Archer FH77 BW L52 BAE Systems
155mm 6x6 wheeled self-propelled howitzer - Sweden
Description
The Archer is a wheeled self-propelled howitzer 155mm designed and manufactured jointly by the Companies Bofors and BAE Systems. The first technical studies of the Archer were launched in 1995. Under contract to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), the now BAE Systems Global Combat Systems (previously BAE Systems Bofors) fitted a 155 mm FH-77 artillery system on the rear of a modified VME A25C (6 × 6) all-terrain Volvo truck chassis. The deployment time of Archer has been shortened reduced from 10 minutes to only 30 seconds compared to a standard self-propelled howitzer. The first driving and firing rig was completed late in 1995 and, following company trials, was delivered to the Swedish Army for six months of troop trials. The first operational systems are expected to be delivered in October 2011 and production will continue over the following two years. The Archer system offers a completely new dimension within precision engagement in large areas. All parts of the system are vital for the end product, especially the combination of and cooperation between systems, which is unique compared to existing artillery. Each gun system will be staffed by 3-4 operators, which is a major improvement from its forerunner which was manned by a crew consisting of 10-12 operators. The Archer self-propelled howitzer adds essential speed, mobility, and intense rates of fire to support ground troops. The 6x6 howitzer needs less than 30 seconds from the time the operators receive a call for fire to stop the vehicle, position for action, and fire the first round. And then less than 30 seconds after the mission is accomplished, ARCHER is on the move again. In October 2020, BAE Systems has proposed its ARCHER 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer in response to the U.S. Army’s request for proposals for a 155 mm wheeled gun system. On August 29, 2022, Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Ann Lind announced that Sweden evaluates the possibility to provide Ukraine with Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers. On January 10, 2023, Sweden confirmed that the ARCHER, a truck-mounted 155mm self-propelled howitzer will be supplied to Ukraine. On January 19, 2023, the Swedish Prime Minister announced the supply of 12 Archer 155mm self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. On March 16, 2023, the British Ministry of Defense announced the acquisition of Archer howitzers to replace the AS90 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers donated to Ukraine.
Archer 155mm howitzer variants:
No variants at this time.
Technical Data
| Armament |
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The main weapon of the Archer is the 155mm 52-caliber gun. The gun uses the proven design of the cradle and recoil system from the current generation FH 77B towed field howitzer. The Archer system is completely automatic and autonomous, which means that all systems for firing artillery have been integrated. This is an improved version of the earlier Field Howitzer 77B. The main differences between these are their fully-automatic solutions for handling ammunition, along with a new elongated barrel. It is the fully-automatic system that makes Archer howitzer unique. At all times the crew can avoid being outside the system, which prominent greatly increases safety during both deployment and firing. It carries 21 complete rounds, which can all be fired in 2.5 minutes, from fully automated magazines. The cannon of the Archer has a maximum firing range of 40km with conventional 155mm ammunition and 60 km with precision-guided munitions including the Excalibur. The Excalibur (XM982, M982, and M982A1) is a 155 mm, Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided, extended-range artillery projectile in use as the Army’s next-generation cannon artillery precision munition. For his self-protection the wheeled self-propelled howitzer Archer is armed with a remote weapon system, comprising a day and night sight with a 7.62mm general-purpose machine gun, is installed on the roof of the truck cab.
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| Design and protection |
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The Archer artillery system is operated by three or four crew members who are protected in combat by being under armor. The armored platform provides protection against 7.62mm rounds, armor penetration rounds, and 6 kg mines (level 2 STANAG 4569). The cab provides the crew with a protected work environment ensuring extreme endurance during severe circumstances. The protection includes ballistic protection, mine protection, NBC protection, fire protection, and noise protection.
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| Mobility |
| The Archer 155mm howitzer is based on a commercial Volvo truck articulated hauler (dumper) adapted to carry the artillery gun. The basic philosophy is to retain the vehicle’s standard design as much as possible and avoid special solutions. The 155 mm gun is mounted at the rear of a Volvo A30E 6x6 truck chassis. The Archer can run at a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum range of 500 km. |
| Accessories |
| The Archer main weapon is equipped with a fire control system, laying system and inertial navigation, and a muzzle velocity radar. Data from the radar is downloaded to the onboard computerized fire control system. Emergency driving equipment (Hutchinson AMVFI) makes it possible to drive with all wheels punctured. It also provides greater protection if the vehicle hits a blast-pressure mine. |
Specifications
| Armament | Armor |
| One 155 mm gun and one 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun. | The armored cab gives protection against small arms firing and shell splinters of the battlefield. |
| Country users | Weight |
| Sweden, Finland | 30,000 kg |
| Designer Country | Speed |
| Sweden | 70 km/h |
| Accessories | Range |
| GPS, NBC protection system, Nigh/Day driving vision, computer firing system | 400 to 500 km |
| Crew | Dimensions |
| 3 | Length: 14,1 m; Width: 3,0 m; Height: 4,0 m |
Details View
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Pictures - Video
