General Atomics Secures U.S. Navy Contract for Long-Range Maneuvering Projectile Development

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is charting a new course in advanced artillery technology with its latest contract from the U.S. Navy. Facilitated by Advanced Technology International (ATI), the award under the Naval Surface Technology Innovation Consortium’s (NSTIC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract vehicle focuses on refining the Long Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP) Common Round. This initiative promises to transform the offensive capabilities of 155 mm artillery systems, elevating their range and precision to unprecedented levels.

The LRMP is not just another artillery round—it's a leap forward in modern warfare. The system boasts a sleek, simplified design that eliminates the need for auxiliary propulsion or rocket assist. Instead, its aerodynamically optimized projectile shape enables it to glide over distances exceeding 120 kilometers, a fourfold increase compared to conventional artillery systems. This dramatic range extension provides the Navy with the ability to strike both static and moving targets from far beyond current operational limits, enhancing the strategic depth of missions.

Scott Forney, President of GA-EMS, highlights the LRMP’s versatility, describing it as “an innovative design delivering greater range, maneuverability, precision, and payload flexibility.” These features make the projectile ideal for a variety of missions, from high-impact strike operations to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

Cutting-Edge Features

The LRMP is designed with compatibility in mind, ensuring seamless integration with existing artillery systems. Whether it’s legacy launchers, autoloaders, or handling equipment, the LRMP fits effortlessly into current platforms. This avoids the costly overhauls often associated with adopting new technology.

Enhanced maneuverability and accuracy are central to the system’s value. The projectile's ability to adjust its trajectory mid-flight expands engagement zones without requiring launcher repositioning. This feature is particularly advantageous in dynamic combat scenarios, where flexibility and rapid response are critical.

In addition to its operational capabilities, the LRMP offers a range of payload options. This flexibility enables the weapon to adapt to mission-specific needs, making it a versatile tool for the modern battlefield.

Testing and Development

GA-EMS has already made significant strides in proving the LRMP’s capabilities. Successful tests have demonstrated its survivability, aerodynamic performance, and operational effectiveness. According to Mike Rucker, Head of Weapon Programs at GA-EMS, preparations are underway for glide testing at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, a critical milestone in the program.

The five-year contract covers a comprehensive development roadmap, including the design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing of LRMP rounds. These efforts aim to fine-tune the projectile’s performance while ensuring it meets the Navy’s rigorous standards for reliability and effectiveness.

Strategic Implications

The LRMP represents more than a technological breakthrough—it’s a game-changer for military strategy. By enabling precision strikes at extended ranges, the system reduces the risk to personnel and equipment while increasing the effectiveness of artillery operations. Its compatibility with existing platforms ensures a cost-effective upgrade path, making it an attractive option for military forces worldwide.

As the U.S. Navy continues to emphasize long-range strike capabilities, innovations like the LRMP are set to redefine the battlefield. General Atomics’ commitment to cutting-edge solutions ensures that its technologies will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of defense.

This contract solidifies GA-EMS’s position as a leader in advanced weapon systems, paving the way for a new era of precision and versatility in artillery technology.