General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced today that it has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Navy via Advanced Technology International (ATI) for its Long Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP) Common Round. GA-EMS received the award under the Naval Surface Technology Innovation Consortium (NSTIC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract vehicle to mature and further demonstrate the company’s LRMP prototype system to perform the Navy’s Common Round offensive strike capabilities at increased range using fielded 155 mm artillery systems.
“The LRMP is truly an innovative design, delivering greater range and maneuverability, precision, and payload flexibility to support a variety of missions, including strike and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “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.”
The LRMP’s simplified design and unique projectile shape enables very long glide ranges without the need for auxiliary propulsion or rocket assist. It is scalable for use in all existing artillery systems, ensuring compatibility with legacy launchers, autoloaders and handling equipment. With greater maneuverability, accuracy, and payload options, LRMP offers additional cross range benefits to increase the engagement zone without having to reposition the launcher.
“GA-EMS has conducted successful LRMP testing to ensure survivability, performance, and aerodynamics,” said Mike Rucker, head of GA-EMS Weapon Programs. “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.”