Hydra-70 rocket system

Hydra-70 is the U.S. 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family managed by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. Army and manufacturer sources describe it as a lightweight, multi-mission rocket family with unitary and cargo warheads, launched from seven- and 19-tube systems and mounted on aircraft such as the AH-64 Apache.

Hydra-70 rocket system, 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family, Munitions

Image source: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
Type: 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family
Service note: 1980s-present

air-launchedhelicopter-launchedfixed-wingrocketunguided

Specifications

Caliber: 2.75 inches (70 mm)
Launchers: Existing 7- and 19-tube launchers
Aircraft compatibility: Most rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, including Apache, Cobra, and F-16
Warheads: Unitary and cargo warheads
Motor: MK66 MOD 4 rocket motor

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: DARCOM approved the Hydra 70 name in 1983 for the improved 2.75-inch rocket system.

Launch Platforms

Army photos and General Dynamics' product page show the Hydra-70 family carried on Apache helicopters and other rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

AH-64 Apache attack helicopter

Attack helicopter

The Army's Latvia article shows AH-64 crews loading Hydra-70 rockets, and General Dynamics says the family can be mounted on Apache helicopters.

Sources: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article, HYDRA-70 Rocket

Hydra-70 rocket system Videos

HYDRA-70 2.75-inch (70mm) Family of Rockets

Hydra-70 rocket system Images

Hydra-70 rocket system, 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family, Munitions - view 1 — Source: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article

Hydra-70 rocket system, 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family, Munitions - view 2 — Source: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article

Hydra-70 rocket system, 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family, Munitions - view 3 — Source: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article

Hydra-70 rocket system, 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family, Munitions - view 4 — Source: US Army Latvia Hydra-70 article

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Sources

HYDRA-70 RocketPublisher: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems | Note: Supports the Hydra-70 family description, 2.75-inch caliber, warhead types, launcher compatibility, and manufacturer background. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 US Army Latvia Hydra-70 articlePublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports Apache carriage of Hydra-70 rockets and provides public-domain image provenance from the 2025 Latvia live-fire article. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Hydra 70 name adopted in 1983Publisher: U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal Historical Information | Note: Supports the 1983 adoption of the Hydra 70 name for the improved 2.75-inch rocket system. | Accessed: 2026-06-23