The United States Navy (US Navy) has selected General Atomics to develop a new long-range maneuverable artillery projectile (Long Range Maneuvering Projectile, LRMP). This initiative is aimed at presenting a prototype as a solution to provide new defensive attack capabilities over great distances using 155 mm caliber artillery ammunition.
With three years of development already invested and showcased at various trade shows, General Atomics explained in its statement that the LRMP features an innovative design offering extended range (promising up to 120 kilometers), maneuverability, precision, and payload flexibility. This makes it ideal for a range of missions, from attacks to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks.
Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, stated: “The LRMP’s capabilities allow it to engage stationary and moving targets at distances of 120 km or more, representing a fourfold increase in range compared to current conventional artillery systems.”
Its triangular design, based on experiences with drones like the MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1C Grey Eagle, among others, also allows for extended gliding distances without requiring auxiliary or rocket-assisted propulsion. Additionally, it is adaptable for use with all existing artillery systems, ensuring compatibility with launchers, automatic loaders, and handling equipment already in service with various forces.
Production Projections and Future Development
General Atomics expects to achieve low-rate initial production by the end of 2025 and is working to expand its manufacturing capabilities to meet a potential demand of up to 100,000 projectiles per month. Current development is focused on the 155 mm variant intended for the U.S. Army and Navy, though a version is also being designed for 127 mm naval guns, with an estimated range of 75 kilometers.
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