U.S. Army is being criticized for the development of new deadly cannon, which is expected to fire rounds out to 1,000 km, or 620 miles.
The Army is exploring possibilities both with Governments and the private sector to develop a new massive artillery system that can precision hit targets at 1000 kilometers. The Army interest in long-range cannon capable of firing a higher volume of low-cost rounds to help offset the cost of hypersonic weapons.
The program called the Strategic Long Range Cannon (SLRC) is comprised of a weapon, prime mover and trailer, projectile and propelling charge capable of delivering massed fires at strategic ranges for multi-domain operations. The SLRC field battery will be included 4 special platforms with cannons and heavy equipment transporters. Some sources said that the crew of super cannon will be 8 personnel per platform.
According to The War Zone, the design concept of new super cannon has features that are reminiscent of the Cold War-era efforts such as the Army’s M65 “Atomic Annie” 280mm cannon and the modified 16-inch naval gun employed in the U.S.-Canadian High Altitude Research Project, or HARP. It also has a general look that wouldn’t be out of place in the G.I. Joe universe.
Last week, Brig. Gen. John Rafferty, director of the Long-Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team, said the super cannon is currently a science and technology investment led by the Armaments Center at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey.
Rafferty confirmed that this project is not without controversy. Also, he adds its feasibility is now being examined by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
“We’re going to get a fair evaluation,” he said. “They appreciate the operation and utility in our approach of a volume of fire with more affordable projectiles.”
Even if the system is not expected to be fielded soon, the general said that science and technology projects such as this one will also help with deterrence.
Earlier this year, U.S. Army appears to have accidentally revealed the first image of the newest SLRC in a set of presentation material revealed during US-UK Modernization Demonstration Event.
