Excalibur Ib cleared for full rate production
The US Army has approved the Excalibur Ib precision guided projectile for full rate production (FRP), bringing the system’s low rate initial production phase to an end. The clearance comes with a $52 million contract for continued production of Excalibur Ib, announced by Raytheon on 31 July.
Throughout its development Excalibur has shown high reliability, lethality and range in firing tests.
Excalibur Ib achieved full materiel release (FMR) earlier in 2014, and was awarded a Type Classification-Standard. This marks the projectile as safe for soldiers, fully tested, supportable; and accepts that it meets operational performance requirements.
Michelle Lohmeier, land warfare systems vice president, Raytheon, said: ‘International interest in Excalibur has risen sharply during the last year. The army's approval of FMR and the decision to enter FRP represent major milestones that many potential customers have eagerly anticipated.
‘Excalibur has revolutionised cannon artillery, making it possible to engage targets precisely at long ranges while avoiding collateral damage, a capability that appeals to military leaders around the world.’
Raytheon is also developing Excalibur S, which incorporates a laser spot tracker in Excalibur's guidance section. Excalibur S was tested successfully on 7 May at Yuma Proving Grounds.
With Excalibur N5, a 5 inch/127mm variant of the projectile, Raytheon is setting its sights on the maritime environment. A live fire demonstration of the Excalibur N5 is planned for later this year.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia’s record defence spend highlights uncertain times]()
World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia’s record defence spend highlights uncertain times
Saudi Arabia’s investment in its land forces, notably in the area of air defence as recently as 30 January, is a sign of the challenges the Gulf State faces, particularly the threat from Houthi rebels in Yemen.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s Terrex s5 highlights hybrid power’s role in future warfare]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s Terrex s5 highlights hybrid power’s role in future warfare
Hybrid-electric drive technology may address the growing energy demands of land warfare in future.
-
![CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in]()
CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in
The Common Armoured Vehicle System is continuing to rack up orders as the British Army looks likely to become an operator of the vehicle, while Italy and Ireland are also contenders.
-
![US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy]()
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
![Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax]()
Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax
This year has begun with main battle tanks taking the lead while orders for large logistics and support vehicles continued from last year. Additionally, two of the British Army’s most significant contracted vehicle programmes, Ajax reconnaissance vehicle and Challenger 3 tank, continued to make news in January.
