Archer Artillery System (FH77 BW L52)

Archer Artillery System (FH77 BW L52)

Type: artillery

Domain: land

Country of Origin: Sweden

Manufacturer: BAE Systems Bofors

First Deployed: 2012

Overview

Revolutionary fully autonomous 155mm/52-calibre artillery system mounted on a Volvo A30D articulated hauler truck — representing the future of self-propelled artillery with unprecedented automation. Archer features a fully automated ammunition handling system with 21 ready rounds in an automated magazine, capability to fire the first round within 30 seconds of stopping (faster than any competing system), automated gun laying using GPS/INS eliminating manual surveying, rate of fire of 3 rounds in 15 seconds or 6 rounds/minute sustained, and multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) with up to 6 rounds. After firing, the system can displace in under 30 seconds ("shoot and scoot") for survival against counter-battery fire. Range exceeding 40 km with standard ammunition, 50+ km with base-bleed, and 60+ km with rocket-assisted projectiles. All operations controlled from the armored cab by a crew of 3. The wheeled configuration provides strategic mobility at 70 km/h road speed and tactical mobility exceeding tracked SPHs. Archer represents a paradigm shift in artillery — delivering firepower comparable to tracked SPHs with superior mobility and automation. Sweden operates 48 systems with UK ordering Archer to replace AS90.

Technical Specifications

crew2-3 (fully automated loading and laying)
type155mm/52 cal Fully Automated Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer
range30 km (standard); 40 km (base-bleed); 60+ km (Excalibur/Bonus guided)
platform6x6 Volvo truck (70 km/h road speed)
manufacturerBAE Systems Bofors (Sweden)
rate_of_fire8 rpm (burst); MRSI capable
shoot_and_scootUnder 30 seconds from first round to moving

Operators

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