In a first-of-a-kind test, Team ERGM successfully fired a precision guided projectile from a representative gun system and guided it to a designated target area June 25. The flight test exceeded tactical end-game accuracy requirements, and the test demonstrated terminal accuracy performance sooner than called for in the program’s development plan.
Led by Raytheon Company and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, the All Up Round (AUR) guided flight of the Extended Range Guided Munition (ERGM) took place at White Sands Missile Range, N. M.
In the flight test, ERGM was launched from a representative Mk45 Mod 4 gun system, using a tactical propellant charge, and successfully executed navigation and guidance after global positioning system (GPS) acquisition. This flight test achieved all test objectives.
The projectile demonstrated proper navigation and guidance despite experiencing extreme G-forces during gun launch. The 18-megajoule propellant charge impacted the projectile like a 40 ton hammer traveling at 70 miles per hour, almost immediately accelerating the round to 1,875 mph. The test also demonstrated a flight range of 39 nautical miles in under four minutes time of flight and airframe stability and control with proper internal system operation.
This guided flight test successfully completed the subsystem and system level design validation tests of the ERGM guidance, control and propulsion systems. The final validation tests are planned for next year after introduction of the new unitary warhead. This marks the start of ground environmental and flight performance qualification testing phase, which is the precursor to fleet deployment.
Other test objectives included demonstrating aerodynamic stability, proper telemeter operation, successful up-reference determination, successful roll stabilization, and proper command control option (flight restraint system) system response. These objectives were successfully achieved, as well.
