M982

The M982 Excalibur is a precision-guided artillery shell developed by Raytheon and used by the United States military. It is designed to provide highly accurate, long-range fire support for artillery units, significantly improving upon traditional unguided shells.

Introduced in the early 2000s, the M982 features GPS-guided technology that allows it to strike targets with enhanced accuracy, often within a few meters of the designated point. Its guidance system enables it to adjust its trajectory during flight, which is particularly effective against stationary and moving targets. The shell has a range of approximately 40 to 70 kilometers (25 to 43 miles) depending on the launching platform and configuration.

The M982 is typically deployed from 155mm artillery cannons, including the M109 Paladin and other compatible platforms. Its payload consists of a high-explosive or specialized warheads, capable of destroying fortified targets, command posts, and vehicles with high precision.

The development of the M982 Excalibur represented a significant advancement in artillery technology, integrating modern guidance systems into traditional artillery shells. It has been used in various military operations, including combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating its effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.

The M982 continues to be a vital component of the U.S. Army’s artillery capabilities, with ongoing developments aimed at increasing its range, accuracy, and battlefield flexibility. The system exemplifies the trend toward precision munitions in contemporary military strategy, emphasizing reduced collateral damage and increased target destruction efficiency.