Raytheon Says Excalibur Ib Exhibits Exceptional Accuracy In Flight Testing

(RTTNews) - Raytheon Co. (RTN) Sunday said it fired 84 precision-guided Excalibur Ib all up rounds during qualification flight tests at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz.

During the testing, Excalibur Ib exhibited exceptional accuracy, with the majority of the rounds landing within two meters of the target. The tests also certified stringent performance and safety requirements, the firm said.

Michelle Lohmeier, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Land Warfare Systems product line stated, "Excalibur Ib will provide the warfighter with the most accurate, extended-range artillery option. This updated round will provide the soldier in the field with greater range, increased accuracy and less collateral damage."

The Excalibur Ib is a precision-guided artillery projectile based on Raytheon's combat-proven Excalibur Ia-1 and Ia-2.

"Excalibur achieved new firsts during qualification testing. We demonstrated lethal effects at 50.7km range from the Swedish Archer weapon system while the U.S. gun systems reached 40.54km - exceeding objective requirements," said Josh Walsh, the U.S. Army Excalibur program manager.