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.

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