Norway’s Nammo and US aerospace giant Boeing have jointly test-fired a rocket projectile that any standard 155mm howitzer can hit targets more than 50 miles away. (80 km).
According to a press release from Nammo, during a June 28 test at the Andoya Test Center in Norway, a Boeing Ramjet 155 projectile was fired from a cannon and its jet engine caught fire. successful. It exhibits stability in flight with well-controlled engine combustion.
Steve Nordlund, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Phantom Works, said: “We believe that the Boeing Ramjet 155, with continuous technological refinement and testing, can help the US Army meet its priorities. Modernize long-range precision fires. “This successful trial is proof that we are making great progress.”
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“This is a historic moment for Nammo,” said Nammo CEO Morten Brandtzæg. “The test results demonstrate that the fighter is viable and could fundamentally change the future of artillery.
“We strongly believe in the ramjet concept,” added Brandtzæg. “The test – with all aspects from artillery firing, to the shell, fins and trajectory all working perfectly – represented a real technological breakthrough in artillery, and was a huge success for the company. Boeing, Nammo and the US Army.”
Long-range testing at Andøya follows years of research, development and testing by Boeing and Nammo on ramjet technology, including more than 450 static or short-range tests.
Boeing Phantom Works and Nammo have worked together in a strategic partnership to jointly develop and produce the next generation of booster shells. In July 2019, the Boeing-Nammo team received a contract in the US Army’s XM1155 program to develop and perfect the Ramjet 155 ammunition. In May 2021, the team was awarded the development contract. Phase II technology.
The Ramjet 155 uses an engine in which the air drawn in for combustion is compressed only by the reciprocating motion of the projectile at supersonic speeds. Considered a hybrid between a guided gun and a missile, the program targeted a common circular design that could be used for the L39 and L58 guns.
The team continues to develop and perfect the technology, with plans to test and demonstrate more in the coming months.
As noted by the company, NAMMO is also developing an extended range version up to 80 km or 150 km.
