US Navy to extend artillery range with new LRMP 155mm precision-guided munitions.

On December 2, 2024, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) was awarded a U.S. Navy contract through Advanced Technology International (ATI) to advance the development of the Long Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP) Common Round. The LRMP is a 155mm artillery projectile designed to achieve a range exceeding 120 kilometers, leveraging foldable wings and onboard guidance systems for precision engagement. The five-year-long project is part of a broader initiative under the Naval Surface Technology Innovation Consortium (NSTIC) to enhance the range and versatility of existing artillery platforms.
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The guidance system for the LRMP incorporates technologies derived from General Atomics’ previous work in hypersonics, railguns, and unmanned systems. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Long Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP) is designed to achieve a range exceeding 120 kilometers, approximately four times greater than conventional 155mm artillery rounds. This extended range is achieved through a Reuleaux triangle shape and foldable wings that enable the projectile to glide without auxiliary propulsion. A Reuleaux triangle is a curved triangle with constant width, formed from the intersection of three circular disks, each having its center on the boundary of the other two. This unique shape provides aerodynamic stability and is simpler than a circle to manufacture. Upon launch, the projectile ascends to an altitude of 12 to 14 kilometers, where its wings deploy for the glide phase toward the target. This system is intended for use in GPS-denied environments and enables the engagement of both static and moving targets.

The guidance system for the LRMP incorporates technologies derived from General Atomics’ previous work in hypersonics, railguns, and unmanned systems. It includes onboard cameras and machine learning algorithms, which allow the projectile to visually track and adjust its trajectory in real time. Elements of the guidance system are based on technologies from the MQ-9 Reaper drone and the Vintage Racer program, contributing to its ability to function across multiple operational scenarios.

Showcased at AUSA 2024, the LRMP is compatible with existing artillery systems, including legacy launchers, autoloaders, and handling equipment. Its modular payload supports different mission types, such as kinetic strikes and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. A naval version for 127mm guns is under development, with a reduced range of 75 kilometers to address maritime applications.

Initial testing has focused on validating the LRMP’s survivability, aerodynamics, and performance characteristics. Glide tests are scheduled at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, with additional tests planned during the contract period to confirm its capabilities. A full-scale model of the LRMP was exhibited at the AUSA 2024 event, showcasing its operational features.

The project has been under development by General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) for the past three years, funded internally by the company. Anticipating demand for extended-range precision artillery, GA-EMS is preparing for low-rate production by 2025. The company has also outlined plans for high-volume manufacturing, targeting production rates of up to 100,000 rounds per month.

The Long Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP) incorporates a discarding sabot, which protects its internal components and wings during launch. Its size allows for a kinetic payload equivalent to a 120mm shell. The payload itself is being developed by an external partner, and the modular design accommodates ISR capabilities. These specifications align with the goals of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps to enhance artillery technologies.

Development of similar long-range maneuvering artillery projectiles is underway across the defense sector. BAE Systems is working on the XM1155-SC, a munition under the U.S. Army’s Extended Range Artillery Projectile program, which aims to double the range of current 155mm rounds to engage targets at distances exceeding 109 kilometers. Raytheon Missiles & Defense and BAE Systems Bofors have developed the M982 Excalibur, a GPS-guided round capable of achieving ranges up to 40 kilometers with a circular error probable of 4 meters.

Other efforts include Boeing and Norway’s Nammo, which have collaborated on a ramjet-powered 155mm projectile tested with the Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery prototype. In India, Munitions India Limited and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras are working on a ramjet-propelled artillery shell with ranges beyond 60 kilometers, compatible with systems like the Haubits FH77 and K9 Vajra-T.

Long-range maneuvering projectiles aim to enhance artillery capabilities by extending engagement distances and enabling precision targeting. These developments reflect ongoing efforts to integrate advanced systems into existing military arsenals and adapt artillery platforms to modern operational demands.