BAE Systems’ Robotic Combat Vehicle Fires Laser-Guided Rockets

British defense firm BAE Systems has demonstrated the integration of its laser-guided rockets into a robotic combat vehicle.

The event marked the first time the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets have been fired using an autonomous vehicle.

The weapon reportedly hit multiple targets “with a human decision in the loop.”

According to the company, the robotic combat vehicle has a hybrid-electric drive system and can be fitted with various payloads, including the APKWS laser-guidance kit.

It can also be equipped with electronic warfare sensors, anti-tank guided missiles, and loitering munitions to help neutralize armored and aerial threats.

Providing Unique Capability

BAE Systems explained that integrating the APKWS rockets into an advanced ground platform could provide military units with a “unique capability” to engage enemy ground assets and low-flying drones.

The demonstration showed that the unmanned vehicle can fire sophisticated weapon systems to support missions in multi-domain operational environments.

The ground-launched APKWS can engage targets at up to six kilometers (3.7 miles), providing warfighters with improved precision strikes at extended ranges.

“Over the past year, we’ve partnered with leading technology companies to build an autonomous vehicle that will exceed the Army’s requirements,” BAE Systems director Helen Park said.

Additional Features

The APKWS laser guidance kit is designed to hit targets with pinpoint accuracy and minimal collateral damage.

It is equipped with an advanced Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker system to guide the rocket to the target accurately.

“In combat, our APKWS system has achieved over a 93 percent hit rate when fired from rotary- and fixed-wing platforms. In fact, it is the most accurate precision guided weapon in its class,” the company states on its website.