Big things are happening in the world of naval artillery as the General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) recently secured a five-year contract with the US Navy to take its Long Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP) to the next level.
This cutting-edge tech isn’t just another piece of artillery—it’s a potential game-changer, promising to extend the range of existing 155mm systems far beyond what’s currently possible. Let’s take a closer look!
What’s in the Contract?
The US Navy has been looking to push boundaries in recent years to keep up with the ever-changing modern battlefield, and this contract, as announced by GA-EMS on December 2, is a major step toward modernizing its artillery capabilities.
Over the next five years, General Atomics will advance and test its LRMP prototype under the Naval Surface Technology Innovation Consortium (NSTIC) framework.
Initial glide testing will kick off at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, with the goal of refining the projectile’s performance and ensuring compatibility with legacy systems.
The project focuses on delivering what the Navy calls “Common Round” offensive strike capabilities—essentially a versatile, long-range solution that can be deployed across existing 155mm platforms.
Big things are happening in the world of naval artillery as the General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) recently secured a five-year contract with the US Navy to take its Long Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP) to the next level.
This cutting-edge tech isn’t just another piece of artillery—it’s a potential game-changer, promising to extend the range of existing 155mm systems far beyond what’s currently possible. Let’s take a closer look!
What’s in the Contract?
The US Navy has been looking to push boundaries in recent years to keep up with the ever-changing modern battlefield, and this contract, as announced by GA-EMS on December 2, is a major step toward modernizing its artillery capabilities.
Over the next five years, General Atomics will advance and test its LRMP prototype under the Naval Surface Technology Innovation Consortium (NSTIC) framework.
Initial glide testing will kick off at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, with the goal of refining the projectile’s performance and ensuring compatibility with legacy systems.
The project focuses on delivering what the Navy calls “Common Round” offensive strike capabilities—essentially a versatile, long-range solution that can be deployed across existing 155mm platforms.
This isn’t just about extending range; it’s about doing so with precision, maneuverability, and flexibility for a variety of missions, including strikes and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
What Makes the LRMP Special?
The LRMP is not your standard artillery shell. General Atomics has reportedly designed it with a unique aerodynamic shape that allows for extended glide ranges—more than 120 kilometers (74 miles)—without the need for auxiliary propulsion or rocket assist.
For context, that’s a fourfold increase in range compared to conventional artillery systems.
Scott Forney, President of General Atomics, calls the LRMP “an innovative design,” and it’s easy to see why.
The projectile is scalable and compatible with legacy systems, meaning it can be integrated into existing launchers, autoloaders, and handling equipment.
This ensures that the Navy doesn’t need to overhaul its entire arsenal to take advantage of the LRMP’s capabilities.
The design isn’t just about range but also precision and payload flexibility, as the LRMP can strike both static and moving targets, making it a versatile tool for modern warfare.
And its adaptability goes beyond expectations—it was initially designed to align with the US Army’s now-canceled Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program, showcasing its potential to enhance the capabilities of 155mm Howitzers even in evolving strategic landscapes.
How Does It Work?
The magic of the LRMP lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional projectiles that rely on additional propulsion, the LRMP uses its unique shape and advanced aerodynamics to glide long distances.
This streamlined approach reduces complexity while increasing reliability and range.
In October 2022, General Atomics unveiled the LRMP’s distinctive Reuleaux triangle-shaped design, which ensures compatibility with a variety of artillery systems.
This shape isn’t just for show—it’s engineered to maximize maneuverability and accuracy, giving operators more options to engage targets effectively.
What Does This Mean for the Navy?
For the Navy, the LRMP represents a leap forward in artillery capabilities.
With its extended range, precision, and payload versatility, this projectile could redefine how naval forces approach strike missions.
Instead of repositioning launchers to engage targets, the LRMP’s maneuverability and range allow operators to hit a wider array of targets from a fixed position, saving time and resources.
The LRMP’s potential isn’t limited to naval operations, either.
Its integration into the Army’s ERCA program highlights its versatility and broader applicability across US military branches. Whether it’s providing close support for ground forces or engaging high-value targets from afar, the LRMP is poised to become a cornerstone of future military strategy.
What’s Next?
Over the next five years, General Atomics will conduct rigorous testing and refinement of the LRMP, focusing on survivability, performance, and aerodynamics.
As these tests progress, the Navy will gain valuable insights into how the LRMP can be deployed effectively across its platforms.
In a world where precision and adaptability are more important than ever, the LRMP is a promising step forward. By extending the range and capabilities of existing systems, this innovative projectile ensures that US forces remain at the cutting edge of modern warfare.
So, whether you’re a defense enthusiast or just someone curious about how technology is reshaping the battlefield, keep an eye on the LRMP.
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