Did anyone see the Discovery Channel show that included the Excalibur round for the field artillery?

This thing is the shizzle if it works. Glad the have it and getting rid of the Copperhead. Copperhead was the biggest piece of that the FA had in it's inventory.

Once Crusader was canceled they talked about pumping all of the $$ into munitions.

Anyone thoughts?

I get these news updates in my email at work. This is the latest.

Successful Testing of GPS-Guided Artillery Projectile Puts Raytheon-BAE Systems Bofors Excalibur Closer to Fielding

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 18, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- The Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE Systems Bofors' Excalibur team successfully test-fired two global positioning system (GPS)-guided 155 mm artillery projectiles that functioned as intended against simulated tactical targets Aug. 10.

The program is a cooperative effort between the United States and Sweden. These firings represent completion of the "Guided Gunfire B" (GGB) test series that validates system performance of tactical rounds under a variety of conditions. "Having completed this phase of testing, we are on track for fielding Excalibur to meet the urgent need of our deployed ground forces for acannon-delivered precision munition," said Army Col. John Tanzi, Training and Doctrine Command System, manager-cannon.

The projectiles were fired from the M109A5 howitzer during the tests at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. The Excalibur rounds in the GGB firing series were conditioned at extreme hot and cold temperatures, subjected to shock and vibration testing to simulate tactical transportation, set with the portable Excalibur fire control system, and fired at a range of 22 kilometers (about 13.6 miles). These rounds also were fired at 5 degrees off-axis to demonstrate the projectile's enhanced maneuverability and operational flexibility.

"The Excalibur team continues to demonstrate better than required accuracy and design maturity," said James Riley, Raytheon Land Combat product line vice president. "The program is now in production to meet early fielding requirements. Now that both Excalibur and Extended Range Guided Munition have tested successfully with tactical configuration hardware, Raytheon is positioned to provide the only family of guided projectiles for U.S. forces." The Excalibur program currently is responding to an urgent request from the war fighter to accelerate fielding because of the projectile's better than 10-meter (33-feet) accuracy that is not available from any other artillery projectile.

Because of its accuracy and increased effectiveness,Excalibur reduces the logistical burden for deployed ground forces.Excalibur also provides lower collateral damage through its concentrated fragmentation pattern, increased precision and near-vertical descent. It produces a wide range of effects in all terrain at extended range sand in all weather conditions. With 155 mm howitzers part of the standard organization in current operations, Excalibur's precision effects are readily available to small-unit maneuver elements.

In addition to demonstrating the ability to survive environmental conditioning, tactical transportation, extreme cold and hot condition and gun launch, the two GGB test shots successfully acquired GPS signals and impacted fewer than 10 meters from the aim points.

Previous successful guided shots have consistently demonstrated a similar degree of accuracy.These impact accuracies are significantly better than the required 10-meter circular error probable, an objective requirement for the Block IA development. Subsequent testing between now and the end of the year, including completion of the sequential-environment safety test series, production verification tests and first-article tests, will support upcoming Army reviews to certify Excalibur and the portable Excalibur fire control system for urgent fielding early in fiscal year 2007.

Two GGB firings on July 21 provided beneficial test data to support rapid-response system improvements. They demonstrated the effectiveness of earlier improvements and again proved the high reliability of many components, including a safety measure that prevents the warhead from detonating when the round impacts outside the intended target area. Testing will continue to demonstrate performance and reliability for early fielding.

Sir, I saw that, which will work great against those insurgent tards, but maybe not so well against a well equipped, modern military. I know that is not the aim of the technology (pardon the pun), but if the enemy somehow got hold of a GPS jamming device, or even altered the signal, they could divert the round to a less desirable target.

For our current operations, this will be invaluable, and like the COL mentioned about the psychological effects, they have nowhere to run. But a quarter of a million per? Ouch.

Oh yeah. GPS jammers might have an effect on the round.. I don't know, and this forum isn't the place to talk about that.

I just liked the way that they set the fuse... No big clumsy fuse wrench anymore.. all electronic. Very cool.

A quarter million each is just during the testing phase. I am sure the round will be cheaper. But think about it.. with this, it's one shot, one kill, with conventional artillery rounds, you have to pump more down range for the same effect.

One other comment..... having come from an FA background.... this round...... is Lieutenant proof..... especially when the FDO get's it wrong and shoots a little left or right...... sorry... we have all been there.

Originally Posted by Team Infidel

this round...... is Lieutenant proof

Can't spell lost without LT eh sir?

Some more info on the XM982 Excalibur:
http://www.raytheon.com/products/ste...s01_054624.pdf


Looks really nice..

Should be interesting when it goes into full production