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General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
Hydra 70
US 70mm (2.75in) unguided air-to-surface rocket family used by fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, also base for the APKWS laser-guided variant.
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-05
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
US ITAR-controlled
Export needs U.S. State Dept (DDTC) approval; end-use & re-transfer restrictions apply.
Channel: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sale
Fielded & proven
Operator data not public
Status: active.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from. Why so few systems publish one →
Interoperability
No standardised NATO calibre / datalink detected in public specs.
Derived guidance from public data, export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
| Max speed Maximum level speed. For aircraft this is at optimal altitude; for ground vehicles, top road speed. Higher means faster response and better kinematic performance. | 2,661 km/h |
|---|---|
| Range Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence. | 11 km |
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
| Guidance How the weapon finds its target: inertial, GPS/GLONASS, active/semi-active radar, infrared, laser, TV, wire. | unguided |
|---|
Physical
Dimensions, weight and crew.
| Length Overall length including gun/probe where applicable. | 1.06 m |
|---|
Munition
Round type, penetration, velocity and projectile data.
| Round type APFSDS (kinetic sabot), HEAT / multipurpose, HE-FRAG, canister or gun-launched ATGM. | rocket |
|---|---|
| Projectile mass Mass of the projectile or penetrator assembly. | 11.3 kg |
| Effective range Practical engagement range of the round. | 8,000 m |
Specifications compiled from public General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations, treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-05.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of the General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Hydra 70? +
The General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Hydra 70 has a maximum speed of 2,661 km/h.
What is the range of the General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Hydra 70? +
The General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Hydra 70 has a maximum range of 11 km.
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