The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its artillery capabilities by contracting Tiberius Aerospace to create an innovative liquid-fuelled, 155mm ramjet precision-guided artillery munition. Known as Sceptre, this cutting-edge round is engineered to engage targets at distances of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles), boasting advanced features that set it apart from existing artillery munitions.
Company co-founder and chief strategy officer Andy Baynes emphasized the progress made in Sceptre’s development since its introduction earlier this year. He highlighted the extensive testing that has taken place, noting that both live-firing and synthetic exercises have been executed with high frequency, further validating the round’s reliability and performance.
Baynes expressed enthusiasm about the MoD’s investment in this state-of-the-art technology, framing it as a reflection of the UK’s forward-thinking approach to defense. He stated, “This is testament to the UK’s visionary leadership and their understanding of the importance of driving innovative solutions such as Sceptre and Defense-as-a-Service to increase national security.”
The Sceptre round is particularly noteworthy for its extended range and pinpoint precision, capable of achieving targeting accuracy with a circular error probability (CEP) of under 5 meters (16 feet). This represents a significant improvement over conventional artillery munitions, which typically have a CEP of around 100 meters (328 feet). To put this into perspective, the standard 155mm M982 Excalibur round used by the US Army reaches approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles). Recently, the US Army has sought to develop ammunition that extends beyond 70 kilometers (43 miles).
In addition to its impressive range and accuracy, the Sceptre is designed for operational efficiency. It can attain speeds of Mach 3.5 and reach altitudes exceeding 65,000 feet (19,812 meters), effectively evading enemy jamming systems. Its sophisticated targeting technology integrates both GPS and an inertial measurement unit, allowing for reliable positioning in GPS-denied environments. The system employs advanced artificial intelligence to continuously refine targeting precision, and multiple rounds can communicate mid-flight to enhance accuracy further.
The round’s construction prioritizes compatibility with NATO-standard 155mm artillery systems and aims to minimize wear on artillery barrels. The design features a multi-fuel liquid propellant system adaptable to several types of fuel, easing logistical constraints while enhancing safety and durability. The Sceptre boasts an extended shelf life of over 20 years, and its modular structure allows for future software and hardware upgrades, ensuring the system remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
With this partnership, the UK not only reinforces its artillery capabilities but also sets a precedent for the integration of innovative technologies in national defense strategies.
