BAE Systems and Leonardo have announced an initiative to pursue collaborations on new precision-guided munitions.
Joe Senftle, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems said:
“As a leading global provider and integrator of all major calibre weapon systems, we are expertly positioned to integrate mission-driven, advanced, and affordable munitions like Vulcano into land and naval gun systems.”
Gianpiero Lorandi, managing director at Leonardo Defence Systems said:
“The Vulcano long-range guided ammunition family — part of the Leonardo’s global offer of naval, land-based, and aeronautical weapon systems for customers worldwide — represents state-of-the-art technology with its unmatched range, accuracy, and effectiveness, which was successfully demonstrated in testing.
Not only is it compatible with 155-mm land and 5-inch naval gun systems, Vulcano can also be easily integrated into current and future platforms such as the AGS — a major benefit.”
According to a press release:
“The new adaptations of Vulcano will also focus on providing solutions for land-based 155-mm artillery systems, including all variants of the M777 and M109 howitzers for the U.S. military and allies around the world. In testing, the 155-mm Vulcano achieved launch accelerations that support maximum engagement ranges similar to distances required for the former Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP) program.
The Mk 45 naval gun offers the potential to fire the 5-inch Vulcano at 20 rounds per minute to a maximum range over three times greater than existing munitions.”
Question is, how will its cost compare to a missile of equivalent capacity?
Should be a lot cheaper, effective against static targets and those with limited mobility.