A major breakthrough in artillery technology was announced at the Future Artillery Conference in London, where UK-US defense company Tiberius Aerospace revealed the Sceptre TRBM 155HG—the world’s first supersonic artillery shell.

Founded in 2022, Tiberius Aerospace has introduced this 155mm, ramjet-powered, liquid-fueled projectile as a significant advancement in long-range, precision strike capabilities.

Figure 1. Sceptre (TRBM 155HG)

Supersonic Speed and Extended Range

The Sceptre travels at Mach 3.5 and operates at altitudes over 65,000 feet, placing it beyond the reach of most traditional air defenses and GPS jamming systems. Its ramjet propulsion, rarely used in artillery shells, enables it to reach targets up to 150 km (100 miles) away, depending on the payload. Figure 1 shows Sceptre (TRBM 155HG).

This performance vastly exceeds that of standard 155mm shells, which typically fall short of 100 km and suffer from lower accuracy, with a circular error probability (CEP) often exceeding 100 meters. In contrast, the Sceptre achieves sub-5-meter CEP even in contested GPS environments, thanks to an integrated AI system, advanced sensors, and real-time error correction.

The projectile is also equipped with networked communication, allowing shells to coordinate mid-flight for improved targeting precision or broader area effects.

Liquid Fuel Innovation

Unlike conventional solid-fuel rounds, the Sceptre uses liquid fuels such as diesel, JP-4, or JP-8, and features a just-in-time fueling system. This innovation not only improves safety and storage but also extends the munition’s shelf life beyond 20 years. Additionally, it reduces dependency on specialized energetic materials, enhancing logistical flexibility through use of existing military fuel supply chains.

Seamless Integration with Existing Systems

A key strength of the Sceptre is its compatibility with standard NATO 155mm artillery platforms, including systems like the M777, PzH 2000, and AS90, requiring no modifications [1]. Its low-barrel-wear ignition system and minimized physical contact reduce long-term maintenance needs.

Tiberius Aerospace has applied modern engineering concepts such as modular design and open architecture. The shell’s electronic suite supports an open API, enabling easy integration with various fire control systems. Battlefield units can swiftly update targeting and control software, enhance flexibility and reduce development cycles.

A Next-Generation Battlefield Solution

Tiberius founder and CEO Chad Steelberg describes the Sceptre as a "10X solution"—delivering not just enhanced range and precision, but also superior cost-effectiveness, survivability, and adaptability.

“This is a weapon engineered for future warfare: fast, accurate, and highly resilient in GPS-denied or disrupted environments,” said Steelberg.

In an era marked by rapidly evolving threats and the need for scalable, cutting-edge defense solutions, the Sceptre TRBM 155HG represents a paradigm shift in artillery warfare. Its supersonic capabilities, extended range, and AI-driven precision targeting are set to redefine the standards of modern indirect firepower.

Reference:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/military/worlds-first-supersonic-artillery-shell-unveiled

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), U.S. Startup Unveils World’s First Supersonic Artillery Shell, Capable of Reaching Mach 3.5 Speeds, AnaTechMaz, pp.331