild Republic A-10, Lockheed Martin F-16, Boeing AV-8B Harrier II and F/A-18.
Source: Flight International
