Raytheon fires Excalibur from G6 self-propelled howitzer

Raytheon has fired four Excalibur 155mm precision-guided artillery projectiles from the Denel-manufactured G6 self-propelled howitzer as part of a field trial demonstration.

Multiple rounds of the combat-proven Excalibur successfully fired from the G6 155mm wheeled howitzer out to a range of 38 kilometers (23.6 statute miles), with all rounds landing within 5 meters (16.4 feet) of the target.

"These trials demonstrated Excalibur can give a true precision capability to G6 howitzers that can enhance the warfighter's defensive posture," said Kevin Matthies, Excalibur program director for Raytheon Missile Systems.

"Excalibur improves tactical war fighting capability by providing precision that is essential to close-combat operations."

The U.S. Army has demonstrated Excalibur in scenarios designed to defeat specific point targets while avoiding damage to structures, non-combatants and friendly forces. This targeting capability provides flexibility to engage at the tactical level, avoiding unintended consequences. Significantly fewer Excalibur rounds are required to defeat a target, lessening the burden of logistics.

Successfully fielded in 2007, the Excalibur 155mm precision-guided, extended-range projectile is the revolutionary artillery round used in theater today by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Using GPS precision guidance technology, Excalibur provides accurate, first round, fire-for-effect capability in an urban setting. Excalibur is considered a true precision weapon, impacting at a radial miss distance of 6 meters from the target.