The exhibition runs from 12 to 14 October at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The prototype shown there differs substantially from earlier MDACS technology demonstrators.
Mounted on an Oshkosh FMTV-family chassis, the system has a split cab with a central opening that accommodates the barrel during transport. A hydraulically raised support holds the barrel in place, while two side stabilisers and a rear stabiliser steady the three-axle vehicle during firing.
The gun sits in a large unmanned turret at the rear and uses a fully mechanised loading system. BAE Systems describes MDACS as air-transportable and able to fire different precision-guided munitions according to the mission.
For air defence, MDACS uses the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP), a guided round. For strikes against fixed and moving ground targets in contested environments, it fires Scorpio-XR, an HVP-derived munition that BAE Systems says doubles the range of existing 155mm cannon-launched projectiles.
The U.S. Army reportedly aims to have a complete battery available for testing by the end of September 2027. The planned configuration comprises eight guns in four two-gun platoons, each with an MFPR radar, alongside two MDBM command posts and ammunition vehicles.
The battery is intended to protect fixed and semi-fixed U.S. military installations against a broad range of air threats at moderate cost. Its development builds on earlier U.S. Army and Air Force work exploring the use of 155mm artillery for air defence.
HVP has been under development since 2013 and has been tested from the 155mm M777 towed howitzer and the 127mm Mk 45 naval gun. Reported ranges from those trials were approximately 31.5km and more than 74km respectively, although these are not MDACS range figures.
Technical problems during HVP’s development have driven up costs. Simulations nevertheless suggest that the guided artillery round could remain cheaper than guided air-defence missiles.
“The threat environment is evolving faster than traditional procurement cycles can keep up with,” said Jason Casciotti, vice president of BAE Systems’ Weapon Systems product line. BAE Systems said it was drawing on proven technology and an established supply chain to accelerate delivery.
