Thread: MOD nobbles British Armies long range artillary program

Originally Posted by Monash

(tube or rocket launched???)

RATO + push prop.

Kinda looks like a CL289 at first glance. Launched the same way.

Originally Posted by Monash

Had a chance to browse some Janes updates today and they are reporting that the MOD has (very quietly) announced the cancelation of a number of systems that form part of this program. Apparently only one of five planned systems will now be introduced/fielded.

Anyway here are the cancelations

1) No GPS guided artillery shells system.
2) No tactical artillery (ACTAM)
3) No more GMLRS systems - the 24 already purchased will be kept but the other 60 or so systems the Royal artillery has will not be upgraded.
4) No long range ant-tank/armour attack systems

The one system being kept is something called "fire shadow" which I don't know anything about except that it’s supposed to be some kind of long endurance (loitering) artillery round (tube or rocket launched???)

So it looks like the 21st century isn’t happening for the Royal Artillery. (I suppose they should be glad the cuts weren’t deeper. I here horse drawn artillery is very "fuel efficient".

Anyone have any idea what the impact of this is going to be once the Brits pull out of Afghanistan?

The Gunners must be pi$$ed off no end.

FIRE SHADOW:

A revolutionary missile that can stalk a target until the perfect moment to strike is being developed by the Ministry of Defence for use against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
The so-called lurker bomb will also be able to shadow British troops for up to ten hours or 100 miles, ready to take out enemy targets with surgical precision at a minute’s notice.
The 12ft weapon – officially named Fire Shadow and made in Britain by leading missile manufacturer MBDA – will be operated by the Royal Artillery.