Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract to develop a new guided munition for the US Navy.
The high explosive ammunition, which will be in the 57-millimeter configuration, should be compatible with the service’s Mk110 multi-purpose, medium-caliber gun.
According to the American firm, the smart ammo will feature an advanced on-board seeker to acquire moving targets and a fuse to self-select the best mode for target engagement and defeat.
It can also continuously maneuver in-flight while approaching enemy assets, such as fast-moving surface threats and drone swarms.
Northrop Grumman will conduct a series of tests to mature the product before delivery to the navy.
‘New Level of Accuracy’
The Virginia-based defense manufacturer explained that the latest addition to its advanced ammunition portfolio leverages decades of expertise in developing guided munition.
Northrop is the manufacturer of the US Army’s M1156 Precision Guidance Kit, which turns existing 155-millimeter artillery shells into smart weapons.
With its state-of-the-art seeker technology, the 57-mm guided munition can reportedly attack targets with high precision no matter how the targets pivot in the air.
Additionally, Northrop said the rounds will provide the US Navy with greater stand-off range and a cost-effective solution to defeat threats without the need for further modifications.
“Our new 57mm guided ammunition is truly innovative in its ability to identify, track, and guide itself to a target,” company vice president Dave Fine stressed. “The Navy will gain a greater capability to defend against moving threats and a new level of accuracy to defeat them.”
