M109A2/A3 Howitzer fires two Excalibur Ib projectiles
Raytheon and the US Army successfully fired two Excalibur Ib projectiles from a M109A2/A3 howitzer, the company announced on 6 May.
This marked the first time that the Excalibur was used with the M185 cannon and M119A2 propelling charge. Both rounds successfully guided to their targets more than 20km away.
The M109A2/A3 is an early variant of the M109-series howitzer operated by multiple armed forces worldwide. Based on these test results, these forces can now use the extended range precision capability provided by Excalibur Ib.
Mark Hokeness, Excalibur programme director, Raytheon, said: 'With these firings, we have expanded the potential Excalibur Ib user community and proved to those countries they can add precision fires to their arsenals.
'Excalibur provides its users with accurate, first-round effects capability in any environment and supports forces across the full spectrum of operations.'
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Marine Corps force transformation on track, according to update]()
US Marine Corps force transformation on track, according to update
The US Marines Corps’ Force Design 2030 is about restructure, changes to operational concepts, a refresh of equipment and new categories of equipment. The review indicates a high level of success.
-
![BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape]()
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
-
![UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign]()
UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.
-
![Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover]()
Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the arrival of more Patriot air defence systems in his country. The development follows the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha calling for 10 more systems last month and Zelenskyy reiterating the need for more.
-
![Norway orders improved NASAMS technology as more countries sign up]()
Norway orders improved NASAMS technology as more countries sign up
The country’s air defence batteries will be equipped with new command posts, wheeled communication nodes and radios. The system itself is in service with more than 14 countries with 13 systems in Ukraine.
-
![Ukraine’s ground robot army still finding its feet]()
Ukraine’s ground robot army still finding its feet
Ukraine’s quest to replace soldiers with robots is hitting technical snags. Shephard spoke with industry leaders about difficulties in the field and what solutions are in the pipeline.
