Hydra 70#Precision guided Hydra 70
{{Short description|American 2.75-inch rocket}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Hydra 70
| image = AGM-114 and Hydra 70.jpeg
| image_size = 300
| caption = Four dummy (inert) Hydra 70 rockets next to an AGM-114 Hellfire
| origin = United States
| type = Rocket
| is_ranged = yes
| is_explosive = yes
| is_artillery =
| is_missile = yes
| service =
| used_by = See Users
| wars =
| designer =
| design_date =
| manufacturer =
| unit_cost = $2,799[http://www.economist.com/node/21563702 Rockets galore]{{Failed verification|date=October 2018}}
| production_date =
| number =
| variants =
| spec_label =
| weight = {{convert|13.6|lbs|kg|abbr=on|lk=on}} (Mk 66 Mod 4 rocket motor only) about 25 lb for the rocket depending on the warhead{{citation |url=http://www.gdatp.com/factsheets/a064_hydra-70.pdf |publisher=General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products |title=Hydra-70 2.75-inch (70mm) family of rockets |year=2012 |page=2 |access-date=1 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203014724/http://www.gdatp.com/factsheets/A064_Hydra-70.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2012 |url-status=usurped }}.
| length = {{convert|41.7|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| width =
| height =
| diameter = {{convert|2.75|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| velocity = {{Convert|2,300|ft/s|m/s}}
| range = {{Convert|8700|yard}}
| max_range = {{Convert|11500|yard}}
| filling =
| filling_weight =
| detonation =
| yield =
| engine =
| engine_power =
| pw_ratio =
| payload_capacity =
| fuel_capacity =
| speed = {{convert|2425|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}
| guidance = unguided
| wingspan =
| propellant =
| ceiling =
| altitude =
| depth =
| boost =
| accuracy =
| launch_platform = OH-58 Kiowa,
UH-60 Black Hawk,
MH-6 Little Bird,
UH-1 Iroquois
UH-1N Twin Huey
UH-1Y Venom
AH-1 Cobra,
AH-1W SuperCobra,
AH-1Z Viper,
AH-64 Apache,
Eurocopter Tiger,
T-129 ATAK,
OV-10 Bronco,
A-10 Thunderbolt II,
AV-8B Harrier II,
F-16 Fighting Falcon,
F/A-18 Hornet,
P-3 Orion,
Mi-24.
| transport =
}}
The Hydra 70 rocket is an American made {{convert|2.75|in|mm|abbr=out|adj=on}} diameter fin-stabilized unguided rocket used primarily in the air-to-ground role. It can be equipped with a variety of warheads, and in more recent versions, guidance systems for point attacks. The Hydra is widely used by US and allied forces, competing with the Canadian CRV7, with which it is physically interchangeable.
Overview
The Hydra 70 is derived from the {{convert|2.75|in|mm|abbr=out|adj=on}} diameter Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket developed by the United States Navy for use as a free-flight aerial rocket in the late 1940s. The Mk 40 was used during the Korean and Vietnam wars to provide close air support to ground forces from about 20 different firing platforms, both fixed-wing and armed helicopters.
The main change made to produce the Hydra was the Mk. 66 motor which uses a new propellant that offers considerably more thrust, {{Convert|1335|lbf}} (Mod 2/3) {{Convert|1415|lbf}} (Mod 4). The fins of the Mk 40 flipped forward from the rear when the rocket left the launching tube, but in the Hydra they are curved to match the outside diameter of the rocket fuselage and flip sideways to open, which is referred to as WAFAR (Wrap-Around Fin Aerial Rocket) instead of FFAR (folding-fin aerial rocket). To improve stability during the time the fins are still opening, the four motor nozzles have a slight cant angle to impart a spin while the rocket is still in the launch tube.
Today, the OH-58D(R) Kiowa Warrior and AH-64E Apache Longbow, as well as the Marine Corps' versatile UH-1 Huey and AH-1 Cobra, carry the Hydra rocket launcher standard on its weapon pylons.{{citation |publisher=GDATP |url=http://www.gdatp.com/files/PDF/A064_Hydra-70.pdf |title=Hydra 70 |access-date=6 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704231453/http://www.gdatp.com/files/PDF/A064_Hydra-70.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2010 |url-status=usurped }}.
