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Modern artillery faces two growing challenges. The first is range. As adversaries field longer-range weapons, artillery units must be able to strike targets from greater distances while remaining outside enemy engagement zones. The second is navigation. Many precision-guided munitions depend heavily on GPS, yet future battlefields are expected to feature extensive electronic warfare capable of jamming or degrading satellite signals.
A new artillery projectile under development (by General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems) seeks to address both problems simultaneously. Designed for standard 155 mm artillery systems, the munition is intended to reach targets at distances exceeding 119 kilometers while maintaining accuracy even in GPS-denied environments.
Unlike many long-range artillery rounds that rely on rocket motors after launch, this design takes a different approach. The projectile uses deployable wings and an aerodynamic glide profile to extend its range after being fired from a conventional artillery piece. According to Interesting Engineering, by converting altitude and velocity into additional flight distance, it can travel much farther than traditional shells without requiring rocket propulsion.
The glide-based design offers an additional advantage: compatibility with artillery systems already in service. Rather than introducing entirely new launch platforms, the projectile is designed to be fired from existing 155 mm howitzers, potentially extending operational reach without requiring widespread fleet replacement.
Testing has already demonstrated the concept’s potential. During earlier trials, the projectile successfully engaged targets at distances beyond 119 kms after being launched from an M777 howitzer. Such ranges significantly exceed those of conventional artillery ammunition.
Another notable feature is its ability to maneuver during flight. Traditional artillery rounds generally follow a ballistic trajectory once fired. This projectile incorporates guidance and control systems that allow it to adjust its path, improving precision and increasing resistance to countermeasures.
From a defense perspective, GPS-independent precision strike capability is becoming increasingly important. Electronic warfare systems can disrupt navigation and communications across large areas, creating a need for weapons capable of maintaining effectiveness even when satellite signals are unavailable.
The broader objective is to expand the role of conventional artillery. Future long-range projectiles are expected to engage a wide variety of targets, including armored vehicles, artillery systems, air-defense assets, and maritime threats.
As militaries continue searching for ways to increase reach without dramatically increasing costs, glide-assisted precision artillery may offer a path toward longer-range fires using existing gun systems and infrastructure.
