M109A2/A3 Howitzer fires two Excalibur Ib projectiles
Raytheon and the US Army successfully fired two Excalibur Ib projectiles from a M109A2/A3 howitzer, the company announced on 6 May.
This marked the first time that the Excalibur was used with the M185 cannon and M119A2 propelling charge. Both rounds successfully guided to their targets more than 20km away.
The M109A2/A3 is an early variant of the M109-series howitzer operated by multiple armed forces worldwide. Based on these test results, these forces can now use the extended range precision capability provided by Excalibur Ib.
Mark Hokeness, Excalibur programme director, Raytheon, said: 'With these firings, we have expanded the potential Excalibur Ib user community and proved to those countries they can add precision fires to their arsenals.
'Excalibur provides its users with accurate, first-round effects capability in any environment and supports forces across the full spectrum of operations.'
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December]()
US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December
The company recently announced a new US$95 million order for the Palletized Load System A2 under the FHTV V agreement.
-
![How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%]()
How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%
The new small arms training approach includes the use of data and simulation capabilities, as well as more realistic environments.
-
![Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles]()
Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles
The PrSM missiles, known as Increment 1 weapon systems, will eventually replace the US Army’s Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
-
![US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years]()
US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years
The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office plans to deploy armoured and infantry platoon configurations around FY2027.
-
![Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs]()
Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs
Penske Australia will also carry out local assembly and testing of Allison X1100 series cross-drive transmission under licence using kits supplied by South Korea's SNT Dynamics.
-
![Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions]()
Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions
Swedish company showcases Arctic UGV test as it eyes NATO defence market expansion.