=Mk 66 rocket motor variants=
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:96%;"
! style="width: 7em;" | Designation ! Description |
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
|Mk 66 Mod 0 |70 mm (2.75 in) WAFAR universal motor; common motor for the GD Hydra 70 series of rockets; original prototype; for US Army |
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
|Mk 66 Mod 1 |Mk 66 variant; production variant; for US Army |
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
|Mk 66 Mod 2 |Mk 66 Mod 1 variant; HERO (Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance) safe; for US Navy and US Air Force |
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
|Mk 66 Mod 3 |Mk 66 Mod 1 variant; HERO safe; Mk 66 Mod 2 for US Army |
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
|Mk 66 Mod 4 |Mk 66 Mod 2/3 variant; incorporates a Salt rod to reduce exhaust gases; for all services |
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
|Mk 66 Mod 5 |Mk 66 Mod 4 variant; Incorporates propellant venting during fast cook off |
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
|Mk 66 Mod 6 |Mk 66 Mod 4/5 variant; designed to reduce the tendency of secondary launch gases to combust in the parent aircraft’s engine, primarily with the AH-64 helicopter |
Service
File:Hydra 70 03.jpg helicopter]]
The family of Hydra 70 (70 mm) 2.75 inch rockets perform a variety of functions. The war reserve unitary and cargo warheads are used for anti-materiel, anti-personnel, and suppression missions. The Hydra 70 family of folding-fin aerial rockets also includes smoke screening, illumination, and training warheads. Hydra 70 rockets are known mainly by either their warhead type or by the rocket motor designation, Mk 66 in US military service.
=United States=
In the U.S. Army, Hydra 70 rockets are fired from the AH-64 Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter variants using M261 19-tube rocket launchers, and the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior using seven-tube M260 rocket launchers. In the U.S. Marine Corps, either the M260 or M261 launchers are employed on the AH-1W SuperCobra and AH-1Z Viper, depending upon the mission. The M260 and M261 are used with the Mk 66 series of rocket motor, which replaced the Mk 40 series. The Mk 66 has a reduced system weight and provides a remote fuze setting interface. Hydra 70s have also been fired from UH-60 and AH-6 series aircraft in US Army service.
The AH-1G Cobra and the UH-1B "Huey" used a variety of launchers including the M158 seven-tube and M200 19-tube rocket launchers designed for the Mk 40 rocket motor; however, these models have been replaced by upgraded variants in the U.S. Marine Corps because they were not compatible with the Mk 66 rocket motor. The Hydra 70 rocket system is also used by the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force.
=Common U.S. Mk 66 compatible launchers=
File:Hydra 70 M261.jpeg. The tips of some of the rockets are white (and the rockets are shorter in length, and they are attached to the launcher via umbilical connectors) because they have a different type of warhead and fuze.]]
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:96%;"
! Designation ! Description |
| M260
|7-Tube LWL (LightWeight Launcher, 35 lbs, 15.9kg) |
| M261
|19-Tube LWL (LightWeight Launcher, 80 lbs/ 36.3kg) |
| LAU-130/A
|19-Tube rocket launcher |
| LAU-131/A
|7-Tube rocket launcher |
| LAU-68D/A
|7-Tube LAU-68C/A variant; compatible w/ Mk 66 rocket motor; external thermal protection coating; launcher supports single and ripple firing |
| LAU-69D/A
|19-Tube LAU-61B/A variant; compatible w/ Mk 66 rocket motor; external thermal protection coating; launcher supports single and ripple firing |
=Accidents=
In 2019, a 72-year-old Taiwanese man was killed after a discarded Hydra rocket which he had cut into with an electric saw exploded. He had believed it to be a length of pipe. The rocket had been caught in the net of a fishing vessel and then discarded by the crew ashore as scrap metal.{{cite web |last1=Everington |first1=Keoni |title=Man killed after sawing into Hydra 70 rocket in NE Taiwan |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3800828 |website=www.taiwannews.com.tw |date=22 October 2019 |publisher=Taiwan News |access-date=20 February 2020}}
Warheads
Hydra 70 warheads fall into three categories:
- Unitary warheads with impact-detonating fuzes or remote-set multi-option fuzes.
- Cargo warheads with air burst-range, with settable fuzes using the "wall-in-space" concept or fixed standoff fuzes.
- Training warheads.
