BAE Systems to display precision kill weapon system at Aero India

BAE Systems is set to showcase Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rocket at Aero India.

The company – in its third year of full rate production – has demonstrated the APKWS on more than a dozen fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms including AH-64 Apache, the F-16, the Bell 407 and the AH-1W.

“Developed as a highly cost-effective solution that leverages the military’s existing infrastructure and inventory, the APKWS rocket turns a standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) rocket into a precision laser-guided rocket to give war fighters a low-cost surgical strike capability,” said John Brosnan, Managing Director-India & South East Asia, BAE Systems.

Building on in-theatre success by the US Marines, BAE Systems is planning to display its full capabilities at the Aero India. The rocket system was recently chosen by The Kingdom of Jordan for its CASA-235 light gunship aircraft.

Brosnan said the company’s showcase at the Aero India this year has an array of equipment targeted towards India’s rapidly expanding military helicopter fleet.

“This includes the S3000 and Mission Adaptable Crew Seats (MACS). The Striker helmet-mounted display (HMD) too will be present at the Show.

Now in service on the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Striker provides comfort, protection, and helmet stability for both fixed- and rotary-wing platforms such as the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Apache and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH),” he added.

Encouraged by ‘Make in India’ call, the company is also gearing up to showcase commitment to a range of platforms and technologies after the success of the Hawk advanced jet trainer. Marking the company’s continued progress in partnering Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) in ‘Make in India’ programme, Tactical Communications Systems (TCS), the pavilion will dedicate a section to the ‘Internet for the battle space’ or secure, deployable broadband voice, data and video communications systems.

According to Brosnan, India is the largest operator of the Hawk advanced jet trainer with 123 aircraft ordered to date, of which over 90 have been delivered to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The Indian Hawks in service have clocked up over 75,000 flying hours. BAE Systems has commenced contract negotiations with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on a potential order to supply products and services for the manufacture of a further 20 Hawk aircraft.

The aircraft, to be built by HAL in Bengaluru, will fulfil the Indian Air Force’s requirement for its aerobatic team.

The company also has an array of equipment targeted towards India’s rapidly expanding military helicopter fleet.

“This includes the S3000 and Mission Adaptable Crew Seats (MACS). The Striker helmet-mounted display (HMD) too will be present at the Aero Show,” said Brosnan.

“Now in service on the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Striker provides comfort, protection, and helmet stability for both fixed- and rotary-wing platforms such as the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Apache and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH),” he explained.

In addition, on display will be Broadsword SPINETM, connected electronic equipment for the clothing of armed forces, fire and rescue services, and law enforcement.

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