Extended Range Munitions Improve Safety and Precision, Double Range
At Eurosatory 2018 on 12 June EXPAL and the Spanish Army confirmed a new framework agreement for the supply of extended range (ER) 155mm artillery ammunition. The ammunition represents a significant step-up in performance thanks to improvements in safety, precision and range, which now reaches up to 40km, compared to 20km for conventional ammunition.
The contract includes the delivery of HE ER projectiles equipped with a base bleed unit, modular propellant charge and EC-102 electronic fuze, developed by EXPAL in conjunction with the Spanish Ministry of Defence (DGAM). This fuze extends the versatility of the rounds by combining impact, time and delay operational modes in a single configuration. All components have been qualified according to NATO’s STANAG standards, as part of a partnership programme with DGAM.
EXPAL‘s high-performance ammunition, which is already in service in armed forces in a range of countries, represents a significant improvement in performance but also demands very complex manufacturing processes that meet the most demanding requirements. EXPAL has invested in ensuring its technologically advanced specialised facilities guarantee the highest quality, precision and safety.
“It is a significant advance for the 2035 Force: we will immediately receive these projectiles with extended range and characteristics identified in the operational needs of the 2035 Brigade,” explained Lt.-Gen. Ramón Pardo de Santayana, Head of Spanish Army Logistics Support Command.
“…the collaboration with the Spanish Army and the Ministry of Defence is fundamental in developing and maintaining strategical capabilities that allow the Spanish industry to meet the requirements demands of the future Armed Forces,” added EXPAL’s General Director, Pedro Sallent.