=Fuzing options=
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:96%;"
! # ! Designation ! Description ! Arming Range, Acceleration or Time |
| 1
|M423 |Nose Mount, Point Detonating for slow speed platforms (helicopters) |{{Convert|47|to|102|yard|m}} |
| 2
|M427 |Nose Mount, Point Detonating for high speed platforms |{{Convert|197|to|466|yard|m}} |
| 3
|XM436 |Air burst, Motor-Burnout Delay | |
| 4
|XM438/M438 |Nose Mount, Point Detonating | |
| 5
|M440 |Point Detonating | |
| 6
|Mk 352 Mod 0/1/2 |Point Detonating | |
| 7
|M429 |Proximity Air burst | |
| 8
|M433 |Nose Mount, Resistance Capacitance (RC) |SuperQuick (PD) {{Convert|11|to|49|yard|m}} Delay in {{Convert|5.5|yard|m}} increments including {{Convert|3.3|yard|m}} Bunker penetrating option |
| 9
|M439 |Base Mount, Resistance Capacitance (RC), Payload Discharging Pilot-Selectable |Discharges submunitions between {{Convert|547|and|7874|yard|m}} ({{Convert|766|to|7546|yard|m|disp=x| [|]}} on AH-1s) 27Gs |
| 10
|M442 |Air burst, Motor-Burnout Delay |Discharges Flare at {{Convert|3281|yard|m}}, 17-22 g required for arming |
| 11
|M446 |Base Mount, Air burst, Motor-Burnout Delay | |
| 12
|Model 113A |Base Mount, Air burst, Motor-Burnout Delay | |
=Common warheads=
The most common warhead for the Hydra 70 rocket is the M151 "10-Pounder," which has a blast radius of 10 meters and lethal fragmentation radius of around 50 meters.[https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/962547/new-laser-guided-rocket-capability-tested/ New laser-guided rocket capability tested] - AF.mil, 3 October 2016 The M247 HEDP warheads have similar penetration to the standard M72 LAW warhead (~300 mm of rolled homogenous armor).[https://cat-uxo.com/explosive-hazards/rockets/70mm-m247-hydra-rocket CAT-UXO: "70mm M247 Hydra Rocket."] Retrieved October 8, 2024.
{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2017}}
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:96%;"
! Designation ! Description ! Weight ! Payload ! Fuze Type ! Fuzing options |
| M151
|High explosive (HEDP) '10 pounder' |{{Convert|8.7|lb|abbr=on}} (w/o Fuze) |{{Convert|2.3|lb|abbr=on}} Comp B-4 HE |M423 |1,2,5,7,8 |
| M156
|White phosphorus munitions (WP) |{{Convert|9.65|lb|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|2.2|lb|abbr=on}} WP |M423 M429 |1,2,6,7 |
| M229
|High explosive (HEDP); elongated M151 '17 pounder' |{{Convert|17.0|lb|abbr=on}} (Fuzed) |{{Convert|4.8|lb|abbr=on}} Comp B-4 HE |M423 |1,2,6,7 |
| M247
|High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT)/high-explosive dual purpose (HEDP) |{{Convert|8.8|lb|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|2.0|lb|abbr=on}} Comp B HE |M438 PD |4 (integral to warhead) |
| M255
|APERS (anti-personnel) warhead | |2500 {{Convert|28|gr}} flechettes | |9 |
| M255E1/A1
|Flechette warhead |{{Convert|14.0|lb|abbr=on}} |1179 {{Convert|60|gr}} flechettes |M439 |9 |
| M257
|Parachute illumination |{{Convert|11.0|lb|abbr=on}} |One M257 Candle (Flare) 1 million candela |M442 |10 (integral to warhead) |
| M259
|White phosphorus (WP) | | | |9 |
| M261
|Multi-purpose submunition (MPSM) |{{Convert|13.5|lb|abbr=on}} |9 M73 (Grenade) Submunitions |M439 with M84 electric detonator |9 |
| M264
|Red phosphorus (RP) Smoke |{{Convert|8.6|lb|abbr=on}} |72 RP Pellets |M439 |9 |
| M267
|MPSM Practice |{{Convert|13.5|lb|abbr=on}} |Three Marking SMs, 6 Metal Weights |M439 with M84 electric detonator |9 |
| M274
|Practice (Smoke) |{{Convert|9.3|lb|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|2|oz}} of potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder |M423 |1 |
| M278
|Infra-red (IR) parachute illumination |{{Convert|11.0|lb|abbr=on}} |One M278 IR Flare |M442 |10 (integral to warhead) |
| M282
|Multipurpose penetrator warhead |{{Convert|13.7|lb|abbr=on}} |{{Convert|0.98|lb|abbr=on}} PBXN-110 |delayed | |
| Mk 67 Mod 0
|White phosphorus (WP) | | | |1,2,6,7 |
| Mk 67 Mod 1
|Red phosphorus (RP) | | | |1,2,6,7 |
| WTU-1/B
|Practice |{{Convert|9.3|lb|abbr=on}} |Inert |None |None |
| WDU-4/A
|APERS warhead |{{Convert|9.3|lb|abbr=on}} |96 flechettes of unknown weight | |12 (integral to warhead) |
| WDU-4A/A
