F-16s will get upgraded with Laser Guided Rockets from the U.S. Air Force

On June 8^th 2016, Z. Jaric released an article on Aerospace Report that talks about how there are APKWS laser guided rockets that are being used on F-16s. APKWS is an acronym from BAE Systems Avionics that means Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System. BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System was acquired by the U.S. Air Force. These are being used in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System has a length of 73.8 inches, diameter of 2.75 in, wingspan of 9.55 in, weight of 32 lbs, and a unit cost of around $30,000.00.

Here is what David Harrold, the director of precision guidance solutions at BASE Systems has to say about this.

The APKWS rocket’s innovative ‘plug and play’ design makes it possible to deploy these systems on a variety of platforms. The Navy and Air Force deserve immense credit for streamlining the acquisition process by leveraging an existing Navy program of record to meet the needs of all our military services. We are confident that the addition of this highly accurate, low-collateral-damage weapon system will be a game-changer for F-16 and A-10 users in the U.S. Air Force and around the world.

Brigadier General Shaun Morris, the Program Executive Officer for Weapons, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida has to add to this too.

The APKWS fixed-wing fielding has been a true display of joint service and contractor teamwork to quickly deliver a capability to meet Air Combat Command fielding requirements while also exceeding Air Force should schedule timelines.