BAE Systems and the US Army have successfully test-fired the Scorpio-XR extended-range artillery projectile, marking a key milestone in the army’s long-range precision fires modernization effort.
Multiple shots fired from a 155mm howitzer exceeded test objectives by striking designated targets, confirming the projectile’s compatibility with 155mm, 52-caliber Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding howitzers, widely used among NATO allies.
Precision and Range Milestone
The tests validate the Scorpio-XR’s ability to guide to targets and impact them well beyond the range of existing cannon rounds, according to BAE Systems.
Formerly designated the XM1155-SC, the maneuverable, cannon-launched projectile is being developed to deliver precision strikes at distances more than double those of current 155mm munitions, potentially extending the reach of division-level artillery units.
Previous trials have shown successful engagements from a variety of howitzer systems, from 39- to 58-caliber barrels.
“We continue to push the boundaries of precision in long-range artillery systems and will continue to build on this success and explore the full potential of how this technology will impact the future of artillery systems,” said BAE program director for Combat Systems Development Jason Casciotti.
Part of Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery Effort
The Scorpio-XR is part of a broader push by the US Army to enhance the range and accuracy of its tube artillery systems under the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program.
The initiative seeks to close the gap between conventional artillery and precision missile systems, enabling ground forces to strike deeper into enemy territory with greater efficiency.
Though additional testing and development remain, the latest results suggest Scorpio-XR could become a core munition in the army’s future long-range fires portfolio, complementing other next-gen munitions and sensor systems.
The Scorpio-XR
In April, BAE Systems announced it was developing the Scorpio-XR advanced, long-range precision munition under the Hypervelocity Projectile program.
The maneuverable, cannon-launched Scorpio-XR projectile can travel beyond 70 kilometers (43 miles).
This extended range surpasses that of systems like the Excalibur projectile already in use by the US and Ukraine, which extends “the reach of .39-caliber artillery to 40 kilometers (25 miles), .52-caliber artillery to 50 kilometers (31 miles), and .58-caliber artillery to 70 kilometers (43 miles),” according to RTX.
Designated the XM1155-SC, the precision munition features a much lower flight time and can defeat fixed and moving targets in contested environments.
It is part of a $72.5-million contract signed in May 2023, in which the US Army tapped the British defense manufacturer to extend research and development for advanced precision-guided artillery munitions.
The Scorpio-XR is compatible with existing gun systems, as it allows modernization without the high costs and time spent learning and integrating new systems, according to Army Recognition.Once operational, the weapon will support the military’s anti-access/area-denial strategy.
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