ARCHER Mobile Howitzer Firepower For Every Mission | Self-Propelled Artillery System

 “ARCHER mobile howitzer Firepower for every mission”.

The modern battlefield is characterised by a multitude of threats and challenges. In order  to improve survivability, combat units must be able to work together effectively. Archer represents the next generation of wheeled artillery systems, built to keep up with fastmoving ground forces. The combination of precision, mobility and intense rate of fire makes Archer a key tactical asset especially in fastmoving combat situations.

Archer is a fully automated, self-propelled 155 mm howitzer developed for the fragmented battlefield. Loading, laying and firing is handled from inside the armoured cabin, offering full protection for the crew at all times. With a firing range in excess of 50 km and 20 seconds in and out of action, the Archer artillery system provides powerful and swift support – for every mission. Archer can fire six rounds, displace, and move 500 m in less than 2 minutes, while the crew remains in an armored cabin. Fires both conventional artillery ammunition as well as Bonus Anti-armor and Excalibur Precision Guided Munition.

Archer is based on the successful Bofors FH77 field howitzer, consisting of an automated 155 mm 52-calibre gun mounted on a RMMV 8x8 truck. Striking the perfect balance between power and mobility by featuring long range precision, fast deployment time and a protected environment for the crew.

The Archer artillery system also includes an ammunition resupply system with a support vehicle for a complete artillery solution.

Video Source: Defence News

“Fire for effect”.

The ARCHER artillery system can handle all types of 155 mm artillery ammunition, including advanced sensor-fuzed and precision-guided munitions.

“High Explosive Extended Range shell”.

The GCSW HEER improved shell is specially designed for ranges of more than 40 km with very low dispersion. Its long-range capability has been obtained by optimising the external ballistics via streamlining the body and equipping it with a base bleed unit to further reduce drag.

“Excalibur”.

Historically,  For precision strikes in battle, "Excalibur” has been shown to be effective between 40 and 57 kilometres. Newer versions of "Excalibur” will have a range of 60 to 70 kilometres, i.e. almost twice the range of conventional artillery rounds. The new generation of precision ammunitions gives ground commanders increased flexibility, whether to precisely strike enemy targets or conduct offensive operations of their own. When aircraft are not readily available, the time from target acquisition to delivery can be reduced when one can use an organic land system. With an "Excalibur” round "Archer” will achieve a range of about 50 kilometres. Raytheon’s Missile Systems business and BAE Systems-GCSW are co-operative partners. "Excalibur” is a 155 mm trajectory correctable artillery shell. The shell is fired at high elevation and then glides from its apogee to the assigned target. The rear section of "Excalibur” is equipped with a base bleed aggregate and rotating stabilization wings. It has deployable canard wings on the front section for trajectory guidance. The shell can deliver different types of warheads.

“155 mm Bonus”.

"Bonus” is a 155 mm sensor-fused artillery shell - when launched, it is a fire-and-forget shell that combats any armoured vehicle from MBTs to AFVs and including self-propelled artillery. It is designed in accordance with Joint Ballistic MOU and is compatible with most existing artillery guns. At the gun site it is handled just like any standard artillery shell. The shell body, which carries two sensor-fused sub-munitions, is provided with a base bleed, giving ranges of up to 35 km. Both of the sensor-fused sub-munitions can defeat a target. Once "Bonus” is launched, the warhead searches a 200 m diameter area. Immediately when a target is detected within the footprint, it is destroyed by an Explosively Formed Penetrator punching through its roof and devastating its interior. "Bonus” detects and identifies targets by processing images received from IR sensors ranging over several frequencies and then combining the results with data received from a laser radar. By measuring the target profile and then comparing it with the results received from the IR sensors, combat-worthy targets can be separated from false ones. This combination of sensors also means that "Bonus” is effective against targets provided with both passive and reactive protection systems.

The field artillery "Archer” howitzer gun system provides unprecedented responsiveness and lethality to support the Unit of Action commander. The cannon provides extended-range targeting, and precision attack of point and area targets in support of the UA with a suite of munitions that include special purpose capabilities. "Archer” provides sustained fires for close support and destructive fires for tactical standoff engagement. The system requires minimum manpower operation. One person can do the work alone, but in order to achieve the maximum effect of the system, three operators are recommended. When sitting inside the cabin, the gun crew are protected from splinters, mines, NBC and the gun’s emergent properties like noise and pressure. The "Archer” system incorporates technologies that include conventional rounds and smart submunitions, and Fire and Forget Seeker technology. On the roof the "Archer” also has a Self Protection Weapon.

The "Archer” system will be able to move rapidly, stop quickly, and deliver lethal first round effects on targets in record time, and move out rapidly (shoot and scout). Significant features are good all-terrain mobility, transportability by rail, sea and air, excellent protection, great weapon capability due to range, precision and methods, interoperable with Western artillery standards and very low operational and maintenance costs.