Certification process for Talon Laser-Guided Rocket kit completed

A digital semi-active laser guidance and control kit for legacy 2.75-inch Hydra rockets is heading for operational use, according to Raytheon.

The kit is called the Talon Laser-Guided Rocket, co-developed with the United Arab Emirates, and can be attached to Hydras without hardware or software modifications to M260/261 launchers or the aircraft platform.

Raytheon announced on Sunday that together with the Army it had completed the certification process for Air Worthiness Release for Talon.

U.S. Army Apache AH-64D/E attack helicopters carry Hydra rockets, which without the kit are unguided in flight and which have an 8,700-yard effective firing range.

"With completion of the AWR, we can offer Apache customers an affordable guided-rocket solution that provides capability within the current Hydra-70 rocket firing envelope," said Darryl Kreitman, Raytheon TALON program director. "TALON's architecture and ease of employment make it a low-cost, highly precise weapon for missions in urban environments, counter-insurgency and swarming boat defense missions."