You know, after watching the video below, I thought this would be an excellent missile system for ground applications. Either a vehicle mounted option or even some kind of modified hydra rocket that could be launched from a shoulder fired system. Or turn SMAW or Carl Gustav M-3 munitions into smart munitions? I mean look at how expensive a Javelin is? Something to ponder for today’s cost conscious and budget crunching military.
But the thinking here that I really like is taking old, cheap, and dumb munitions, and upgrading them to be precision weapon systems. They are doing this with mortar systems as well, and it is a great ‘JDAM style’ upgrade revolution. It will also allow more countries to be more precise in their military operations, if they require aviation support.
The Russian equivalent to the APKWS is the Ugroza and it seems like they are going in the same direction of trying to make these dumb munitions that are stockpiled in armories throughout the world, into smart munitions. Exciting stuff and we will see where this goes… –Matt
Specifications for APKWS
Diameter: 70 mm
Guidance: Semi-active laser homing.
CEP (circular error probable): < 1 m
Motor: Existing Hydra 70 motors.
Warhead: Existing Hydra 70 warheads.
Unit cost: ~ $28,500
APKWS is a “plug and play,” “point and shoot” weapon, and is fired like the unguided 2.75-inch rocket. The weapon is easily assembled and can be shot with minimal instruction, as if it were an unguided rocket.