Excalibur shows off its sharp edge
Raytheon Company (Hall 6/Stand C651) recently fired four Excalibur 155mm precision-guided artillery projectiles from the Denel-manufactured G6 self propelled howitzer as part of a field trial demonstration.
Multiple rounds of the combat-proven Excalibur were successfully fired from the G6 155mm wheeled howitzer out to a range of 38km, with all rounds landing within 5m of the target. Using GPS precision guidance technology, Excalibur provides accurate, first round, fire-for-effect capability in an urban setting.
“These trials demonstrated Excalibur can give a true precision capability to G6 howitzers that can enhance the warfighter’s defensive posture,” said Kevin Matthies, Excalibur programme director.
The US Army has demonstrated Excalibur in scenarios designed to defeat specific point targets while avoiding damage to structures, non-combatants and friendly forces. This targeting capability provides flexibility to engage at the tactile level, avoiding unintended consequences. Significantly fewer Excalibur rounds are required to defeat the target, lessening the burden of logistics.
Here at the show, for the first time anywhere, Raytheon Company is displaying in model form its entire suite of nonlethal Silent Guardian systems.
Using millimetre wave energy to repel individuals or crowds, Silent Guardian provides proven infrastructure and platform protection without causing physical harm.
“We have developed several new variants of our Silent Guardian systems that provide short and long-range protection,” said Mike Booen, vice-president of the Advanced Security and Directed Energy Systems product line for Raytheon Missile Systems.
“These solutions can be mounted on multiple platforms to save lives and protect assets on land and at sea.”
Because it produces precise effects at longer ranges than other systems do, Silent Guardian provides a real-time ability to establish intent and de-escalate aggression.
Silent Guardian directs a focused beam of millimetre wave energy that travels at the speed of light, producing an intolerable sensation that causes targeted individuals to flee or take cover.
The sensation ceases immediately when an individual moves away from the beam or the operator discontinues engagement. It does not cause injury because of the shallow penetration depth of the millimetre wave and the safety features built into the system.
Military and commercial applications include checkpoint security, law enforcement, facility protection, force protection and peacekeeping missions.