General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), has collaborated with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to conduct flight testing of rocket pods with BAE Systems-produced Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on a USAF MQ-9A REAPER. GA-ASI is, as is well known, the original manufacturer of the MQ-9 family.

The demonstration involved multiple firings against a variety of targets and across various shot profiles, including air to air engagements. All shots were executed “flawlessly”, according to GA-ASI.

The APKWS is a mid-body, semi-active laser guidance and control kit that converts an unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) HYDRA rocket into a precision laser-guided weapon. These rockets are armed with M151 or M152 warheads, have a MK66 rocket motor for propulsion and are fired from LAU-131A/A 7-rounds launcher pods. The guidance section is known as WGU-59BB.

A specific variant of APKWS had been created for this purpose by the USAF with the integration of a proximity fuze (FMU-178) and updated software. This variant is known as FALCO -  Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance.

For the MQ-9, the APKWS represents an additional strike option against surface targets, with the added benefit of carrying more shots in comparison to the larger, more expensive HELLFIRE missile. The main focus is however on the use of APKWS as a “cheap” and “dense” solution for shooting down enemy drones.

While an MQ-9 does not have the kinematic performances of a fighter jet interceptor, it does offer a very long endurance in the air which allows it to patrol a given area for multiple hours. This makes it a good solution for defence against drone attacks.

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