ELECTRONICS DIVISION
VULCANO 127
127MM BALLISTIC EXTENDED RANGE (BER)
AND GUIDED LONG RANGE (GLR)
Vulcano 127mm is a family of subcalibre ammunition A Joint Program with
for 127/54 and 127/64 Leonardo naval artillery systems
composed by an unguided projectile called BER (Ballistic
Extended Range) and a guided one called GLR (Guided
Long Range). They represent the most advanced technology
currently available for precise naval artillery firings.
When the RF fuse is replaced with the alternative
The Vulcano projectile is specifically conceived and realized
dedicated terminal homing sensors the ammunition can
to improve the performance of other ammunition of the
also effectively engage moving naval targets in case of IR
same calibre, both in range and accuracy, while maintaining
(InfraRed) sensor or, in case of SAL (Semi Active Laser),
compatibility with the in service 127mm gun barrels. The
laser designated targets (forward observer required),
outline of the ammunition is almost identical to that of
stationary and moving, with further improved precision with
conventional rounds, which enables it to be handled without
respect to pure GPS guidance.
any additional logistical burden.
The main application of the Vulcano 127 GLR is for long
Moreover, the possibility of programming the final attack
range, high accuracy fire support against stationary and
angle of the projectile to up to 90° (that is, vertical fall)
moving point targets with extremely reduced likelihood
against the target enables the maximization of both
of collateral damage and also for precise surface
warhead effectiveness and guidance accuracy, as well as
engagements against moving ships.
minimizing the likelihood of detection of projectile in flight
The outstanding aerodynamics, coupled with the GPS
by the enemy’s defence systems.
guidance and trajectory shaping capabilities, enable the
Vulcano 127 GLR to reach a max range over 80km while
The Vulcano 127 ammunition, both BER and GLR, have been
keeping an extreme accuracy of less than 5m within all
qualified according to the relevant STANAGs under joint
operational ranges.
Italian and German MoD supervision.
The shell is filled with IM explosive and it is made up of
specific patented pre formed tungsten rings, enabling
an extremely high effectiveness against soft and lightly
protected targets; the detonation trigger is generated by
a Radio Frequency (RF) programmable fuse capable of
various functionalities, such as: altimetric, instantaneous
and delayed impact.
KEY FEATURES
• Higher range, extending the conventional 127 mm naval
guns operative ranges more than to three times;
• Higher precision at any range;
• Less collateral damages;
• Minimization of engagement cost;
• Capability to nullify Target Location Error (TLE) for
stationary and moving targets (with IR and SAL Seeker);
• State of the art Insensitive Munition (IM) design;
1
2
INITIALIZ
ATION
Quote (m
)
BALISTIC
+
ASCENT GLIDE 3
PULL-DO
WN/
TERMINA
L GUIDANC
E
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
40000
EXAMPLE OF TRAJECTORY AT 45KM
45000
The flight sequences of the Vulcano 127mm ammunition
encompass a Ballistic Flight Path (1) involving initialization
and GPS acquisitiion, a Glide Path (2) with Mid-Course Height of Burst
Navigation and Terminal Guidance (3) with GPS or IR or SAL Vulcano 127 Sensor Vulcano 127
mode, depending on the configuration. GLR packaging GPS only ammunitions
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BALLISTIC EXTENDED RANGE (BER) PROGRAMMING AND FIRE COMMAND VULCANO 127 GLR
127/64 cal range up to 60 km INTEGRATED ON THE SHIP PLATFORM
Multifunctional Fuze Fire Command Computer
Altimetry GPS Key Storage interface device (GPS-KID)
Impact/Delayed impact GPS-Receiver
Time Programming Device
Notched HE warhead
Ballistic accuracy
GUIDED LONG RANGE (GLR)
127/64 cal range over 80 km
Autonomous IMU + GPS guidance;
CEP ≤ 5m on coordinate at any operative range;
SAL terminal homing with CEP ≤3m on target at any operative range;
IR terminal guidance;
Precise bombardment firing;
Notched HE warhead.
For more information:
infomarketing@leonardo.com This publication is issued to provide outline information only and is supplied without liability
for errors or omissions.
Electronics Division No part of it may be reproduced or used unless authorised in writing.
Via Valdilocchi 15 We reserve the right to modify or revise all or part of this document without notice.
19136 La Spezia - Italy
T +39 0187 5811 2022 © Leonardo S.p.A. MF00003 06-22
F +39 0586 854060
leonardo.com
