Vulcano ammunition is an existing guided solution designed to provide long range and accuracy against stationary and moving targets. General Dynamics said the system is also intended to minimise collateral effects.
The munition can reach ranges of up to 70 kilometres with high precision. This performance is supported by advanced aerodynamics, GPS guidance and a Semi-Active Laser terminal seeker.
In addition to the Semi-Active Laser seeker configuration, the ammunition is also available with an advanced Far-Infra Red seeker. General Dynamics said that configuration is capable of engaging sea targets.
Both configurations can provide precision engagement in GPS-contested environments. The company said the approach is based on an existing system already delivered to several partner nations.
“Our approach leverages years of investment and development from our partners, Diehl Defence and Leonardo Electronics, who have successfully delivered the 155mm Vulcano Guided Long Range artillery suite to Germany, Italy, and other partner nations,” said Michael Bate, senior vice president and general manager at GDOTS. “With minor airframe modifications, the team can rapidly deliver a mature solution that meets requirements for range, precision, lethality, and schedule. Transitioning established production lines from Germany and Italy to the United States enables low-risk scaling to quickly deliver long range precision fires capability.”
“We are pleased to be working with our GDOTS partners to evolve the Vulcano 155mm GLR to a new solution and bring this capability to the US Army,” said Gunnar Pappert, executive vice president at Diehl Defence.
“This ambitious program, for which the Vulcano 155 has been selected, further highlights the capabilities of this proven system. We are proud to contribute our expertise in supporting the achievement of new technological milestones,” added Luca Perazzo, Deputy Managing Director Defense Systems at Leonardo.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics. The company provides munitions, weapon systems, artillery and energetics capabilities from more than 25 locations across the United States and Canada.
GDOTS said it supports the U.S. military and allied forces across strategic and tactical operations. The company said its work is backed by decades of technical expertise and operational experience.
