The US Navy has commissioned General Atomics to further develop its Long-Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP).
The five-year contract focuses on advancing and testing the LRMP prototype to enhance the Navy’s Common Round offensive strike capabilities, extending the range of existing 155mm artillery systems.
The company stated that it is preparing for LRMP Common Round glide testing at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah as a first step in the deal.
“The LRMP is truly an innovative design, delivering greater range and maneuverability, precision, and payload flexibility to support a variety of missions, including strike and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions,” said Scott Forney, General Atomics President.
Long-Range Maneuvering Projectile
The LRMP can strike static and moving targets at over 120 kilometers (74 miles).
This “represents a factor of 4 increase in range from conventional artillery systems beyond what is currently available today,” explained Forney.
Through a simplified design, the projectile’s shape allows for extended glide ranges without auxiliary propulsion or rocket assist.
The LRMP can be integrated with existing artillery systems, ensuring compatibility with legacy launchers, autoloaders, and handling equipment.
In October 2022, the company unveiled the winged projectile for 155mm Howitzers.
The Reuleaux triangle-shaped LRMP is compatible with the Ramjet-powered shell range that is being designed under the US Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery program.
