Airborne Rockets, All Types

The Airborne Rockets, All Types program is a key line item in the Navy's ammunition procurement budget, supporting both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with a range of rocket systems and components. The primary goal of this program is to procure, sustain, and improve the inventory of 2.75-inch rockets and associated equipment for combat and training missions. These rockets are employed by rotary and fixed-wing platforms in Close Air Support (CAS), Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT), and counter-Fast Attack Craft/Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FAC/FIAC) operations. The program ensures the Total Munitions Requirement (TMR) is met in accordance with the Naval Munitions Requirements Process (NMRP).

Procurement of Rockets Hardware focuses on acquiring MK 66 Rocket Motors (MOD 4), which are the primary propulsion units for 2.75-inch rockets. These motors are used by both Navy and Marine Corps aviation platforms and are sourced through multi-service contracts. The procurement quantities are coordinated with the Army to leverage economies of scale and maintain cost efficiency. The program also includes the Smokey Sam Simulator System for aircrew training, which mimics surface-to-air missile threats and is qualified for use on land and at sea.

Rocket Warheads are procured to provide operational flexibility and mission-specific effects. The program acquires a variety of warheads, including the MK 152 Insensitive Munitions (IM) compliant warhead for shipboard safety, the M282 Multi-Purpose Penetrator (MPP) for hardened targets, and inert warheads for training. Procurement of these warheads is coordinated with the Army and Navy Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division to ensure compatibility and support Marine Corps priorities.

Rocket Launchers such as the LAU-61 G/A Digital Rocket Launcher, LAU-61 C/A, and LAU-68 F/A are included to provide guided and unguided launch capabilities for the 2.75-inch rockets. Launcher procurement is managed to align inventory levels with rocket and warhead stocks, and procurement is alternated annually to achieve cost savings and meet minimum order requirements. Launcher improvements are also targeted as part of ongoing product improvement efforts.

Procurement of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is a significant objective, as it transforms unguided 2.75-inch rockets into precision-guided munitions using a semi-active laser guidance section. APKWS enhances close combat lethality, reduces collateral damage, and increases survivability by enabling standoff engagements. The program includes procurement of APKWS guidance and control sections for both Navy and Marine Corps use, with BAE Systems as the primary contractor. Supplemental funding is also provided for APKWS in support of U.S. operations and force protection in the Central Command region.

Other Program Elements include the procurement and refurbishment of containers for safe storage and transport, acquisition of miscellaneous rocket components, and the FMU-178B Proximity Fuze for Marine Corps applications. Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) is funded to provide lifecycle support for all rocket components, ensuring readiness and sustainability. The program also supports rapid iterative Product Improvement (PIP) initiatives to address obsolescence, reduce production costs, extend component life, and enhance combat effectiveness in line with evolving platform requirements.

Production Engineering Support (PES) is funded to support production engineering, quality assurance, and integration efforts across all rocket components. This ensures that new and improved items are efficiently introduced into the inventory and that legacy systems remain compatible with current operational needs. The Airborne Rockets, All Types program is structured to provide the Navy and Marine Corps with a robust, flexible, and modernized airborne rocket capability, supporting a wide range of mission requirements and maintaining alignment with Department of Defense efficiency and modernization initiatives.