Image source: topwar.ru
Currently, the US Army is conducting major operational tests of a new extended-range artillery gun, trying to understand how a longer gun barrel will be able to carry out more shots. Defense News writes about this, citing sources in the US military department.
As the publication notes, after a relatively small number of shots, the barrel of the gun seriously wears out. Now the specialists of the weapons service are engaged in the analysis and adjustments of the materials used in the design of the gun barrel. They also study the influence of specific types of shells on the barrel of the gun.
The systems being developed as part of the implementation of the ERCA (Extended Range Cannon Artillery) program must undergo a number of tests before they will be sent to the troops by the end of 2023. To date, 20 prototypes of the new artillery system have been manufactured. But before launching mass production, it is necessary to eliminate all existing problems, writes the Defense News publication.
Image source: topwar.ru
One of the possible solutions is the use of ramjet technology. American experts believe that this technology will significantly improve the characteristics of the artillery guns used.
Currently, Defense News writes, the US army is working on ERCA systems in various places, including in New York's Watervliet Arsenal, where barrels for guns are manufactured. The final integration of the systems will take place at the Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. From there, according to the sources of the publication, the guns will be sent to the Yuma proving ground, Arizona, to check the characteristics. An appropriate decision will be made based on the results of the tests.
