BAE Systems To Unveil APKWS Rocket, Helmet Mounted Display At Aero India 2015

BAE Systems will be debuting Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rocket, S3000 and Mission Adaptable Crew Seats (MACS), Striker helmet-mounted display (HMD) and an array of equipment during the upcoming Aero India show, the company said in a statement.

BAE will showcase commitment to a range of platforms and technologies eyeing Make In India program and will emphasize development of Hawk’s training, performance and operational capabilities. 

The company will also showcase Tactical Communications Systems and will dedicate a section for “Internet for the battlespace” or secure, deployable broadband voice, data and video communications systems, it said.

India is the largest operator of the Hawk advanced jet trainer with 123 aircraft ordered to date, of which over 90 have been delivered to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

The Indian Hawks in service have clocked up over 75,000 flying hours. BAE Systems has commenced contract negotiations with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on a potential order to supply products and services for the manufacture of a further 20 Hawk aircraft. The aircraft, to be built by HAL in Bengaluru, will fulfil the Indian Air Force’s requirement for its prestigious aerobatic team.

APKWS rocket developed as a highly cost-effective solution that leverages the military’s existing infrastructure and inventory turns a standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 millimeter) rocket into a precision laser-guided rocket to give warfighters a low-cost surgical strike capability.

Currently in its third year of full rate production, the APKWS rocket has been successfully demonstrated on more than a dozen fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms including AH-64 Apache, the F-16, the Bell 407, and the AH-1W.  Building on in-theater success by the U.S. Marines, the APKWS rocket has been chosen by The Kingdom of Jordan for its CASA-235 light gunship aircraft.

The S3000 and Mission Adaptable Crew Seats (MACS) and the Striker helmet-mounted display (HMD) too will be present at the Show. Now in service on the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Striker provides comfort, protection, and helmet stability for both fixed- and rotary-wing platforms such as the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Apache and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

In addition, on display will be Broadsword SPINE, connected electronic equipment for the clothing of armed forces, fire and rescue services, and law enforcement.

Chris Boardman, Managing Director, Military Air and Information, said,  “We have a long history of working with industry in India. Through our various programs we have worked closely together to develop skills and capabilities in the Defense Industry. Our commitment to this will not change and India remains central to our future strategy.”

John Brosnan, Managing Director, India & South East Asia, said, “The backdrop of Make in India at the show this time makes it an excellent platform for us to strengthen existing partnerships and activate new ones.”