Lockheed Martin to Bid on Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II

Strategic Insights -

Lockheed Martin, a leading aerospace and defense company, has announced its plan to bid on the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) program. The APKWS II is a 2.75-inch air-to-ground precision-guided rocket system designed for use against urban targets by various platforms and services. The Army released a request for proposals for the program on August 31, with a deadline of November 29. Other companies, including Raytheon, GenCorp's Aerojet, Goodrich, and General Dynamics, have also expressed interest in competing for the contract.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lockheed Martin has vast experience in developing and producing precision air-to-ground weapons, which it plans to leverage for the APKWS II program.
  • The company has produced over 35,000 Hellfire missiles with a reliability rate of more than 97 percent.
  • Lockheed Martin plans to utilize its Hellfire and Joint Common Missile expertise to make the APKWS II a success.
  • The company has a long history of developing and producing low-cost precision air-to-ground missiles, dating back to the 1960s and the development of the Laser Aided Rocket System (LARS).
  • The APKWS II program builds upon existing technologies, such as the 2.75-inch semi-active laser (SAL), which led to the development of the Laser Aided Rocket System (LARS) and ultimately today's programs like Hellfire.
  • General Dynamics, which previously held the APKWS contract, has also expressed interest in competing for the contract after it was curtailed by the Army in the spring.

Statistics:

  • More than 35,000 Hellfire missiles have been produced by Lockheed Martin with a reliability rate of over 97 percent.
  • Lockheed Martin has a proven track record of developing and producing precision air-to-ground weapons with vast experience in systems integration, manufacturing, quality, and logistics.
  • The 2.75-inch SAL program, developed in the 1960s, led to the development of the LARS program and ultimately today's programs like Hellfire.

Sources:

  • Defense Daily (May 25)
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