Archer Artillery System
The Archer Artillery System, or Archer – FH77BW L52, or Artillerisystem 08, is a Swedish self-propelled howitzer system. The main piece of the system is a fully automated 155 mm L52 (52-calibre-long) gun-howitzer and a M151 Protector remote-controlled weapon station mounted on a modified 6×6 chassis of the Volvo A30D all-terrain articulated hauler. The crew and engine compartment is armoured and the cab is fitted with bullet and fragmentation-resistant windows. The system also includes an ammunition resupply vehicle, a support vehicle, BONUS submunitions and M982 Excalibur guided projectiles.
| Archer | |
|---|---|
A deployed Archer | |
| Type | Wheeled self-propelled howitzer |
| Place of origin | Sweden |
| Service history | |
| In service | Since 2016 |
| Used by | Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Bofors |
| Designed | 1995–2009 |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems AB |
| Unit cost | US$4.5M US$10.4M |
| Produced | Since 2010 |
| No. built | 48 (+ 48 on order) |
| Specifications (See technical data) | |
| Caliber | 155 mm |
Main armament | FH 77 derived howitzer |
| References | Janes |
Well designed for counter battery strike purposes, the long range and the ability to fire three shells and depart the location before the first shell lands enables the crew to perform with low risk of detection.