The U.S. Navy is exploring how it can utilize the BAE System-built 155mm advanced gun systems equipped on Zumwalt-class destroyers, USNI News reported Monday. The service branch has identified a hyper velocity projectile, primarily designed for an electromagnetic railgun, as a potential candidate for use with the dormant gun, the report noted.
During the Surface Navy Association Symposium, Capt. Kevin Smith, DDG-1000 program manager, said the branch is considering the hyper velocity projectile’s affordability among other factors.
“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 said.
BAE Systems designed the AGS to fire Lockheed Martin-made Long Range Land Attack Projectiles, munitions that were not implemented due to cost issues.
