Drone vs Drone: Americans Successfully Launch APKWS From TRV-150

The United States has tested a modified TRV-150 drone equipped with an APKWS missile, designed to hit both air and ground targets.

BAE Systems noted that this is an important step forward in the development of low-cost attack drones for the military on the front line.

During the tests conducted by the Marines, the TRV-150 destroyed both air and ground targets using BAE’s APKWS laser targeting system.

The TRV-150 is a modified version of the Malloy T-150 heavy drone, which was developed in the UK. Originally designed to support logistics on the front line, the drone has now proven its ability to deliver precision strikes at a much lower cost than traditional platforms.

APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) is a project of BAE Systems that involves integrating a semi-active laser homing head into the 70mm Hydra unguided air-to-air missile.

To be used as an anti-aircraft missile, the APKWS is equipped with a remote fuze that activates the warhead even if it misses the target, in case of flying close to the target. This significantly increases the effectiveness of intercepting airborne objects.

The TRV-150 is already in service with the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the Tactical Reach Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) program.

“Providing troops with a medium-powered unmanned aerial vehicle to engage air and ground targets will be a watershed in warfighting capabilities, and we are pleased to contribute to this new capability for U.S. and allied forces,” said the drone’s developers.

The successful demonstration highlights the increasing versatility of heavy drones in service with the UK and its allied forces.

The TRV-150 was initially designed to transport cargo up to 68 kg as part of short-distance logistics missions. Later, the platform was tested for demining and now for precision strikes.

In the future, the drone will be equipped with the ability to carry a payload of up to 300 kg. The next stage of development will focus on improving autonomy and enhancing guidance systems.

Earlier, the US Air Force showed an F-16 fighter with six seven-round LAU-131/A units, which are adapted to use APKWS missiles. At the same time, the United States redirected 20,000 of these missiles against the Shahed promised to Ukraine to the Middle East.