Nammo and Boeing Phantom Works are developing the Ramjet 155 projectile under an US Army contract.
Boeing and Nammo have jointly conducted a test of a ramjet-powered artillery projectile at the Andøya Test Center in Norway.
The long-range test follows years of ramjet technology development by the team that included conducting more than 450 static or short-range tests.
During the latest test, a Boeing Ramjet 155 projectile was fired from a cannon.
According to a Boeing statement, the projectile’s ramjet engine ignited successfully and it maintained stability and a controlled engine combustion process throughout the flight.
The Boeing Ramjet 155 is being developed to meet the US Army’s long-range precision fire requirements.
Nammo CEO Morten Brandtzæg said: “The test results demonstrate that ramjets are viable and can fundamentally change the future of artillery.
“We have great confidence in the ramjet concept. The test – with all aspects from cannon firing, to the projectile body, fins, and trajectory all functioning perfectly – represents a real technological breakthrough in artillery, and a major success for Boeing, Nammo, and the US Army.”
In July 2019, Norwegian defence and aerospace company Nammo and Boeing Phantom Works secured a contract to develop the Ramjet 155 projectile under the US Army’s XM1155 programme.
Last year, the team received a Phase II technology development contract.
Boeing Phantom Works vice-president and general manager Steve Nordlund said: “We believe the Boeing Ramjet 155, with continued technology maturation and testing, can help the US Army meet its long-range precision fires modernisation priorities.
“This successful test is evidence that we are making great progress.”
The companies will continue to further develop the ramjet technology, with additional tests planned in the following months.
Earlier this year, Boeing and Nammo conducted a series of ground-fire tests of Ramjet 155 Extended Range Artillery.
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