The 2.75 in FFAR just got smarter

[Grognard]

In the never ending quest for accuracy, precision, savings and the avoidance of collateral damage, companies are applying tech upgrades to the 2.75 inch folding fin aerial rocket. Raytheon has completed testing on it's revised warhead creating a laser guided rocket that fits in standard helicopter pods. It can hit a 1.4 meter (5ft.) target at 5 KM (3.1 miles). [ http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1380 ] The Tactical Advanced Laser-guided Ordnace (TALON) missle will have a max effective range of 6 KM.

Other companies are working on similar products. BAE's Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II is under development for the Marines. It was recently test fired off of a AH-1W cobra with 11 out of 11 hits. These may be used on AV-8B and A-10's as well.

Lockheed Martin's entry is called the Directional Attack Guided Rocket (DAGR) and is positioning it as a cheap version of the Hellfire. It is copatable with hell fire launcers.

Alliant Techsystems is introducing a new rocket, the Guided Advanced Tactical Radar (GATR). It a gound up new system with a max effective range of 8 Ks. The warheads will have different fuctions. currently there is a penetrator / Light Armor Killer and enhanced blast / fragmentation warhead.

Potentially every helicopter in the world just got a little more leathal.

[ostketten]

Very cool, new life for an "old soldier" that's been around since the late 1940's.