BAE Systems Precision-Targeted Weapon Development Program Now Led by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.WASHINGTON -- BAE Systems' Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) was a developmental program to provide a laser guided missile which would have been compatible with existing Hydra 70 unguided rocket systems in service. (APKWS APKWS Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (US Army) ) contract has been transferred from the U.S. Army to the Department of the Navy. With full funding in place, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps recently assumed the APKWS development contract with BAE Systems BAE Systems British manufacturer of aircraft, missiles, avionics, naval vessels, and other aerospace and defense products. BAE Systems was formed (1999) from the merger of British Aerospace (BAe) with Marconi Electronic Systems. to complete System Development and Demonstration (SDD (Software Design Description) The architecture of an information system. See IDD. ) of the rocket-guidance capability. "APKWS will give troops the ability to engage enemies in an urban environment, minimizing casualties and property damage and allowing helicopter troops to target enemies with increased precision even before opposition forces are aware of engagement," said Frank Wilson, vice president of precision targeting for BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire Nashua is a city in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, USA. As of the 2000 census, Nashua had a total population of 86,605[1], making it the second largest city in the state after Manchester. As of 2005, the population is estimated to be 87,986. . APKWS is a low-cost, low-yield precision munition system that turns a standard 2.75-inch unguided rocket to a smart, laser-guided weapon capable of engaging unarmored and lightly armored targets. The seeker guides the rocket to its target with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that the intended target is destroyed while minimizing the risk of collateral damage collateral damage Surgery A popular term for any undesired but unavoidable co-morbidity associated with a therapy–eg, chemotherapy-induced CD to the BM and GI tract as a side effect of destroying tumor cells . APKWS requires no aircraft hardware modifications and allows military aircrews to engage targets that were previously off-limits due to the risk of collateral damage. By the end of 2007, the APKWS program had completed 14 demonstrations with two helicopter platforms involving three separate air crews and various mission scenarios. Development funding will be used for testing and qualification of APKWS for use on the Marine Corps' AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter. BAE Systems' Nashua facility plans to begin producing the rockets at the end of 2009. The company has been the prime contractor for APKWS since April 2006. About BAE Systems BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services . With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded PS15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007. |
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