The US Army has signed an agreement with Tiberius Aerospace to advance development of its liquid-ramjet-powered Sceptre artillery projectile.
The US Army has signed an agreement with Tiberius Aerospace to advance development of its liquid-ramjet-powered Sceptre artillery projectile, capable of engaging targets up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) away.
The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM AC) is the first partnership between the Sceptre program and a US government service since the projectile was unveiled in May 2025.
Fired from a NATO-standard 155mm howitzer, the Sceptre is designed to exceed Mach 3, reach altitudes above 65,000 feet (19,800 meters), and strike targets up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) away with an accuracy of within 5 meters (16 feet), even in GPS-denied environments.
Unlike conventional rocket-assisted projectiles that rely on a short-duration rocket boost, the Sceptre uses a liquid-fueled ramjet to provide sustained propulsion throughout much of its flight, significantly extending the range and performance of tube artillery.
Sceptre's propulsion system uses a multi-fuel liquid propellant compatible with readily available military fuels, including diesel, JP-4, and JP-8, reducing logistics and sustainment demands.
It also requires no new launcher or dedicated firing platform, making it compatible with existing 155mm artillery.
AI-Enabled Continuous Upgrades
The Sceptre features a software-defined, modular open architecture that enables capability upgrades throughout its service life.
It is integrated with Tiberius Aerospace's AI-powered GRAIL platform, allowing new targeting capabilities, guidance algorithms, mission software, autonomy, and other enhancements to be rapidly incorporated throughout the munition's service life.
“By connecting operational requirements with engineering, testing and federated manufacturing, GRAIL enables Sceptre to evolve continuously in response to emerging threats, accelerating the delivery of improved capability to the battlefield,” the company explained.
Development Path
The agreement establishes a framework for Tiberius Aerospace and DEVCOM AC to collaborate on Sceptre-related research and technical activities. CRADAs are a long-standing US Army mechanism for accelerating technology development with industry.
In April 2026, Tiberius Aerospace became the first company to launch a liquid-fueled ramjet projectile from a NATO-standard 155mm howitzer, marking a key milestone in the validation of Sceptre's core technologies.
The US deal follows a similar agreement Tiberius signed with the UK Ministry of Defence in September 2025 to advance the round's development.
