BAE Systems and United Technologies Corporation have carried out flight trials of a multi-service standard guided projectile (MS-SGP) at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, US.
During the guided flight test, the MS-SGP, which was fired from a BAE-built 5in Mk45 Mod 4 naval gun system, validated its capability while meeting all the objectives of the trials.
In addition, the guided flight test also validated the MS-SGP’s tactical capability to a range of 38km.
The MS-SGP has been designed to provide a single projectile to strike stationary or moving targets for multiple US or allied services at a fraction of the cost of current alternatives.
BAE Systems Weapon Systems vice-president and general manager Chris Hughes said the US and its allies were currently operating more expensive solutions to address fire support and tactical targets.
"The projectile can provide the US forces with an affordable, long-range, and precision gun-launched projectile to greatly expand our fire support capability," Hughes added.
Designed to significantly enhance the US Marine Corps and army’s field artillery capabilities, the MS-SGP has a range of nearly 100km with accuracy of less than 5m, and also improves capability for the US Navy Mk45 gun systems.
The Mk45 Mod 4 features strengthened gun and mount subsystems, advanced control system enhancements, a touchscreen user interface and a low-maintenance gun shield.
An upgrade to the Mod 2 design, the 62-calibre barrel gun can also enhance naval surface fire support (NSFS) and overall mission performance.
The MS-SGP, which has undergone more than 110 subsystem trials, is scheduled to be test-fired from a US Army M777 towed howitzer later in the next couple of months.
BAE has provided Mk45 gun systems for the US Navy and nine international fleets, with more than 250 shipboard applications.
Image: BAE test fires MS-SGP from Mk45 Mod 4 naval gun system. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
