XM1155-SC: advanced, cannon-launched projectile

The XM1155-SC is a cannon-launched, highly manoeuvrable, and aerodynamic projectile designed to effectively engage a wide range of targets. Extensive validation through over 100 HVP test firings has demonstrated its reliability when deployed from multiple Army 155mm cannons.

This advanced projectile offers rapid target engagement with a short flight time and the ability to destroy targets in GPS-degraded or denied environments at distances exceeding 110km. Its purpose is to defeat both stationary and moving targets in contested environments at twice the range of existing cannon-launched precision-guided munitions, providing a significant capability to effectively neutralize adversary high-value assets.

BAE Systems has been at the forefront of innovating, developing, and testing this long-range precision fire munition to enhance the range and lethality available to U.S. Army brigade and division artillery units. As part of the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP) family, the XM1155-SC is specifically designed to address targets in contested environments, offering high lethality, short flight time, and manoeuvrability. The munition incorporates critical, gun-hardened sub-systems that have been validated through over 100 HVP test fires, making it a key component of the US Army’s XM1155 Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program.

The ERAP program aims to provide guided 155mm artillery rounds with extended range capabilities to engage both stationary and mobile targets in demanding environments, potentially doubling the reach of existing cannon-launched precision-guided munitions. BAE Systems, a UK-based defence company, was awarded a $16m contract in 2021 from the US Army to develop and test the XM1155-SC against long-range land-based targets as part of the program\'s objectives.

To penetrate and dismantle adversary defences and meet the army’s modernization objectives for long-range precision fire munitions, BAE Systems developed a concept projectile for the US Army. Notably, in March 2023, the company successfully demonstrated the Sub-Caliber Artillery Long-Range Projectile with Enhanced Lethality, known as the XM1155-SC, for the US Army. This projectile, launched from a 155mm XM907E2 58 calibre cannon, accurately hit a stationary target at a distance surpassing the ranges achieved by other precision-guided projectiles fired from the same type of cannon.

In December 2022, BAE Systems, in cooperation with the U.S. Army, conducted the first successful test fire of the XM1155-SC from a 155 mm XM907E2 Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) test bed. This marked a significant achievement as the projectile impacted a fixed target at ranges beyond what previous precision-guided projectiles had accomplished. This successful test came just 14 months after BAE Systems received an initial $14.8 million prototype development award in October 2021, underscoring the rapid progress of the program.

Furthermore, in May 2023, BAE Systems received a three-year incrementally funded contract worth $72.5m from the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center to advance the XM1155-SC program through continued research and development. In July 2019, Boeing Phantom Works (BPW) and Nammo were also awarded a contract to develop and advance the Ramjet 155 projectile as part of the US Army’s XM1155 program.

Design

The XM1155-SC has been engineered to effectively breach and neutralize enemy defences with its extended range, advanced guidance, lethality, and resilience. It reflects BAE Systems\' dedication to developing a projectile that aligns with the Army\'s contemporary objectives for a long-range precision fire solution. This entails creating a highly manoeuvrable, low-drag projectile capable of overcoming a diverse range of targets in demanding operational landscapes.

Through close collaboration with the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center, BAE Systems has showcased the XM1155-SC\'s capabilities by achieving record distances when fired from an M109 Paladin howitzer, demonstrating its precise navigation using GPS in trials conducted at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The advancement of the XM1155-SC constitutes a pivotal element of the U.S. Army\'s broader initiative to modernize its artillery units and bolster its prowess in long-range precision fires, a critical area of development in response to global strategic challenges.

The XM1155-SC artillery projectile developed by BAE Systems for the U.S. Army represents a substantial leap in the artillery capabilities available on today\'s battlefield. This munition, engineered to surpass current 155mm artillery rounds across multiple key aspects, integrates state-of-the-art technologies to furnish armed forces with a strategic edge.

With its capacity to engage targets at distances exceeding 110 kilometres, more than double the range of existing cannon-launched precision-guided munitions, the XM1155-SC expands the operational scope of artillery units. This extended reach allows forces to target strategic locations deep within enemy territory while remaining outside the range of enemy counter-fire. Such capability holds great significance in shaping the battlefield before direct engagements, disrupting enemy logistics, command and control nodes, and supporting manoeuvres from a distance.

Conclusion

The precision guidance capabilities of the XM1155-SC make it adept at accurately targeting both stationary and moving objectives, particularly in contested operational environments. This high level of precision not only minimizes collateral damage but also allows for the selective engagement of high-value targets, even in scenarios where GPS signals may be compromised or obstructed. This represents a notable advancement over conventional artillery munitions, which often require multiple rounds to effectively impact a target due to their reliance on area effects rather than precision.

The development of this munition reflects a shift towards systems that offer substantial advantages in terms of range, accuracy, and lethality. Through the integration of advanced guidance systems, propulsion technologies, and warheads capable of neutralizing a wide range of target types, the XM1155-SC signifies a significant progression in artillery technology.

Moreover, the increased range and precision of this munition, combined with heightened lethality and survivability characteristics, directly align with the U.S. Army\'s modernization priorities. This includes long-range precision fires, identified as a critical capability to outperform potential adversaries and establish dominance in multi-domain operations.

Additionally, the precision guidance system of the XM1155-SC ensures its ability to accurately engage both stationary and moving targets in contested environments. This exceptional accuracy minimizes collateral damage and enables the selective engagement of high-value targets, even in scenarios where GPS signals may be compromised or unavailable. This represents a significant improvement over traditional artillery munitions, which often necessitate multiple rounds to achieve the desired impact due to their reliance on area effects rather than precision.

Furthermore, the development of this munition underscores a transition towards systems that can provide a substantial advantage in terms of range, accuracy, and lethality. By integrating advanced guidance systems, propulsion technologies, and warheads capable of defeating a wide range of target types, the XM1155-SC represents a major leap forward in artillery technology.

In the context of modern and future warfare, where adversaries may have advanced defences and the capability to contest or deny access to traditional support assets such as airpower, the XM1155-SC presents an attractive solution. It enables ground forces to deliver precise, long-range fires in support of joint operations, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the military across a spectrum of conflict scenarios.

Moreover, the ability of this munition to achieve greater ranges and precision, coupled with enhanced lethality and survivability features, directly supports the U.S. Army\'s modernization priorities. These include long-range precision fires identified as a critical capability to outmatch potential adversaries and ensure dominance in multi-domain operations.

In summary, the XM1155-SC represents a pivotal enhancement to artillery\'s role on the modern battlefield, offering unmatched range, precision, and lethality. These capabilities provide strategic and tactical advantages, enabling forces to engage the enemy more effectively and from greater distances, thereby shaping the battlefield to their favour before close engagements commence.