Candidate for XM1155-SC Requirement Achieves Very Long Ranges
BAE Systems has test-fired a long-range sub-calibre artillery projectile as its candidate for the US Army’s XM1155 sub-calibre programme, achieving a longer range than any other precision-guided munitions (PGM) fired from similar artillery systems, the company claims.
The test, in partnership with the Army, was conducted using an XM907E2 58-calibre gun and an Army-designed sabot package, confirming the projectile’s compatibility with the 155mm Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) Howitzer Test Bed and propelling charges.
“This successful test confirms our Sub-Caliber Artillery Long-Range Projectile with Enhanced Lethality can defeat long-range targets and advance to follow-on testing out to double the range of existing guided projectile and with sensors to find fixed and moving targets of interest,” commented Brent Butcher, VP/GM Weapon Systems at BAE Systems. “We are confident that the projectile is on track to provide the Army the best munitions solution for cannon artillery with a leap ahead capability that will bring a highly lethal, maneuverable projectile to soldiers on the battlefield”.
The company’s concept to meet the XM1155-SC programme is an advanced, cannon-launched projectile under development for the defeat of fixed and moving targets in contested environments at extended ranges. The latest PGM in the Hypervelocity Projectile family of munitions, the concept was developed to penetrate and destroy adversary defences through increased range, advanced guidance, lethality, and survivability. The projectile addresses the Army’s modernisation goals for a long-range precision fires solution. The company is currently under contract with the US Army to develop and test the projectile as part of the XM1155 Extended Range Artillery Projectile programme.
BAE Systems has invested in innovation, development and testing of advanced long-range precision fires solutions over several years, completing over 100 PGM tests. In early 2022, the Extended Range Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP-ER) successfully destroyed a target at a range of more than 110 kilometres.
