The PGK seen here separated from the round clearly displays its rear shape, which is only compatible with projectiles fitted with deep intrusion fuse cavity. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
The Raytheon Epiafs allows numerous time fuses to be set, like the M762/M762A1, M767/M767A1 and M782 Multi Option Fuze, as well as the PGK guidance kit and the M982 Excalibur guided round. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
four moving canard wings. The shell is still unpowered when it leaves the muzzle, then during the first five seconds the head is stabilised; after eight seconds navigation is activated to correct the path all the way to the target. The declared accuracy is less than 20 metres; however BAE System’s goal is a 10metre CEP. The kit can be used in conjunction with other additional devices such as rocket-assisted projectile or base bleed elements, to add accuracy to longer ranges. The Silver Bullet is considered at TRL 6-7. It has already been demonstrated, and the next step is environmental testing and qualification. BAE Systems expects it to be ready in two years from now. Although it cannot be described as a true guidance system, Nexter’s Spacido is a course correction system that considerably reduces range dispersion, which is usually much greater than lateral dispersion. Developed in co-operation with Junghans T2M, it is installed in place of the fuse, since the Spacido has its own fuse; when fitted on an HE round the Spacido is equipped with a multimode fuse working in preset time, point detonation impact, delay time and proximity mode, while when used for cargo ammunition the Spacido is available with preset time mode only fuse. When the round is fired, the radar installed on the weapon system tracks the round during its first 8-10 seconds of flight, establishes the round speed, and sends out a radiofrequency coded signal to the Spacido. This signal contains the time at which the three Spacido discs will rotate to increase drag and thereby ensure that the shell will drop onto the target. The system is currently at TRL8, Nexter seeking a firing range where testing at maximum ranges would be possible. Final qualification tests should be carried out in Sweden during 2015. A very similar system was launched by Yugoimport in the recent past, full development being still on hold awaiting funding from the Serb ministry of defence.
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Compendium Artillery 2015
BAE Systems is developing the Silver Bullet precision kit, which should be available in a couple of years time. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
New developments do not concern only guided ammunition. The Norwegian Army and the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation contracted Nammo for the development of a wholly new family of insensitive 155 mm munitions. The High Explosive – Extended Range is a 100% Nammo product and can be fitted before loading with either base bleed or hollow base element, respectively yielding a 40 km and 30 km range when fired from a 52 calibre barrel. The warhead contains 10 kg of MCX6100 IM multicast explosive provided by Chemring Nobel, fragments being optimised for damaging vehicles with 10 mm RHA armour. The Norwegian Army’s plan is to have a round that can partly cover the effect of the now forbidden bomblets. It is currently being qualified and a pilot lot is expected by mid2016 with first deliveries planned for late 2016.
The second round is an Illuminating – Extended Range, developed with BAE Systems Bofors. In fact two rounds are being developed, using the Mira technology, one producing white light and the other infrared illumination. The round will open at a 350-400 metres height (reducing cloud and wind problems) and flare up immediately with constant burning intensity and followed by abrupt cut-off. Burning time for the white version is 60 seconds, while the lower burning rate of the IR composition allows a 90- second illumination. The two rounds are ballistically very similar. Qualification should be completed by July 2017, with a pilot lot available in January 2018, deliveries being expected in July 2018. The smoke round, which also involves BAE Systems, will run six months later. It contains three canisters, currently filled with red phosphorus, Nammo looking for more effective compositions. When leaving the shell canisters open six petal-like brakes that have different effects:
Developed by Nexter, the Spacido kit allows to considerably reduce range dispersion, which is one of the main causes of inaccuracy in artillery fire. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
Still under development, the Yugoimport course-correction system awaits national funds to move on to production status. (Armada/P. Valpolini)