A US-UK defense company has just achieved a world-first after showing that a liquid-fueled ramjet projectile can be launched from a NATO-standard 155mm howitzer, ignite mid-flight, and perform as intended.

California-based Tiberius Aerospace, which also has a registered office in London, may have opened a novel chapter in long-range firepower. The defense company recently tested its Sceptre system in New Mexico, US.

Sceptre is a 155-mm precision-guided munition built to work with standard NATO artillery systems. The latest round of testing confirmed it can reach ranges of up to 93 miles (150 kilometers), travel at speeds of roughly Mach 3.5, and operate at altitudes above 65,000 feet.

“This is a genuine world first breakthrough,” Chad Steelberg, Tiberius Aerospace CEO and founder, pointed out. “These tests prove not only the technology, but a new way of delivering capability at pace, at scale, and at significantly lower cost.”

Ramjet test success

Tiberius Aerospace stated that its liquid-fuel innovation represents a fundamental shift in what artillery systems can deliver in modern warfare. The system boasts an 11.2-lb (5.2-kilogram) payload and reaches a circular error probability (CEP) under 16 feet (five meters) even in GPS-contested environments.

Moreover, it needs no modifications to existing artillery platforms, and it features a modular design. This allows for continuous upgrades. In addition, it uses widely available military jet fuels, like the JP-4 and JP-8 diesel types. This helps reduce the logistical burden during deployment.

According to the firm, one of the key milestones from the trial was proving that a liquid-fueled ramjet system can survive the intense acceleration of artillery launch, which can reach around 18,000 times the force of Earth’s gravity (g).

The system showcased stable flight dynamics, controlled rotation, and successful activation of its in-flight stabilization systems. The results suggested that the tech can function reliably in real-world conditions.

Unlocking future artillery

The findings highlight that it is now possible to pair missile-like range and speed with the cost, flexibility, and deployability of traditional artillery. The innovation defines a new class between artillery and missiles, closing a long-standing gap.

Steelberg said that after validating the design and engineering approach, the next step is to test the system at much longer ranges. Another goal is to move toward full validation and certification. “Sceptre is an ambitious and complex project, but these successful US test firing results prove we are quickly advancing along the right trajectory,” he concluded in a press release.

The system can also be integrated with Tiberius Aerospace’s AI GRAIL platform. It is created to increase the volume of precision firepower available to allied forces, reduce reliance on high-cost missile inventories, and enable faster, more scalable production.

Meanwhile, the system supports licensed local production. This means that allied nations can produce Sceptre within their own industrial base. It could potentially strengthen sovereign capability, shorten supply chains, and speed up time to field.