The US Navy, looking for more precision and reach for its "5 inch" guns, thinks of theExcalibur N5 developed by Raytheon Company.
The '45' '(5 mm) MK127 pieces mounted on cruisers and destroyers, to strike land and sea targets and to carry suppression fire, may soon be equipped with GPS-guided projectiles equipped with' canard 'fins which, with a within 2 meters, they will be able to hit the mark from over 26 nautical miles (48,152 kilometers). This will mean triple the maximum range ("useful", with minimum margin of error, ed) of a MK45, significantly reduce the risk of exposing the unit to the proximity of enemy fire and optimize the "distributed letality".
L'Excalibur N5 will be the modified derivation of theExcalibur 1B, used by the Army as ammunition for land artillery pieces from 155 millimeters. This precision ammunition (precision-guided artillery round) was used more than 800 times in combat during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
To be used by the US Navy on pieces from 127mm, the 'shell' from 155 millimeters (6 inches) used by the US Army and the USMC has been slightly modified.
The N5 will be able to achieve its destructive power in three different methods: explode upon impact, detonate with delayed burst by increasing the piercing capacity of the shot, or be employed in the "height of burst" mode, allowing the shot to explode in the air through a special sensor when it is close to the target.
The N5 has been successfully tested during an al test Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, destroying a target according to the expected expectations. Particularly effective on targets such as defensive positions, bunkers, and mined areas with IED (Improvised Explosive Device), according to the person in charge of business development from Raython Co., Paul Daniels, it could be critical to the support fire required by Marine Corps amphibious units during landing operations.
N5 ammunition, in addition to a laser-guided version, could include a version millimeter wave , "millimeter waves", to be used against maritime targets especially in case of bad weather: when the target could be obscured by the mass produced by the waves of the rough sea.
"The Navy asks us to be able to shoot at sea against targets such as boats that move quickly in rough seas. Therefore, rather than a laser designator, they would need a fire and forget fire mode through the guide to millimeter waves "- explained Daniels during an interview for Scout warrior.
The costs of the N5 will vary depending on the quantity purchased, however the sources have indicated that the suitors Excalibur they have a price of 68.000 $ per ammunition.
(images: Raytheon)
