BAE, Leonardo partner on precision-guided munitions
BAE Systems and Leonardo are partnering to develop new precision-guided munitions for use with large-calibre weapon systems, BAE Systems announced on 28 June.
The programme will focus on adaptations and derivatives of Leonardo’s current Vulcano line of precision-guided artillery ammunition.
The new munitions would be used in a variety of gun systems, including the standard MK-45 naval gun and the BAE Advanced Gun System.
In addition to naval guns, the programme will also focus on providing improved ranges for ground-based 155mm artillery systems, including all variants of the M777 and M109 howitzers used by the US and its allies.
During testing, the 155mm Vulcano has achieved launch accelerations that support maximum engagement ranges similar to distances required for the former Long Range Land Attack Projectile programme. The Mk 45 naval gun provides the potential to fire the five-inch Vulcano at 20 rounds per minute to a maximum range over three times greater than existing munitions.
Joe Senftle, VP and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, said: ‘As a leading global provider and integrator of all major calibre weapon systems, we are expertly positioned to integrate mission-driven, advanced and affordable munitions like Vulcano into land and naval gun systems’.
The companies will also look to offer an enhanced guidance and navigation unit, including semi-active laser and infrared seeker options designed to ensure pinpoint accuracy and provide moving-target capability to address air-, land- and sea-based threats from land and naval weapons.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
![Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity]()
Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity
The UK government’s £8.4 billion Dreadnought Phase 4 investment sets aside £2.5 billion for the wider submarine supply chain, opening new work beyond BAE Systems’ prime contract.
-
![Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback]()
Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback
Hanwha Ocean is deepening ties with the US and eyeing a submarine opportunity in Saudi Arabia, as South Korea looks to convert its Canadian defeat into export momentum.
-
![A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel]()
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
