Navy

Navy Studying Hyper Velocity Projectile, Other Ammo for Zumwalt Guns

The Navy is still looking at a variety of options to arm the dormant 155mm Advanced Gun Systems aboard the Zumwalt-class of guided-missile destroyers, the service’s DDG-1000 program manager said on Wednesday.

The rounds Naval Sea Systems Command is studying for the BAE-built AGS include the hyper velocity projectile built for the electromagnetic railgun that’s also being tested with the Navy’s standard 5-inch gun, Capt. Kevin Smith said during a presentation at the Surface Navy Association Symposium.

“That is one thing that has been considered with respect to capability for this ship class. We’re looking at a longer-range bullet that’s affordable, and so that’s one thing that’s being considered,” Smith said.
“There are a lot of things that we’re looking at as far as deeper magazines with other types of weapons that have longer range.”

Smith did not specify the other types of ammunition NAVSEA was studying, however, the Navy had previously considered the guided Raytheon Excalibur 155mm guided artillery round that has been fielded by the Army and Marines but abandoned the plan.