Raytheon Successfully Test Fires Excalibur Projectiles During Flight Test

Raytheon has fired eight precision-guided Excalibur Ib projectiles during qualification flight tests. All eight rounds landed within five meters of the target, meeting stringent test objectives. "This program has made great achievements in a very short amount of time," said Lt. Col. Josh Walsh, the U.S. Army Excalibur program manager. "In two years’ time, the Excalibur Ib program has moved from a competition to being well on its way to a milestone C". The Excalibur Ib is a precision-guided artillery projectile based on Raytheon's combat-proven Excalibur Ia. The tests verify the performance and efficacy of the Excalibur Ib configuration. By using Excalibur's level of precision there is a major reduction in the time, cost and logistical burden traditionally associated with using artillery munitions. Analyses have shown that on average it takes at least 10 conventional munitions to accomplish what one Excalibur can. Excalibur provides accurate, first round, fire-for-effect capability in an urban setting and is considered a true precision weapon, impacting at a radial miss distance of six meters from the target. Excalibur is a co-development program between Raytheon Company and BAE Bofors.