Rocket system to be integrated on UAV

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NASHUA, N.H., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- A 2.75-inch laser-guided rocket weapon is being integrated onto an unmanned aerial vehicle system because of an emergency operational need by the U.S. military.

BAE Systems said its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System will be integrated onto a MQ-8B Fire Scout under a contract awarded from the U.S. Navy, with deployment to follow.

"APKWS' precision firepower will soon be available on a UAV platform," said Roy Rumbaugh, APKWS program manager at BAE Systems. "With BAE Systems' innovative technologies, the Fire Scout will engage targets on land or at sea with laser-guided accuracy while keeping our warfighters out of harm's way."

The APKWS, a 2.75-inch rocket system, recently underwent initial operational tests by U.S. Marines using AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters. It has since been deployed in Afghanistan and the company continues to send units there.

BAE Systems has been the APKWS prime contractor since 2006.