QinetiQ has supported the Royal Air Force (RAF) and BAE Systems in rapidly integrating and testing laser-guided, low-cost missiles on RAF Typhoon fighter jets, which are now being used in the Middle East to defend against drone attacks.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), developed by BAE Systems, was trialled earlier this year at the MOD Aberporth range in west Wales — a facility operated by QinetiQ under the Long Term Partnering Agreement. QinetiQ supported the integration of the weapon with the Typhoon prior to the trials to validate engineering success, also creating a safety zone at the range and providing realistic aerial targets for Typhoon pilots to train against.
With a top speed of approximately 350 miles per hour, the Banshee Whirlwind is one of QinetiQ’s uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) training targets. Manufactured in Ashford, Kent, it is used by more than 30 countries to represent aerial threats.
Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer of QinetiQ, stated:
“From engineering expertise to live trials, our teams are providing the fundamental support needed by our armed forces to deliver the urgent capabilities that ensure the UK and its allies remain safe and warfighting ready.”
Supporting the integration of the APKWS weapon with the Typhoon was enabled through the QinetiQ-led long-term Engineering Delivery Partnership (EDP) contract. Through the EDP, QinetiQ delivers a broad range of specialist engineering services to the Ministry of Defence, supporting the continued maintenance and development upgrades of the Typhoon fleet.
