M982 Excalibur: The Most Lethal Precision-Guided 155mm Artillery Shell
The M982 Excalibur stands as the most lethal precision-guided 155mm artillery shell ever developed, combining extended range with pinpoint accuracy. Engineered by the United States to strike high-value stationary targets with minimal collateral damage, this GPS-guided munition represents a revolutionary leap in modern artillery warfare. As the successor to the older M712 Copperhead, the Excalibur has redefined how militaries conduct precision fire missions on today's battlefield.
Specifications of the M982 Excalibur
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Entered Service | 2007 |
| Caliber | 155 mm |
| Shell Weight | 48 kg |
| Warhead Weight | 22 kg |
| Explosive Content | 22 kg |
| Range of Fire | 40 km |
| Guidance | GPS-guided |
| Circular Error Probable (CEP) | 5 m |
| Hit Probability | Unknown |
Development History and Key Players
Development of a next-generation guided munition began in 1992 when the U.S. recognized the need for artillery that could strike targets with pinpoint precision while minimizing collateral damage. The program became a joint effort between Raytheon and BAE Systems, with Raytheon providing the advanced guidance systems and BAE Systems producing the shell’s body, base, and payload.
In 2004, the U.S. merged its development with a Swedish project to form a collaborative guided artillery munition program. Early prototypes, designated XM982, underwent firing trials with the M777 lightweight field howitzer starting in 2003. To accommodate the Excalibur, the M777 was upgraded to the M777A2 standard, including new fire-control software.
Production and Operational Use
Low-rate initial production of 500 Excalibur shells was approved in 2005. By 2007, operational test firings confirmed the shell’s capabilities, and the Excalibur entered active service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Its first combat use occurred in Iraq in 2007, where its performance exceeded expectations with a circular error probable (CEP) of just 5 meters.
Following its successful debut, mass production ramped up with the baseline M982 version achieving a maximum range of 40 kilometers, a significant leap from the XM982’s initial 23-kilometer range. As of 2015, the U.S. planned to procure over 7,400 Excalibur shells. The shell’s cost, which initially stood at an eye-watering $258,777 including development expenses, dropped to about $68,000 per unit as production scaled up.
Global Operators and Combat Deployments
Beyond U.S. forces, the Excalibur is now in service with several allied nations, including Sweden, Australia, Canada, India, and the Netherlands. Norway has also shown interest in acquiring these high-precision rounds. In 2022, the U.S. supplied Excalibur shells to Ukraine to strengthen its defenses during the Russian invasion, with reports indicating that thousands have been delivered to Ukrainian artillery units.
Compatibility with Modern Artillery Systems
One of the Excalibur’s greatest strengths is its broad compatibility with 155mm artillery systems. It works seamlessly with platforms such as:
- M777A2 lightweight field howitzer
- M109A6 Paladin and M109A7 self-propelled howitzers
- German PzH 2000
- South Korean K9 Thunder
- Japanese Type 99
- Other advanced NATO-standard 155mm artillery pieces
How the Excalibur Works: Precision and Safety
The M982 Excalibur was engineered to destroy high-priority targets like enemy tanks, artillery batteries, hardened bunkers, command posts, radar installations, and air defense systems with a single shot. Compared to conventional unguided shells, which might require 10 to 50 rounds to achieve a hit, one Excalibur round is often enough.
Its forward-folding fins and GPS-inertial navigation system give it near pinpoint accuracy with a CEP of less than 5 meters—often as tight as 4 meters in operational use. This exceptional accuracy means Excalibur can be safely fired in close proximity to friendly forces and civilian structures, sometimes as close as 75–150 meters, minimizing the risk of collateral damage.
Advanced Guidance and Resilience
Excalibur’s programmable guidance system allows gun crews to input exact GPS coordinates for each fire mission, enabling frontline troops to destroy high-value targets with surgical precision. In addition to GPS guidance, an inertial navigation system ensures the shell stays on its ballistic path even when GPS is degraded or unavailable, though with slightly reduced accuracy. Furthermore, the Excalibur is engineered to resist GPS jamming, maintaining its effectiveness in electronic warfare environments.
Range and Warhead Capabilities
When fired from a 155mm/L39-caliber artillery system such as the M777A2 or M109A6 Paladin, the Excalibur reaches out to 40 kilometers. The standard round weighs 48 kilograms, carrying a powerful 22-kilogram high-explosive (HE) warhead. The fuse can be set to detonate in three modes: airburst, point-detonating on impact, or delayed to penetrate hardened structures before exploding.
Excalibur Variants and Innovations
Over the years, several Excalibur variants have emerged to address diverse mission needs:
- XM982: The original pre-production version with a 23 km range.
- M982A1: A cost-reduced mass production model with the same capabilities and 40 km range.
- Excalibur S: Enhanced with semi-active laser guidance, enabling it to hit moving or repositioned targets. Raytheon began this upgrade in 2013.
- Excalibur N5: A naval variant, scaled down to 127mm, designed for destroyers and cruisers.
- Excalibur EST (Shaped Trajectory): Introduced in 2018, this version allows the shell to approach targets at specific angles, improving effectiveness in complex terrain.
- GP155B: A Chinese copycat version based on the Excalibur’s design.
Conclusion
The M982 Excalibur has revolutionized the role of artillery in modern combat. Its unmatched accuracy, extended range, and proven battlefield performance have made it an indispensable asset for the U.S. and allied forces worldwide. From Iraq to Afghanistan and now Ukraine, the Excalibur demonstrates how precision-guided munitions can transform traditional artillery into a powerful, surgical strike weapon that saves lives and minimizes collateral damage. With continued innovation and new variants, the Excalibur remains at the forefront of next-generation indirect fire support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the M982 Excalibur used for?
The M982 Excalibur is a GPS-guided 155mm artillery shell used to destroy high-value stationary targets with extreme accuracy. It is primarily employed to eliminate enemy tanks, artillery systems, bunkers, command posts, and other fortified positions with minimal collateral damage.
How accurate is the M982 Excalibur compared to traditional artillery shells?
The Excalibur has a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters, making it dramatically more accurate than conventional unguided artillery shells, which can have a CEP of hundreds of meters.
Which artillery systems are compatible with the Excalibur shell?
The Excalibur is compatible with many 155mm artillery platforms, including the M777A2 lightweight howitzer, M109A6/A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, German PzH 2000, South Korean K9 Thunder, Japanese Type 99, and other modern NATO-standard 155mm systems.
What is the maximum range of the Excalibur?
When fired from a 155mm/L39-caliber gun, such as the M777A2, the M982 Excalibur can reach targets up to 40 kilometers away.
How does the Excalibur remain effective if GPS is jammed?
In addition to GPS guidance, the Excalibur has an inertial navigation system that allows it to maintain its ballistic trajectory even if GPS signals are lost or jammed, although its accuracy may be slightly reduced.
Which countries use the M982 Excalibur?
The United States Army and Marine Corps are primary operators. The shell is also used by Sweden, Canada, Australia, India, and the Netherlands. Norway has shown interest, and thousands have been supplied to Ukraine for use against Russian forces.
Are there different variants of the Excalibur shell?
Yes. Variants include the XM982, M982A1 (cost-reduced version), Excalibur S (with semi-active laser guidance for moving targets), Excalibur N5 (a 127mm naval version), and Excalibur EST (Shaped Trajectory), which can approach targets at specific angles.
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