|2205 {{Convert|20|gr}} flechettes |12 (integral to warhead) |
Mk 66 rocket motor technical data
{{unref-section|date=May 2023}}
- Weight: {{Convert|13.6|lb}}
- Length: {{Convert|41.7|in}}
- Burn time: 1.07 sec
- Average thrust ({{convert|77|F|C}}):
- {{convert|1,335|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} (Mod 2/3)
- {{convert|1,415|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} (Mod 4)
- Motor burnout range: {{Convert|1300|ft}}
- Motor burnout velocity: {{convert|2,425|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}
- Launch spin rate: 10 rps, 35 rps after exiting launcher
- Velocity at launcher exit: {{convert|148|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}
- Acceleration:
- 60–70 g (initial)
- 95–100 g (final)
- Effective Range: {{Convert|547|to|8749|yard|m}} depending on warhead and launch platform
- Maximum Range: {{Convert|11483|yard}} under optimum conditions
Precision guided Hydra 70
There are several design efforts to turn the Hydra 70 rocket into a precision guided munition (PGM) to produce a weapon with greater accuracy but at less cost than other guided missiles. These include:
- The BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II
- U.S. Navy Low-Cost Guided Imaging Rocket (LOGIR)
- Lockheed Martin Direct Attack Guided Rocket (DAGR)
- The ATK/Elbit Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket – Laser (GATR-L)
- Raytheon TALON
- Forges de Zeebrugge SAL-Laser Guided Rocket (FZ275 LGR)[https://www.janes.com/article/57179/fz-set-finalise-development-of-new-2-75-in-laser-guided-rocket - IHS Jane, 13 January 2016]
The APKWS was the first to be fielded in March 2012,[http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2012-04-27/us-marines-field-apkws-guided-rocket-afghanistan U.S. Marines Field APKWS Guided Rocket in Afghanistan] - Ainonline.com, 27 April 2012 and the TALON entered full rate production for the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces in September 2014.[http://investor.raytheon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=84193&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1967718 Raytheon begins full rate production on TALON Laser Guided Rockets for the UAE] - Raytheon new release, 15 September 2014
The Turkish ROKETSAN Cirit is a similar missile compatible with 70 mm rocket launchers, but it was developed from scratch and doesn't use Hydra 70 components.{{Cite web |url=http://armadainternational.com/assets/images/pdf/Laser-Guided_Rockets.pdf |title=Laser-Guided Rockets, at Long Last! |access-date=24 November 2016 |archive-date=24 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124221342/http://armadainternational.com/assets/images/pdf/Laser-Guided_Rockets.pdf |url-status=dead }}
Operators
- {{AUS}} − APKWS
- {{COL}}{{cite book |last1=United States Government |last2=US Army |title=2013 US Army Weapon Systems Handbook |page=11 |url=https://asc.army.mil/docs/wsh2/2013-wsh.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024132828/https://asc.army.mil/docs/wsh2/2013-wsh.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 October 2020 |access-date=31 January 2024 |language=English |author1-link=United States Government |author2-link=US Army }}
- {{CRO}} − Used on Bell OH-58D Kiowa helicopters{{cite news |last1=Stipanović |first1=Željko |last2=Karačić |first2=Marinko |title=Kiowa Warrior - Live Firing and Rocket Launching |date=October 2018 |issue=18 | url=https://www.morh.hr/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cromil_18.pdf |access-date=31 January 2024 |work=CROMIL – Croatian Military Magazine |publisher=Croatian Ministry of Defence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229041302/https://www.morh.hr/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cromil_18.pdf |archive-date=29 December 2021 |pages=18–19 |format=Magazine}}
- {{EGY}}{{cite web |title=Hydra-70 2.75 Inch Rocket Systems - USAASC |url=https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/2-75-inch-rocket-systems-hydra-70/ |website=United States Army Acquisition Support Center |access-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209232405/https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/2-75-inch-rocket-systems-hydra-70/ |archive-date=9 February 2022 |date=15 March 2022}}
