Fuzing Technology Key to Defeating Drones

Hitting a target requires precision to ensure a threat is neutralized. The L3Harris fuze turns the Hydra 70 rocket with APKWS guidance kit into a low-cost proven C-UAS effector. The fuze is platform agnostic allowing the rocket to be launched from any Hydra 70 launcher, including integration with the L3Harris VAMPIRE. “Combat units count on our highly reliable, accurate and safe fuzes to get the job done,” said Quinlan Lyte, Vice President and General Manager, Defense Electronics.

L3Harris novel fuzing solutions transform conventional munitions into smart weapons, improving lethality, increasing accuracy, and minimizing collateral damage. Fewer rounds are required to achieve an objective, resulting in an overall cost-effective solution essential for the C-UAS mission. In addition to the Hydra 70 proximity fuze that is currently being fielded, L3Harris is also developing an enhanced version of the fuze, which includes additional modes and safety features.

Fuzing Heritage

For more than 60 years, L3Harris has designed, qualified and manufactured millions of fuzing, ignition safety and other devices for all types of platforms, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, penetrators, artillery and mortar projectiles, UAVs, rocket motors, guided projectiles, 2.75" rockets, 5-inch gun projectiles and general-purpose bombs.

Advance Precision Kill Weapon System

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS®) is a combat-proven system designed and manufactured by BAE Systems. L3Harris provides the fuze that transforms platforms into low-cost counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) solutions with proven success in U.S. Army testing.

VAMPIRE

Proximity fuzes are used to engage fast-moving targets like drones, aircraft or missiles. L3Harris’ Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE™), equipped with the WESCAM MX™-10D RSTA sensor system, uses proximity fuzes in order to significantly increase the probability of hitting the target.

The VAMPIRE is used in Ukraine and allows ground forces to target and shoot down enemy drones and defend against adversary ground threats.

As UAS technology continues to advance, capabilities and technologies to counter the effects of drones are becoming increasingly important. The precision, adaptability and cost-effectiveness of L3Harris’ proximity fuzes make them a critical component of VAMPIRE and other C-UAS weapon systems.