The AGR-20 APKWS is the conversion of the US 70 mm Hydra 70 unguided air-to-air missile into a laser guided missile. High-precision AGR-20 APKWS missiles are used from airplanes and helicopters. But in 2020, BAE Systems tested APKWS from land-based platforms for the first time.

Hydra 70 missiles have a wide range of engines and warheads, depending on the platform and purpose. High explosive, cumulative, small projectiles (sub-caliber projectiles), anti-personnel, phosphor, cassette, etc. The APKWS II complex includes a launch platform, missiles equipped with a WGU-59/B mid-body guidance unit, an extended LAU-68 F/A 7-tube rocket launcher, an SCS 7 target, as well as the Fastpack PA-140. CNU-711/E for missile storage kits and guidance kits respectively.

The WGU-59/B mid-body guidance unit is equipped with an inertial guidance system and a DASALS optical search engine, which activates 0.5 seconds after launch and increases its length by being mounted between the Mk 66 Mod 4 rocket engine, warhead and blaster. The Hydra missile is 47 cm and its weight is 4.1 kg.

The firing range is 1100-11000 meters. Maximum range is limited to use of the existing Hydra 70 engine, but as binoculars can see up to 14,000 meters, a more powerful engine can increase range while maintaining accuracy. Nammo is working on a modified rocket, the engine of which can increase the flight range to 12-15 km.

With the APKWS software update since 2021, the flight range has been increased by 30% thanks to the optimized flight path to defeat targets with steeper angles of attack, and it is used in both aircraft and helicopters in a single variant.

BAE Systems successfully tested APKWS against unmanned aerial vehicles (C-UAS). Equipped with a contactless fuze, the APKWS missile destroyed the Class 2 UAV, the contactless fuze allows to intercept UAVs at a lower cost than other methods, and the launch-activated laser guidance feature of the missile eliminates the need for a target. purchase before launch.

Features:

• length – 1.87 m;
• diameter – 70 mm;
• wingspan – 24.3 cm;
• weight – 15 kg;
• speed – 1000 m/s (Mach 2.9);
• range – 1100–11000 m;
• guidance – semi-active laser target designation;
• warheads: 1-2 kg;
• The cost is $22,000.