Boeing and Nammo Ramjet 155 Soar to New Distance Milestone

A Boeing and Nammo collaboration has established a record for the longest indirect fire evaluation of a ramjet-powered artillery projectile in conjunction with officials from the U.S. Army — launching a Ramjet 155 munition from a 58-caliber Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. This examination propels the development initiatives for the Army’s foremost modernization goal, Long Range Precision Fires.

“Our aim was to showcase the capability to safely operate the ERCA system and substantiate our performance metrics. Both aims were accomplished,” stated Gil Griffin, executive director of Boeing Phantom Works. “The team is focused on delivering an exceptional, cost-effective precision strike armament that can neutralize vital targets over substantial distances.”

This achievement follows last year’s Boeing-Nammo examination that documented the longest-ever indirect fire test of a Ramjet 155 munition. That assessment was conducted using a 39-caliber towed artillery cannon at the Andøya Test Center in Norway.

“This initiative now boasts a thoroughly validated propulsion system that ensures significant range enhancements for all artillery systems,” remarked Morten Brandtzæg, Nammo CEO. “We are confident that the primary developmental challenges have been overcome, and production is achievable within a comparatively short period.”

The Boeing-Nammo solution is being advanced under the Army’s XM1155 program. Regarded as a powered guided artillery munition, Ramjet 155 employs an air-breathing engine architecture that utilizes the cannon’s firing to deliver the necessary velocity for combustion.

In an upcoming evaluation, Boeing and Nammo will incorporate a precision guidance technology, leveraging a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) mission computer with the Ramjet 155. This demonstration will assess the system’s maturity and efficacy against both stationary and moving targets, gauging readiness to transition into subsequent developmental phases.

“Our successful evaluations illustrate that ramjet projectiles — a testament to the collaborative prowess of Boeing and Nammo — provide the range and precision sought by the Army,” said Brandtzæg. “Ramjet technology signifies a trailblazing advancement in artillery, greatly extending operational range and bestowing strategic benefits to our users.”