The U.S. Air Force, in collaboration with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, conducted flight tests of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on an MQ-9A Reaper at the Nevada Test and Training Range.
The demonstration, completed recently, involved multiple shot profiles against both ground and aerial targets, including one-way attack drones. MQ-9A crews executed all laser-guided rocket firings successfully using a specialized launcher, such as the LAU-131 A/A pod loaded with seven AGR-20 rockets.
APKWS converts Hydra 70 unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions with laser seekers, enabling engagement of moving and stationary targets without major platform modifications. The system offers a low-cost alternative to expand the MQ-9A’s weapon capacity beyond its standard AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs.
GA-ASI President David R. Alexander stated that APKWS increases the number of weapons the MQ-9A can carry while providing affordable options against drones. The tests involved Department of Defense stakeholders and industry partners, demonstrating rapid integration from planning to flight.
The MQ-9A Reaper, a medium-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft, features over 27 hours of endurance, speeds up to 240 knots, and a 3,850-pound payload capacity across seven hardpoints.