APKSW II test flies Junior.

The first week of March 2006 saw Lockheed Martin conduct a successful ground-launch medium-range guided test vehicle (GTV) flight of the Hellfire Junior missile that the company is offering for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II requirement. The test objectives were to demonstrate safe launch and separation characteristics, obtain stable flight and performance of the seeker de-roll bearing assembly and evaluate the semi-active laser guidance system. The test concluded when the rocket hit its target--which was almost three km downrange--and impacted less than one-half metre from the laser spot designation point. The 2.75-inch APKWS II laser-guided rocket will provide US Army Apache and Marine Corps Cobra helicopter crews precision strike capabilities against targets that do not require a seven-inch Hellfire missile.