Arnold Defense, the St Louis based international manufacturer and supplier of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, is unveiling a concept named the “FLETCHER” 2.75-inch/70mm Weapon System at AUSA. FLETCHER can be mounted on land-based military vehicles as well as, potentially, marine and littoral platforms. First unveiled at DSEi, London in September, the US launch of the FLETCHER concept coincides with the AUSA Exhibition taking place in Washington DC, 9—11 October 2017.
The FLETCHER concept is supported by a team of global defense industry companies working together under Arnold’s leadership to combine their complimentary expertise. Working together, the team is able to provide a full-system approach to FLETCHER ranging from design and integration through testing, validation and manufacture into ammunition and through-life support.
Traditionally, 2.75-inch rocket systems have been used as an area suppression weapon, ordinarily deployed by aviation assets. The team has turned this concept on its head with the advancement of laser guided rocket technology to meet the modern demands of land-based, vehicle mounted and dismounted asymmetric warfare, for special and conventional forces.
FLETCHER is a unique design that allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment in support of combat operations. FLETCHER employs an existing suite of guidance modules, rockets and warheads which are already used in well-known programs and are readily available to global forces. Working in-concert with world-class designation equipment, FLETCHER is a fully integrated weapon system that can engage targets at ranges up to 3.1 miles, giving land forces capability that previously required the deployment of air assets.
Currently in the final stages of development, the FLETCHER system will not be available to be viewed at AUSA. However, Arnold staff will be on hand to explain the system to visitors and specific briefings can be facilitated, by appointment.
Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense said “FLETCHER is an exciting new development for Arnold Defense and our team partners. We’re already exceedingly well established in the air environment with our rocket systems being used on air platforms globally. Moving that success into the land environment with our 2.75-inch rocket systems fitted to wheeled and tracked vehicles, as well as in a dismounted role, will provide ground forces with an entirely new capability”. He added: “following the huge amount of interest we received when we launched FLETCHER in London last month, there is now further development work required. But, if all goes well, we’re expecting to have the system ready for sale towards the end of 2018”.