Excalibur Ib cleared for full rate production
The US Army has approved the Excalibur Ib precision guided projectile for full rate production (FRP), bringing the system’s low rate initial production phase to an end. The clearance comes with a $52 million contract for continued production of Excalibur Ib, announced by Raytheon on 31 July.
Throughout its development Excalibur has shown high reliability, lethality and range in firing tests.
Excalibur Ib achieved full materiel release (FMR) earlier in 2014, and was awarded a Type Classification-Standard. This marks the projectile as safe for soldiers, fully tested, supportable; and accepts that it meets operational performance requirements.
Michelle Lohmeier, land warfare systems vice president, Raytheon, said: ‘International interest in Excalibur has risen sharply during the last year. The army's approval of FMR and the decision to enter FRP represent major milestones that many potential customers have eagerly anticipated.
‘Excalibur has revolutionised cannon artillery, making it possible to engage targets precisely at long ranges while avoiding collateral damage, a capability that appeals to military leaders around the world.’
Raytheon is also developing Excalibur S, which incorporates a laser spot tracker in Excalibur's guidance section. Excalibur S was tested successfully on 7 May at Yuma Proving Grounds.
With Excalibur N5, a 5 inch/127mm variant of the projectile, Raytheon is setting its sights on the maritime environment. A live fire demonstration of the Excalibur N5 is planned for later this year.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer]()
DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer
Thales launched Storm-H in 2012 as an EW system equipping individual dismounted troops, and a decade later revealed details to develop the improved and more powerful Storm 2.
-
![The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating]()
The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating
Drones and military ground vehicles are increasingly being designed to operate together as a single platform or even to convert crewed systems to automated ones.
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
-
![DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme]()
DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme
AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production and the company is looking for export orders, notably the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP), to add to a recent approval for Canada to buy vehicles.
-
![DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts]()
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
