155 mm Artillery Rounds Fired During Precision Guidance Kit Solution Testing

BAE Systems, MINNEAPOLIS: BAE Systems has successfully fired 20 GPS-guided rounds as part of interim testing for the U.S. Army's Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) Technical Development program. BAE Systems' PGK team fired 20 155 mm projectiles equipped with its PGK test modules at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. 
 
The interim tests were the second series of successful gun-fired tests completed by BAE Systems on its PGK solution in less than two months. The testing included 20 rounds of various test configurations including fully autonomous GPS guided rounds. BAE Systems fired M549 Rocket Assisted Projectiles (RAP) to a range of about 20.5 kilometers. All test objectives were adhered with all rounds functioning properly. The GPS guided rounds demonstrated the ability to acquire GPS within the desired time and the ability to maneuver within the required 50-meter Circular Error Probable (CEP). 
 
“Our PGK development team is working hard to ensure our artillerymen have the accuracy they need to be successful in combat,” said Jim Unterseher, BAE Systems vice president of Army Programs. “We are confident our system is ready to meet the requirements of the Army's PGK program and rapidly provide a critical area-precision artillery capability to our war fighters.” 
 
The Army will award a contract to the winner of the competitive shoot-off for development of PGK Increment 1, expected to be fielded in Fiscal Year 2009. The PGK Increment 1 requirement calls for a 155 mm PGK solution that can achieve an accuracy of less than 50 meters.  
 
BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions, and customer support services. BAE Systems, with 88,000 employees worldwide, had 2006 sales that exceeded $25 billion.