Advanced Howitzer Shell Delivers Precision Strikes at 120 Kilometers

19th December 2024, 06:57

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Company signed a contract with the U.S. Navy to develop a 155 mm artillery shell capable of flying over 120 kilometers using ordinary howitzers. Affordable, hard-to-intercept ammo aligns with Baltic nations' goals to boost firepower range.

The five-year project is part of the Naval Surface Technology Innovation Consortium (NSTIC) program, which aims to enhance the range and versatility of existing artillery platforms, according to Defense Post.

The LRMP represents a significant leap forward in artillery capabilities, achieving four times the range of standard 155 mm shells.

This breakthrough is made possible by its unique Reuleaux triangle-shaped body and foldable wings, which allow the shell to glide without the need for additional propulsion from a motor.

The Reuleaux triangle, a shape with curved sides formed by the intersection of three circles whose centers lie on the edges of the other two, offers excellent aerodynamic stability while being easier to manufacture than a circle.

After launch, the shell ascends to an altitude of 12–14 kilometers, where its wings deploy to initiate a glide phase toward the target. The system is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, enabling it to engage both stationary and moving targets.

The guidance system builds on General Atomics’ expertise in hypersonic and unmanned systems. It includes onboard cameras and machine learning algorithms that allow the shell to visually track targets in real-time and adjust its flight path accordingly. The technology draws partially from the MQ-9 Reaper drone and the Vintage Racer program, making it versatile and particularly suitable for special operations.

The LRMP is fully compatible with existing artillery systems, including older firing equipment, autoloaders, and handling tools. Its modular design supports a variety of missions, ranging from direct shell strikes to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Additionally, a naval version of the LRMP is being developed for 127 mm guns, offering a range of up to 75 kilometers.

Initial tests have focused on enhancing the LRMP's durability, aerodynamics, and performance metrics. Glide tests are planned at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, where further trials will confirm the system's combat readiness during the testing phase.

Over the past three years, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has funded the development of the LRMP using internal resources, anticipating increased demand for precision-guided artillery ammunition. The company plans to begin limited production in 2025, with a goal of scaling up to produce 100,000 shells per month.

The LRMP features a removable casing that protects its internal components and wings during launch. Its size allows it to deliver a kinetic payload equivalent to the impact force of a 120 mm shell.

Other defense companies are also developing long-range maneuverable artillery shells, according to Army Recognition. For instance, BAE Systems is working on the XM1155-SC shell as part of the U.S. Army's Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) program, aiming to double the range of 155 mm shells to 110 kilometers. Raytheon Missiles & Defense and BAE Systems Bofors have developed the M982 Excalibur, a GPS-guided shell with a range of up to 40 kilometers and an impressive 4-meter accuracy.

Norway’s Nammo and Boeing are testing a ramjet-powered 155 mm shell with the U.S. Army's long-range artillery prototypes. In India, Munitions India Limited and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras are developing a ramjet artillery shell with a range exceeding 60 kilometers, compatible with systems like the FH77 Howitzer and K9 Vajra-T.

Long-range maneuverable artillery shells represent a significant technological advance, enabling greater ranges and precision targeting. Current howitzer ranges are mostly limited to 40-50 kilometres. The current longest recorded range for a 155mm howitzer is 76 kilometers, achieved by a South African G6 howitzer using a Velocity Enhanced Long-Range Artillery Projectile.