TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 19, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Validating performance and
reliability of the Excalibur Block 1a-1 production configuration, Raytheon
Missile Systems and BAE Systems-Bofors successfully fired 25 GPS-guided
Excalibur projectiles during an extensive First Article Test series in
November.
Excalibur -- a cooperative effort between Raytheon Missile Systems and
BAE Systems Bofors of Sweden -- is an artillery projectile that uses
satellite guidance to provide precision accuracy at extended ranges for all
current and future 155 mm howitzers.
The successful testing at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona brings the
Excalibur GPS-guided artillery round a significant step closer to fielding
to deployed forces in early 2007.
"The successful First Article Test firings far exceeded the reliability
requirement," said Jim Riley, Raytheon Land Combat product line vice
president. "This is one more major step toward providing an absolutely
revolutionary capability to our soldier."
The First Article Test series included the full spectrum of
environmental conditions, including tactical transportation vibration, drop
tests and conditioning at extreme cold and hot temperatures. Rounds were
fired from Paladin and LW155 howitzers at a minimum range of 5 miles (8
kilometers) and close to maximum ranges. (Block 1a-1 maximum range
requirement is 15 miles or 24 kilometers.)
To demonstrate Excalibur's significant maneuverability, off-axis
performance also was verified at 15 degrees off-axis from the gun-target
line. The targets included a reinforced concrete structure, dug-in towed
artillery, simulated personnel, air defense radars and light armored
vehicles in the open. The mixed target set was used to verify warhead
lethality as well as the functioning of the Excalibur fuze in all three
modes - point detonate, point detonate delay and height of burst.
The test series also verified the functioning of the digital fire
support system to exercise the entire Excalibur system-of-systems.
Eight of the First Article Test firings were supported by artillerymen
from the 214th Field Artillery Brigade stationed at Fort Sill, Okla.
Forward observers using the digital Forward Observer System located the
targets and transmitted the fire missions to fire support personnel
operating the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System, who
transmitted digital fire orders to the Paladin cannon crew. The cannon
crewmen completed the end- to-end verification of the use of Excalibur in
the digital fire support system as they used the Portable Excalibur Fire
Control System to initialize the rounds.
The successful First Article Test series signals the go ahead for full
testing by soldiers in the Limited User Tests scheduled for February 2007.
The Excalibur program is responding to an urgent request from the
warfighter to accelerate fielding because of the projectile's better than
10- meter (33 feet) accuracy that is not available from any other artillery
projectile. With its accuracy and increased effectiveness, Excalibur
provides operational flexibility and reduces the logistical burden for
deployed ground
forces. It also reduces collateral damage through increased precision,
near- vertical descent and optimized fragmentation pattern.
The extended range of the Ia-2 Excalibur (26 miles or 40 kilometers
when fired from LW155 and Paladin howitzers), in development now with a
planned initial operational capability in fiscal year 2008, will enable
optimal positioning of forces and further extend maneuver forces' tactical
reach.
Raytheon Company, with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry
leader in defense and government electronics, space, information
technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft.
With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people
worldwide.
Contact:
Everett Tackett, APR
520.794.9494
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com/
CONTACT:
Everett Tackett, APR of Raytheon Company,
+1-520-794-9494
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