Archer
Overview
Archer
Archer in the firing position.
Source: Shinecommerce @ kr.blog.yahoo.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
FH77BW L52
Description
Introduction
The Archer is a self-propelled howitzer of Swedish origin. It was developed in the 1990's as a highly mobile limited costs long range artillery system. The Archer is unique with its articulated design and remote controlled rear turret.
Design
The Archer is based on lengthened Volvo A30D chassis that is normally used for dump trucks and special construction vehicles. A large remote controlled turret is positioned at the rear of the chassis. This houses the 155mm howitzer in a recoil system derived from the FH77 towed howitzer and is connected to an autoloader derived from the earlier Bandkanon. The crew cabin is armored and a remote controlled weapon system is installed. Two jacks at the rear support the weapon in the firing position.
Firepower
The Archer is armed with a 155mm L/52 howitzer with a 25 liter chamber that was derived from the towed FH77 howitzer. The maximum range is claimed to be 30 km with standard ammunition, 40 km with base bleed and 60 km with the XM982 Excalibur round. The direct fire capability is 2 km. The maximum rate of fire is 8 - 9 rpm with a burst fire of 3 rounds in 13 seconds achievable. The Archer has an MSRI capability of 8 rounds.
Protection
The crew is protected from small arms fire and shell splinters. A 6 kg mine may detonate under any wheel without injuring the crew. Since the laying and loading systems are automated the crew is not exposed during fire missions. The fast emplacement and displacement time creates a shoot and scoot capability. Smoke grenade launchers are not installed and the presence of a NBC system is unknown.
Mobility
The articulated Volvo chassis has a proven off road performance and can traverse terrain many military trucks cannot. Due to the increase in length the off road capabilities probably have been diminished somewhat, but will remain on par with other wheeled howitzers. The Archer can be carried in the A400M or any larger transport plane.
Users
Sweden placed an initial order for 24 vehicles. Norway placed a similar order, which was cancelled. Sweden opted to acquire these as a second batch of 24 vehicles.
Details
Media
Archer
Right side view of Swedish Archer self-propelled howitzer.
Source: Tank122
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Archer
Swedish Archer self-propelled howitzer in a firing position in a snowy landscape.
Source: Ibaril
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Archer
Archer self-propelled howitzers on the move.
Source: Shinecommerce @ kr.blog.yahoo.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
155mm Bofors FH77
The ordnance of the Archer is derived from the earlier towed FH77 howitzer.