The US Army has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Tiberius Aerospace to accelerate development of its Sceptre artillery projectile, a liquid-ramjet-powered munition designed to engage targets at ranges of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles).
The agreement with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM AC) represents the first collaboration between the Sceptre program and a US government service since the projectile was unveiled in May 2025.
Designed for launch from NATO-standard 155mm howitzers, Sceptre is engineered to exceed Mach 3, reach altitudes above 65,000 feet (19,800 meters), and hit targets within 5 meters (16 feet) of the intended point, including in GPS-denied environments. Unlike conventional rocket-assisted artillery rounds, which rely on a brief rocket boost, Sceptre employs a liquid-fueled ramjet that delivers sustained propulsion through a significant portion of its flight, enabling substantially greater range and performance from conventional tube artillery.
The projectile’s propulsion system uses a multi-fuel liquid propellant compatible with commonly available military fuels such as diesel, JP-4, and JP-8. This compatibility could help reduce logistical and sustainment requirements. Sceptre is also designed to operate with existing 155mm artillery systems without requiring a new launcher or dedicated firing platform.
AI-Enabled Upgrade Capability
Sceptre incorporates a software-defined, modular open architecture intended to support continuous capability enhancements throughout its operational life. The system is integrated with Tiberius Aerospace’s AI-powered GRAIL platform, which enables the rapid incorporation of advanced targeting functions, guidance algorithms, mission software, autonomy features, and other upgrades.
Development Progress
The CRADA follows a similar agreement between Tiberius Aerospace and the UK Ministry of Defence signed in September 2025. It provides a framework for Tiberius Aerospace and DEVCOM AC to conduct collaborative research and technical activities related to Sceptre, using the CRADA mechanism to support faster industry-government technology development.
In April 2026, Tiberius Aerospace achieved a major milestone by becoming the first company to launch a liquid-fueled ramjet projectile from a NATO-standard 155mm howitzer, demonstrating progress in validating the Sceptre’s core propulsion and flight technologies.
