The Army recently fired the Excalibur 1b guided munition with the M109A2/A3 self-propelled howitzer, demonstrating the round’s compatibility with the internationally ubiquitous artillery cannon, prime contractor Raytheon [RTN] said on May 6.
Two 155mm Excalibur shells were fired from an M185 cannon using the M119A2 propellant charge during the tests conducted at the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. It was the first time the cannon or charge had been used with Excalibur the company said. The round has previously been fired from the M777 towed artillery cannon.
The M109A2/A3 is an early variant of the M109-series, which is the most widely used indirect-fire weapon of NATO countries. Excalibur has a range of between 25 and 30 miles and uses GPS and inertial navigation to guide the projectile to a target, improving accuracy and precision over traditional artillery rounds.
Photo: U.S. Army
“Based on the test results, those forces are now able to use the extended range precision capability provided by Excalibur Ib,” which is the company’s name for the fully-capable, mass-production version of the GPS-guided munition.
The round uses GPS guidance to improve accuracy of targeting and increase the safety of forward-deployed friendly forces during indirect fire operations. The company says the rounds have accurately struck targets within 75 meters of deployed ground troops. Excalibur artillery rounds consistently fall within six feet of a designated target.
Raytheon also claims the round reduces the time, cost and logistical tail necessary for using traditional artillery munitions. The company also has developed a version with a dual-mode GPS and semi-active laser seeker that is more resistant to jamming or spoofing and can hit moving targets. A naval version also is in the works that will be compatible with existing 127mm deck guns.
The Army and Marine Corps and several international armed forces use Excalibur, at least 700 of which have been fired in combat.