General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has designed a winged projectile for 155-mm Howitzers that can strike targets as far as 150 kilometers (93.2 miles) away, Aviation Week revealed.
The Reuleaux triangle-shaped Long Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP) matches the range of the Ramjet-powered shell being developed for the US Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) system, the outlet reported.
The army is developing the 30-foot, 58-caliber ERCA system to launch the XM1155 Nammo ramjet-powered projectile.
Unique Design
The LRMP achieves its range through a unique design comprising six control fins that restrict the shell’s spin to 20 revolutions per second as it exits the barrel, allowing the dihedral wings to deploy.
A standard 155-mm shell spins at a rate of 200 revolutions per second.
Uses Standard Gun
The combination of dihedral wings and the “lifting body shape of the Reuleaux triangle airframe” enables the projectile to achieve the range using a standard, 24-foot, 39-caliber barrel, GA-EMS Vice President Gary Hopper told Aviation Week.
The company is scheduled to test launch the LRMP next week, which will include its first wing extension test. Testing of an LRMP all-up round is planned at the end of year.
