Hydra-70 Family of Rockets, 2.75-Inch
While reviewing Line-Item Number 22, Rocket, Hydra 70, All Types, of the FY23, PAA Justification Book, two remarks stood out which provide funding for Hydra-70 Rockets. First, that funding is divided into guided and unguided. At the same time, the contractor’s minimum sustainment rate for the total of all variants is 100,000 rockets annually.
The remarks states that the Aviation Rockets and Small Guided Munitions Product Office is the executive procurement agent for all services and Foreign Military customers for all variants of aviation rockets.
Which brings up the question; what are the variants?
The description states that unguided systems perform several roles, including anti-materiel, anti-personnel, air-to-ground suppression, and illumination. While the guided systems provide increased accuracy in precision strikes against lightly armored and soft point targets enabling better conformance to restricted rules of engagement.
And goes to highlight that the aviation rockets and small guided munitions are used on manned and unmanned platforms by Army, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations, and Foreign Military aircraft.
The United States Army Acquisition Support Center’s weapon system website for Hydra-70 Rocket System of 2.75-inch air-launched rockets includes the following variants: high-explosive, anti-personnel, multipurpose submunition, red phosphorus smoke, flechette, training, visible-light illumination flare, and infrared illumination flare.
Figure 1. PEO Missiles and Space, Hydra-70 2.75-Inch Rocket Systems.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, the contractor and system integrator of the 2.75-inch (70mm) Hydra-70 family of rockets. That provides unitary and cargo warheads for use against point and area targets. The company’s HYDRA-70, brochure states that:
“The rocket system contains three components: the MK66 MOD 4 rocket motor, one of the nine warheads, and the associated point-detonating, or remote-set fuze(s).”
https://www.gd-ots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/HYDRA-70_202010.pdf
https://web.archive.org/web/20100704231453/http://www.gdatp.com/files/PDF/A064_Hydra-70.pdf
The Hydra-70 rocket system does provide the department of defense with firepower and effective engagement on the battlefield. And with the introduction of the BAE Systems guidance section, converts a standard 2.75-inch (70 mm) rocket into a precise tactical weapon against targets.
Figure 2. APKWS® laser guidance kit.
While most 2.75-inch rockets come in shipping containers, known as Fastpacks, banded down Square Bell Containers built by CONCO, Inc, the configuration allows easy transportation and loading in the field. These rockets have to be assembled before loading or in storage areas. The rocket variations require assembly at the unit level, using clamps to hold rocket motors while attaching warheads to prevent misthreading and to ensure the warhead seats firmly.
(Photo by Cpl. Ryan Rholes, USMC).
The budget line procures all aviation rockets and small guided munitions supporting Army operational, training, and war reserve requirements. While the program dates back to the late 1940s, the funding supports the entire aviation rocket system with all changes to the various activities.
Sources.
https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/2-75-inch-rocket-systems-hydra-70/
https://www.gd-ots.com/missiles-and-rockets/hydra-70-rocket-systems/hydra-70/
https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/product/apkws
https://www.moody.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/668176/combatant-fireworks-ems-assembles-warfighting-rockets/
https://www.dvidshub.net/image/275005/marines-build-flechette
https://www.renderhub.com/akela-freedom/hydra-70-rocket
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/zyvam