General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has demonstrated a new capability that could significantly improve the range and precision of US Army 155mm artillery. During testing at Yuma Proving Ground, the company’s Long-Range Precision Guidance Kit successfully guided XM1113 Rocket Assisted Projectiles at distances exceeding 50 kilometres. The demonstration represents a major step for extended-range artillery because the XM1113 was originally developed to push cannon-artillery range beyond 40 kilometres. The projectile has previously been associated with the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, although GDOTS did not identify the firing platform used during its latest test. According to the company, the LR-PGK became the first US guidance kit to demonstrate this particular capability. The test also supports objectives associated with the Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon program and could provide additional performance for existing 39-caliber 155mm artillery systems, including the M777. GDOTS designed the LR-PGK around a modular architecture that can improve both accuracy and effective range across compatible ammunition types. In addition to the XM1113, the system is intended to work with the M1128 and other future rocket-assisted 155mm projectiles. The company plans additional testing to improve the kit’s adaptability and performance under changing battlefield conditions. BAE Systems is also developing its own 155mm long-range precision guidance kit for extended-range artillery applications.
