Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)

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.   Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was declared in 2012 on AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters.   In March 2014, APKWS II was successfully integrated onto MH-60S and MH-60R.  In 2016, APKWS II was fielded on the AV-8B, F-16 and A-10 aircraft.

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
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, AV-8B, F-16, A-10, AH-64