WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Raytheon's new Excalibur 1b artillery rounds proved their accuracy during recent qualification tests, landing within 6.5 feet of their targets.
Excalibur achieved new firsts during qualification testing," said Lt. Col. Josh Walsh, the U.S. Army Excalibur program manager. "We demonstrated lethal effects at 50.7 kilometer [31.7 miles] range from the Swedish Archer weapon system, while the U.S. gun systems reached 40.54km [25.19 miles] -- exceeding objective requirements."
Excalibur is a 155mm extended range shell with GPS guidance. It is based on the earlier Excalibur Ia-1 and Ia-2 models.
Raytheon said 84 Excalibur 1b rounds were fired in the qualification flight testing. Additional tests later this year will verify its production readiness.
"Excalibur Ib will provide the warfighter with the most accurate, extended-range artillery option," said Michelle Lohmeier, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Land Warfare Systems product line. "This updated round will provide the soldier in the field with greater range, increased accuracy and less collateral damage."
