Boeing and Nammo have successfully test-fired a Ramjet 155 ramjet-powered artillery projectile.

The tests demonstrated the viability of one of the U.S. Army’s modernization priorities – long-range precision fires.

During tests in Norway, a Boeing Ramjet 155 projectile was fired out of a cannon and its ramjet engine ignited successfully.

It demonstrated flight stability with a well-controlled engine combustion process.

“The test results demonstrate that ramjets are viable and can fundamentally change the future of artillery,” said Nammo Chief Executive Officer Morten Brandtzæg.

The long-range test in Norway follows years of research, development and testing by Boeing and Nammo of ramjet technology, including more than 450 static or short-range tests.

Boeing Phantom Works and Nammo have been working together under a strategic partnership to jointly develop and produce the next generation of boosted artillery projectiles.

In July 2019, the Boeing-Nammo team was awarded a contract under the U.S. Army’s XM1155 program to develop and mature the Ramjet 155 projectile.

In May 2021, the team was awarded a Phase II technology development contract.

Considered to be a hybrid between guided artillery and missiles, the program is aimed at the creation of a common round design that can be used in L39 and L58 cannons.

The team continues to develop and mature the technology, with further testing and demonstrations planned in the coming months.

In 2019, Nammo representatives stated that with their engine, the ammunition will have a maximum range of approximately 150 kilometers.