Precision Guided Weapons Based On Modified Rockets (APKWS, LOGIR, DAGR, etc.)

[Jschmus]

I just picked up this little tidbit that might be of interest, especially to those looking to participate in the "Trainers with Teeth" GB.  As of late 2007, the USMC is looking to fit the 5" Zuni rocket with a laser guidance package similar to that fitted to the Hydra 70mm rocket.  That opened up all sorts of possibilities in my mind, as I had thought the Zuni restricted to older-era aircraft.  There are four-shot pods in the Academy OV-10s, and two-round launchers in their F-8 Crusaders.  Just a thought.

[Maverick]

Funnily enough, I went along a similar path for two of my Armour GB builds, using LAU pods for SDATW (Small Diameter Anti-Tank Weapons) allowing a pod to carry much more than the usual single or twin TOW rounds.  Great to see they've been using all that mind-reading on me!!! Have to make a foil hat.

Regards,

Mav

[Jeffry Fontaine]

I just picked up this little tidbit that might be of interest, especially to those looking to participate in the "Trainers with Teeth" GB.  As of late 2007, the USMC is looking to fit the 5" Zuni rocket with a laser guidance package similar to that fitted to the Hydra 70mm rocket.  That opened up all sorts of possibilities in my mind, as I had thought the Zuni restricted to older-era aircraft.  There are four-shot pods in the Academy OV-10s, and two-round launchers in their F-8 Crusaders.  Just a thought.

Lockheed-Martin also has a similar program that is attempting to develop a guided version of the smaller 70mm(2.75") rockets. 
The Zuni and Mighty Mouse are still capable weapons for modern aircraft. 
Now if they took a step backwards and considered resurrecting the old 11.75"(298mm) Tiny Tim and adding a laser seeker to it, this would really be an interesting weapon to add to your arsenal. 

[Rafael]

Jeff, is the DAGR optically/optronically guided, vs. the laser designation of the APKWS?

Rafa

[Jeffry Fontaine]

is the DAGR optically/optronically guided, vs. the laser designation of the APKWS?

Hi Rafael,

Hope this helps

Lockheed-Martin product description for the DAGR http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/DAGR/index.html


Direct Attack Guided Rocket (DAGR)  is a semi-active laser guidance kit that adapts to 2.75-inch/70mm rockets to provide guided-rocket performance comparable to that of the precision-strike laser-guided HELLFIRE II® missile. DAGR is being developed by Lockheed Martin as a non-developmental item to fill the gap between unguided rockets and the HELLFIRE weapon system by providing a precision-strike, air-to-ground weapon for non-armored or lightly-armored high-value targets close to civilian assets or friendly forces, while limiting collateral damage.

DAGR integrates proven seeker, guidance, electronics, integrated flight simulation, and countermeasures technologies developed on HELLFIRE and Joint Common Missile (JCM) to provide a highly lethal and precise 2.75-inch/70mm weapon. Our baseline DAGR guidance kit offers 2.75-inch/70mm rockets lock-on-after-launch and lock-on-before-launch capability, target handoff, enhanced built-in test, and laser coding from the cockpit. Its off-axis capability increases the engagement envelope, providing additional field of view for angle-of-attack, moving targets, and wind.

Accompanied by Lockheed Martin’s 4-pack launcher, the DAGR system allows quick and easy integration on all HELLFIRE platforms including Cobra, Apache, Seahawk, Kiowa and Tiger helicopters. Fully compatible with the M299 and M310 “smart” launchers, DAGR increases launcher load out by up to four times and provides single-switch operational flexibility, drawing upon a payload that includes DAGR as well as multiple variants of HELLFIRE for multi-mission capability.

Additionally, due to DAGR’s compatibility with the HELLFIRE weapon system, the usual resources for fielding a new weapon system – development, training, additional equipment and force structure – are avoided.

[Maverick]

Jeffry,

I noted in the article you posted that they talked about a 'four-round launcher'.  Can these weapons be carried & fired from standard LAU series pods?  It seems that the fielding of a four round system kinda detracts from the versatility of the weapons unless specifically for those applications where two Hellfires were a max load (eg: Predator pylons).

Regards,

Mav

[Jeffry Fontaine]

I noted in the article you posted that they talked about a 'four-round launcher'.  Can these weapons be carried & fired from standard LAU series pods?  It seems that the fielding of a four round system kinda detracts from the versatility of the weapons unless specifically for those applications where two Hellfires were a max load (eg: Predator pylons).

John,

The DAGR four round launcher actually mounts on the AGM-114 HELLFIRE Launcher in place of the missile (see attached image).  This is apparently due to the similiarities of the DAGR with the HELLFIRE since they are both laser guided weapons.  I wonder if they will attempt to create a milimeter wave seeker that is similar to BRIMSTONE? 

The APKWS is also a laser guided weapon but it is designed to be launched from a standard LAU series rocket launch pod.  Without going into further research on the differences, it is possible that you could conceivably carry more APKWS missiles in 19 round launch pods than the DAGR.  This alone would make it an ideal support weapon and in such a small size, it will surely increase the number of targets that can be serviced by one platform.

[Maverick]

Jeffry,

Thanks for that, clears up that question.  Talk about a serious load then for the AT helos.  I guess a theoretical 64 rounds carried?  Wowsers!

Regards,

John

[Jschmus]

I saw a two-round launcher for the APKWS mounted on a Firescout UCAV at the Oceana Air Show a few years ago.  I'll have to see if I can dig out a photo.

[GTX]

I actually saw this last year at DSEi 2007:



Regards,

Greg