General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) says it has successfully tested four XM1210 (XM1113ER) high explosive rocket-assisted projectiles for the US Army’s future Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) system.
According to the company, the projectiles demonstrated a range capability in excess of 70 kilometers during the October 2 test at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
The XM1210 (XM1113ER) projectile is a component of the Army’s Long-Range Precision Fires modernization program that aims to create windows of opportunity for the joint force to penetrate an enemy’s anti-access, area denial (A2AD) network.
The ERCA program aims to field systems capable of accurately firing at targets more than 70 kilometers away, a dramatic increase over the 30 kilometers a currently-fielded 155mm howitzer shell is capable of when fired at top zone with rocket assistance.
“Having the ability to reliably deliver mass fires at extended ranges with precision will revolutionize the modern battlefield, so we’re thrilled the XM1210 (XM1113ER) is meeting the Army’s requirements,” said Jason Gaines, vice president and general manager, General Dynamics-OTS Munition Systems.
“It’s an honor for our team to work side-by-side with our US government customers and industry partners to further our mission of delivering lethal and precise capability at 70 kilometers by 2023.”
ERCA uses the existing M109A7 PIM chassis and modernizes the vehicle above the turret ring to increase range and rate of fire in coordination with ammunition upgrades. The service previously tested the Excalibur round, which also hit the 70-kilometer distance threshold in December last year.
ERCA will introduce an all new or modified cab, extended range, increased rate of fire and improved ammunition stowage and handling. Benefits will include regained lethality overmatch, 300 percent improvement in area coverage for 155 mm, 30 percent increased range for legacy ammo and improved breech reliability.
