Raytheon reports successful PERM GTH testing
Raytheon’s Precision Extended Range Munition (PERM) has successfully completed its first two Guide to Hit (GTH) test series, confirming the round’s structural integrity and kinematic capability when fired from a smooth bore mortar tube.
Raytheon said that the testing confirmed that after launch, the canards and tail fins deploy and the round transitions to steady flight; and that the round would meet expected range and impact angle requirements. The next series of GTH tests will be conducted out of a rifled mortar tube.
Tom Bussing, vice president, advanced missile systems, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘Raytheon is leveraging our extensive experience with precision artillery and munitions to meet an aggressive, 18-month development schedule. Our PERM solution’s exceptional accuracy not only means long-range precision fire support; it results in less collateral damage and logistical burden for marine corps expeditionary forces.’
Raytheon is under contract to deliver mature, production-representations of the 120mm extended range, guided mortar munition for a live-fire demonstration phase by the US Marine Corps in early 2014. An ATK-General Dynamics team is also in the running for the programme.
Once fielded, PERM will be used with the M327 rifled towed mortar, the primary weapon system of the Expeditionary Fire Support System. EFSS provides all-weather, ground-based responsive close fires in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
More from Land Warfare
-
![FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence]()
FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence
At FIA 2026, MBDA launched its Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) which the company says is a mass-producible, low-cost effector for fire-and-forget engagements at range and altitude.
-
![“Timelines are measured in seconds”: tackling the UAS threat with dispersed defences]()
“Timelines are measured in seconds”: tackling the UAS threat with dispersed defences
Small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) have transformed the battlespace, posing a complex threat across all domains. Militaries now need counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities that defeat the danger while meeting demands around readiness, manoeuvrability and adaptability, according to Mike Spina, Director, Global Sales and Business Development for Targeting and Sensor Systems (TSS) at L3Harris Technologies.
-
![“No single technology is enough”: why an integrated approach to uncrewed warfare is essential]()
“No single technology is enough”: why an integrated approach to uncrewed warfare is essential
In Conversation… Ahmet Akyol, CEO of ASELSAN, talks to Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan about how the rapid evolution of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) is transforming the battlespace, with militaries focused on both deploying these platforms to maximum effect and developing the defensive systems needed to counter them.
-
![Lasers heat up for counter-drone option as DroneLight tackles the big question]()
Lasers heat up for counter-drone option as DroneLight tackles the big question
Using lasers to defeat drones promises to solve the dilemma of using expensive kinetic effects to kill platforms worth a few hundred dollars. While maintaining thermal output to provide the effects can be a technical hurdle, Israel’s Esh-Tech is one company working on a solution.
