Boeing and Nammo Push the Boundaries of Artillery Technology

Boeing, in collaboration with Nammo, has set a remarkable record in artillery technology by achieving the longest indirect fire test of a ramjet-powered artillery projectile. This historic moment unfolded at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, with U.S. Army officials present to witness this groundbreaking feat.

The test involved firing a Ramjet 155 munition from a 58-caliber Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA), marking a significant advancement in the Army’s Long Range Precision Fires modernization efforts.

Gil Griffin, the executive director of Boeing Phantom Works, expressed his satisfaction with the results, stating, “Our objective was to demonstrate the ability to safely operate from the ERCA system and validate our performance. Both objectives were met. The team is dedicated to delivering an advanced, cost-effective precision strike weapon capable of neutralizing critical targets at long distances.”

This achievement builds upon a previous milestone set by Boeing and Nammo when they conducted the longest-ever indirect fire test of a Ramjet 155 munition using a 39-caliber towed artillery cannon in Norway.

The Ramjet 155 project is a crucial component of the Army’s XM1155 program and is classified as a powered guided artillery munition. It incorporates an innovative air-breathing engine design, with the cannon firing providing the necessary speed for combustion.

In the upcoming test, Boeing and Nammo are planning to integrate a precision guidance system, leveraging a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) mission computer with the Ramjet 155. This step will assess the system’s maturity and its effectiveness against both stationary and moving targets, marking the transition to the next phase of development.

This breakthrough in artillery technology has the potential to revolutionize the field, significantly extending the range and precision of artillery systems. As we witness these remarkable advancements, we invite our readers to share their thoughts on the impact of such innovations on the future of military strategy and global security.

Photo: BOEING

Source: LULOP