The US Army is in a race to develop next-generation artillery platforms and munitions, according to Chris Cappy from Task & Purpose. This effort stems from a classified “tactical fires study” conducted over the past two years, aimed at completely transforming field artillery. The study, based on observations from the war in Ukraine where artillery accounted for over 70% of casualties, has not been publicly released. However, Cappy’s investigative work has provided insight into the Army’s plans based on comments from military officials and resource allocation.
The Need for Longer Range
One of the primary requirements the US Army is exploring is achieving longer range capabilities. Cappy explains that in 2019, the Army began experimenting with the Next Generation Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program. Traditional tube artillery typically has a range of about 20 miles, but extended range munitions can boost this to 35 miles. ERCA aimed to triple this range, incorporating an autoloader for a firing rate of up to 10 rounds per minute – three times faster than legacy systems.
Challenges and Cancellation of ERCA
Despite the ambitious goals, the ERCA program faced significant challenges. Cappy reports that issues with the autoloader and barrel wear led to its cancellation. The autoloader’s capacity had to be reduced from 31 rounds to 23 to balance the system, and the barrel experienced significant wear after firing only a few shots. The engineering problem of maintaining both a large explosive munition and accuracy led to constant delays, ultimately causing the program to be halted.
Focusing on Advanced Munitions
The Army realized that extending artillery range did not necessarily require a bigger gun but rather advanced munitions. General James Rainey, Commander of the US Army’s Future Command, emphasized that focusing on the round itself yielded significant success. The XM1155 munition, for instance, has twice the range of older shells and can hit moving targets. These advances made the concept of extended range cannons less attractive.
The Role of Smart Rounds
Smart rounds with internal electric guidance systems can increase range and accuracy but also pose vulnerabilities to electronic attacks. Cappy notes that Russian GPS spoofing attacks in Ukraine misdirected the targeting data for US-supplied GPS-guided Excalibur rounds, leading to a temporary halt in their use. Future rounds will need adjustments to their software and guidance systems to counteract such threats.
The Future of Towed Artillery
Cappy suggests that the war in Ukraine might spell the end for towed artillery. The US Army’s inventory lacks wheeled artillery, with most tube artillery being towed and tracked. Towed artillery, effective in counterinsurgency environments, is less viable in high-intensity warfare due to the time required for relocation. The Army operates about 518 M777 howitzers and 417 M119 105mm towed pieces, but their effectiveness is waning against advanced threats.
Embracing Wheeled Artillery
To address these challenges, the Army is looking towards wheeled artillery systems. The Danish fast autoloader and the Archer from BAE Systems are examples of efficient wheeled artillery that can quickly fire and relocate. The US Army’s interest in wheeled systems is evidenced by their 2022 request for a next-generation wheeled artillery platform with integrated digital fire control systems and autoloaders.
Incorporating Robotics and Automation
Robotics and automation are also playing a significant role in modernizing US artillery. The Army is testing robotic systems to automate the cycling of artillery rounds, aiming to streamline the entire resupply chain from ordering to transport. This shift towards automation is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce the reliance on human operators.
Increasing Production and Volume of Fire
To match the demands of modern warfare, the US is ramping up artillery munition production. General James Mingus reported that the Army has increased its production capacity from 14,000 rounds per month to a projected 100,000 rounds by next summer. This increase is crucial for maintaining a high volume of fire in prolonged conflicts.
International Cooperation and Coordination
International cooperation through the Artillery System Cooperation Activities (ASCA) program is another critical aspect of artillery modernization. ASCA enables seamless communication and coordination between allied forces, allowing for efficient fire mission execution across different national artillery units.
“Newer Isn’t Always Better”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “Many years ago, I watched a video of an Archer (?) firing six rounds in rapid succession. Each round was fired at a different trajectory, timed so that all six rounds hit the target simultaneously. I like to think the result was what Armageddon would look like. Truly impressive. The crew never left the vehicle and the evolution took about two minutes from stopping to skedaddling.”
Another commenter added: “Electric firing is complicated, prone to failure, prone to interference, and is likely vulnerable to EMP. Mechanical lanyard can’t be taken out from an EMP. Newer isn’t always better.”
A Strategic Shift
The US Army’s renewed focus on artillery, with advanced munitions, wheeled platforms, and international cooperation, signifies a strategic shift towards maintaining battlefield dominance. The lessons learned from Ukraine and the rapid advancements in artillery technology are shaping the future of US military capabilities.
Impact on Future Military Strategies
What do you think? How will the advancements in artillery technology impact future military strategies and battlefield tactics? What are the potential vulnerabilities of relying on smart rounds with internal guidance systems, and how can they be mitigated? How might the shift from towed to wheeled artillery affect the logistics and deployment strategies of the US Army?
Check out the entire video for more information on Task & Purpose’s YouTube channel here.
