M712 Copperhead

Also known as

Copperhead
CLGP
XM712
155 mm Projectile M712

The M712 Copperhead is a U.S. 155 mm cannon-launched guided projectile with a semi-active laser seeker for terminal homing on designated targets. Developed under a Martin Marietta contract, it entered full-rate production as a precision round for standard 155 mm howitzers and was built for hard-point and armored-target engagement.

M712 Copperhead, 155 mm laser-guided projectile, Munitions

Image source: File: M712 Copperhead is fired

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Martin Marietta
Type: 155 mm laser-guided projectile
Service note: Cold War precision artillery round
Designed: 1970-1972
Unit cost: Over $22,000 per round (1981 GAO estimate)
Produced: Late 1970s to 1990s
Number built: More than 20,000 rounds

laser-guided guided munition precision fires anti-tank

Specifications

Caliber: 155 mm
Length: 137 cm (54 in)
Wingspan: 51 cm (20 in)
Weight: 62.4 kg (137.6 lb)
Range: 3-16 km (1.9-10 miles)
Guidance: Semi-active laser
Warhead: 6.69 kg Composition-B anti-armor

Compatible Howitzers

Royal Armouries notes that the FH70 can also fire the US Army's laser-guided M712 Copperhead cannon-launched guided projectile.

Firing weapon

Weapon type

Firing evidence

FH70, 155 mm towed howitzer, Artillery

155 mm towed howitzer

Royal Armouries states that the FH70 can also fire the US Army's laser-guided M712 Copperhead cannon-launched guided projectile.

Sources: Royal Armouries FH70 object 85309

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Fielded by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
Used by: United States Army, United States Marine Corps

Media

M712 Copperhead Images

M712 Copperhead, 155 mm laser-guided projectile, Munitions - view 1 — Source: File: M712 Copperhead nears the target tank

M712 Copperhead, 155 mm laser-guided projectile, Munitions - view 2 — Source: File: Copperhead and tank (explosion)

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Sources

Martin Marietta Copperhead (155 mm Projectile M712)Publisher: Designation-Systems.net | Note: Supports M712 Copperhead specifications, guidance method, manufacturing background, production history, and munition role. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 GAO Copperhead procurement reportPublisher: U.S. Government Accountability Office | Note: Supports the reported 1981 average procurement cost of over $22,000 per round. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Royal Armouries FH70 object 85309Publisher: Royal Armouries | Note: Supports FH70 compatibility by noting that the FH-70 can also fire the US Army's laser-guided M712 Copperhead cannon-launched guided projectile. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 File: M712 Copperhead is firedPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and public-domain status for the primary Copperhead image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 File: M712 Copperhead nears the target tankPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and public-domain status for the gallery Copperhead target-approach image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 File: Copperhead and tank (explosion)Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and public-domain status for the gallery Copperhead impact image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27