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Archer adds another string to its bow
by Janes
Being shown for the first time is the BAE Systems Bofors (Stand S4-200) Archer 155mm/52 calibre self-propelled artillery system integrated onto the rear of a Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles HX2 series (8x8) cross-country vehicle with a fully protected forward control cab.
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The MAN (8x8) platform is already in service with a number of countries including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK, for a wide range of missions. According to Ulf Einfors, director, marketing and sales, this is the first international configuration of Archer and ''we hope to start firing with a low charge in the near future''.
Under contract to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), BAE Systems Bofors was to supply 24 Archer artillery systems to Norway and the same number to Sweden, all integrated onto a Volvo A30 (6x6) articulated hauler. In the end Norway pulled out, but production of the 48 continues, with 24 already supplied to the Swedish Army, which will also take another 12 for reserve, leaving 12 for potential sale. So far, 30 have been built.
The key feature of Archer is that the 155mm/52 calibre weapon installed on the rear of the platform is fitted with a fully automatic ammunition handling system. This carries 21 155mm projectiles and associated Rheinmetall modular charges and can fire eight rounds in 60 seconds. It can then move to another position to avoid counter battery fire.
As well as firing conventional natures of ammunition such as high-explosive, smoke and illumination, it can fire the BAE Systems Bofors/Nexter Munitions Bonus top-attack projectile and the Raytheon M982 Excalibur precision attack projectile. The weapon is laid onto the target from the cab using a computerised fire control system coupled to a land navigation system.
The British Army has a requirement for a new wheeled SP artillery system to replace its currently deployed AS90 155mm/39 calibre system, which is currently called the Mobile Fire Platform (MFP), for a potential down select in 2021; a 155mm wheeled solution is the preferred option.