- {{IND}} − APKWS
- {{flag|Indonesia}}{{Cite web |last=indomiliter |date=2016-05-10 |title=Roket Hydra 70 - Satu dari Tiga Kombinasi Senjata Maut AH-64E Apache Guardian |url=https://www.indomiliter.com/roket-hydra-70-satu-dari-tiga-kombinasi-senjata-maut-ah-64e-apache-guardian/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Indomiliter.com |language=en-US}}
- {{Flag|Iraq}} − APKWS{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=329}}
- {{JAP}}
- {{JOR}} − APKWS
- {{KWT}}
- {{Flag|Lebanon}} − APKWS{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=338}}
- {{NED}} − APKWS
- {{NGA}} − APKWS{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=471}}
- {{PAK}}{{cite news |title=Contracts for May 29, 2015 |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/606859/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |work=U.S. Department of Defense}}
- {{flag|Philippines}} − APKWS
- {{QAT}} − APKWS{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=350}}
- {{SAU}}
- {{SIN}}
- {{TWN}}
- {{THA}}{{cite news |title=Thailand – AH-6i Helicopters {{!}} Defense Security Cooperation Agency |url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/thailand-ah-6i-helicopters |access-date=31 January 2024 |work=www.dsca.mil}}
- {{TUN}} − APKWS{{cite web |title=Trade Registers |url=https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |website=armstrade.sipri.org |publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date=31 January 2024}}
- {{Flag|Ukraine}} − Used on Mi-24 gunships{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=Ukraine's Mi-24 Hinds Now Armed With U.S. 70mm Hydra Rockets |url=https://www.twz.com/ukraines-mi-24-hinds-now-armed-with-u-s-70mm-hydra-rockets |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=The War Zone |publisher=The Drive |date=1 August 2023 |language=en}}
- {{Flag|United Arab Emirates}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=359}}
- {{GBR}}
- {{Flag|United States}}{{cite news |last1=Reim |first1=Garrett |title=US Army buys $3.4bn worth of Hydra-70 rockets |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/us-army-buys-34bn-worth-of-hydra-70-rockets/138653.article |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=Flight Global |language=en}}
See also
- U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command
- {{lwc|NCSIST 2.75in rockets remote weapon station}}
- {{lwc|CRV-7}}
- {{lwc|SNEB|SNEB rocket (68mm)}}
- {{lwc|Zuni (rocket)|Zuni 5 in (127 mm)}}
- {{lwc|S-8_(rocket)|S-8}}
Bibliography
- {{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2023 |date=15 February 2023 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032508955 |edition=1st |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2023}}}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{citation |publisher=Defense Industry Daily |date=April 2006 |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/04/hydra70-rockets-from-cutbacks-to-the-future-of-warfare/index.php |title=Hydra-70 Rockets: From Cutbacks to the Future of Warfare |access-date=2 September 2006 |archive-date=17 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517100341/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/04/hydra70-rockets-from-cutbacks-to-the-future-of-warfare/index.php |url-status=dead }}.
- {{citation |url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/275in-rockets.html |title=Air-Launched 2.75-Inch Rockets |publisher=Designation Systems}}.
- {{citation |chapter-url=http://www.gdatp.com/Products/Weapon_Systems/Warheads_energetics/Hydra-70.asp |series=Weapon Systems |title=Warheads energetics |chapter=Hydra-70 |publisher=General Dynamics |access-date=1 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012035953/http://www.gdatp.com/Products/Weapon_Systems/Warheads_energetics/Hydra-70.asp |archive-date=12 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}.
- {{citation |url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/wsh2012/index.html |title=2012 Army Weapon Systems Handbook}}
{{US military rockets}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}