Raytheon’s [RTN] Excalibur Ib precision guided projectile has entered full rate production (FRP), officials said.
The Army approval for FRP completes the Excalibur Ib low rate initial production (LRIP) phase. Additionally, the Army awarded Raytheon $52 million for continued Excalibur Ib production.
Photo: U.S. Army
“The full rate production decision is the culmination of superb teamwork between the U.S. Army and Raytheon,” said Lt. Col. Josh Walsh, Army Excalibur product manager. “I am proud of the combined team’s effort that is putting the world’s finest cannon artillery munition into the hands of our warfighters.”
Earlier this year, the Army approved Excalibur Ib for Full Materiel Release (FMR) and awarded the projectile a Type Classification-Standard; meaning it is safe for soldiers, has been fully tested, meets operational performance requirements and can be supported logistically within its intended operational environment.
“International interest in Excalibur has risen sharply during the last year,” said Michelle Lohmeier, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president. “The Army’s approval of FMR and the decision to enter full rate production represent major milestones that many potential customers have eagerly anticipated.”
Additionally, she said, “Excalibur has revolutionized cannon artillery, making it possible to engage targets precisely at long ranges while avoiding collateral damage, a capability that appeals to military leaders around the world.”
In recent tests, all projectiles scored direct hits on their intended targets. The projectile’s reliability, lethality and range are in excess of Army requirements and at all-time highs, while the unit cost has dropped significantly during the program’s lifetime.
Raytheon also is developing Excalibur S, which incorporates a laser spot tracker in Excalibur’s guidance section. Excalibur S was tested successfully on May 7 at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz.
With Excalibur N5, a 5 inch/127mm variant, Raytheon is bringing this proven technology to the maritime domain. A live fire demonstration of the Excalibur N5 is planned for later this year.