Jerry Petersen
The U.S. Navy has awarded General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Group a contract under the Naval Surface Technology Innovation Consortium other transaction authority vehicle.
Contract Goals
General Atomics said Monday that under the award, GA-EMS will work to mature its Long Range Maneuvering Projectile Common Round prototype system. The company will also work to demonstrate the system’s ability to perform the Navy’s Common Round offensive strike capabilities at increased range using 155mm artillery systems.
LRMP Capabilities
Commenting on the LRMP Common Round, GA-EMS President Scott Forney touted the system’s design, range, maneuverability, precision and payload flexibility.
“The LRMP’s capabilities have the potential to deliver lethal effects to defeat static and moving targets at 120 km and beyond. This represents a factor of 4 increase in range from conventional artillery systems beyond what is currently available today,” Forney said.
System Testing
For his part, GA-EMS Weapon Programs head Mike Rucker said testing on the LRMP has already been conducted to ensure the system’s aerodynamics, survivability and performance.
Regarding work to be done under the recent award, Rucker said, “We are in preparations for upcoming LRMP Common Round glide testing at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah as part of the first contract task order. Additional milestone testing and follow on tasks will be completed throughout the contract’s five-year period of performance to design, manufacture, assemble and test LRMP rounds for 155 mm artillery systems as well as other platforms.”
The Navy awarded GA-EMS the NSTIC OTA award via Advanced Technology International.
