Raytheon demonstrates Excalibur from G6 self-propelled howitzer

Raytheon has announced that it has fired four Excalibur 155mm precision-guided artillery projectiles from the Denel-manufactured G6 self-propelled howitzer as part of a field trial demonstration. The company made the announcement 8 May, 2012.

According to the company, multiple rounds of the Excalibur successfully fired from the G6 155mm wheeled howitzer out to a range of 38 kilometres (23.6 statute miles), with all rounds landing within 5 metres (16.4 feet) of the target. The company said the trial demonstrated Excalibur’s ability to give ‘true precision to G6 howitzers’.

Raytheon said that the US Army has demonstrated Excalibur in scenarios designed to defeat specific point targets while avoiding damage to structures, non-combatants and friendly forces. This targeting capability provides flexibility to engage at the tactical level, avoiding unintended consequences. Significantly fewer Excalibur rounds are required to defeat a target, lessening the burden of logistics.

The Excalibur 155mm precision-guided, extended-range projectile is the artillery round used in theatre by the US Army and Marine Corps. The system uses GPS precision guidance technology, providing an ‘accurate, first round, fire-for-effect capability in an urban setting’. Raytheon calls the system ‘a true precision weapon, impacting at a radial miss distance of 6 metres from the target.’