BAE Systems and United Technologies Corp. [UTX] this week said they have completed a successful guided flight test of the Multi-Service Standard Guided Projectile (MS-SGP) at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
All MS-SGP guided flight test objectives were achieved, demonstrating its performance from a 5-inch 62-caliber Mk 45 Mod 4 Naval Gun System.
MS-SGP has been in development about three years and is internally funded.
“Thus far we have spent approximately $45 million,” Tom Pfenning, director, Munitions Programs, told Defense Daily.
The MS-SGP provides a single projectile capable of responsive, tactical fires for addressing stationary or moving targets for multiple U.S. or allied services at a fraction of the cost of current alternatives.
“Currently, the U.S. and its allies are using significantly more expensive solutions to address fire support and tactical targets,” said Chris Hughes, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE. “The projectile can provide the U.S. forces with an affordable, long-range, and precision gun-launched projectile to greatly expand our fire support capability.”
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| MS-SGP Guided Flight Test Photo: BAE Systems |
The guided flight test, culminating more than 110 MS-SGP subsystem tests, demonstrates the tactical capability to a range of 38 kilometers. The MS-SGP’s maximum range is nearly 100 kilometers, with accuracy of less than five meters. The MS-SGP significantly enhances the capability of U.S. Army and Marine Corps field artillery and U.S. Navy Mk 45 gun systems.
The Army is providing funding for testing a sabot variant of the MS-SGP, which can be fired out of 155mm artillery such as an M777 Howitzer, Pfenning said. “Testing for the saboted MS-SGP is expected to be completed this summer. The Marine Corps is extremely interested in both the 5-inch MS-SGP and the saboted MS-SGP–the 155mm variant.