Arnold Defense™, the St Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, is pleased to announce receipt of the first order for their unique FLETCHER™ Land Based, Laser Guided Rocket Launcher. The FLETCHER™ 2.75-inch/70mm weapon system was first unveiled just 18 months ago at DSEi in London. Since the launch, FLETCHER™ has been showcased at a number of international exhibitions, generating exceptional levels of interest whilst Arnold Defense™ have continued with an ongoing development and investment program to broaden and prove the system’s already revolutionary capability.
With FLETCHER™, Arnold Defense™ has made a bold departure from the traditional concept of use for 2.75-inch rocket systems; that of an area suppression weapon delivered by aviation assets. Arnold’s evolution has FLETCHER™ using advanced rocket-guidance technology to utilize ground-based launch platforms, meeting the demands of modern, vehicle-mounted and dismounted asymmetric warfare.
FLETCHER’s™ unique design allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment. It employs an existing suite of guidance modules, rockets and warheads, already used in well-known programs and readily available to global forces. FLETCHER™ is supported by a team of global defense industry companies, collaborating under Arnold Defense™’s leadership to combine their complimentary expertise.
The first customer for the FLETCHER™ system, who cannot yet be disclosed, has committed to purchasing FLETCHER™ due to the system’s ability to accurately engage targets at a range of over 5km, with a 100% hit rate in recent test-firings. This first order is for an initial batch of launchers, with a larger order expected to follow once successful user trials and demonstrations have been completed.
Mike Brown, Vice President and COO of Arnold Defense™ said, “Given that the FLETCHER™ concept was unveiled to the public only 18 months ago, Arnold Defense™ is delighted to have signed what we anticipate to be the first of many contracts for the supremely capable FLETCHER™ surface-based rocket launcher.” He added, “FLETCHER™ has generated huge interest globally with its unique capability to deliver organic, long-range precision firepower to even the smallest tactical element. It is great to see serious international interest now developing into firm orders.”