Since 2013, the FH77BW L52 Archer self-propelled wheeled artillery unit of joint Swedish-Norwegian development has been in serial production. This sample does not enjoy much success in the market, but its creators are going to make a difference. The other day, BAE Systems, which now owns the project, presented a new version of the self-propelled gun with a modular architecture.
Export sample
A few days ago, the international military-technical exhibition DSEI-2019 opened in London. One of the main participants of the event is the international company BAE Systems, which presented a lot of already known and new developments. One of its largest and most interesting exhibits is an updated version of the Archer self-propelled howitzer.
The updated ACS is positioned as an export model for sale to third countries. The main provisions of the project are related to this. The modernization was aimed at changing the architecture of the combat vehicle and its means. All target systems are now implemented as modules suitable for mounting on different chassis. Thus, a potential buyer will be able to purchase a self-propelled gun based on the most convenient platform for him.
The basic version of the Archer self-propelled guns uses an articulated three-axle chassis Volvo A30D. The updated project is compatible with any other machines with similar characteristics. At DSEI-2019, a prototype ACS was shown, made on a German-made Rheinmetall RMMV HX2 four-axle chassis.
Such a platform is widely used in the British army, and the prototype shown could be a transparent hint for London. Other versions of the ACS have not yet been demonstrated, but may appear in the near future.
Modular approach
The main idea of the updated Archer project is to rebuild the main components into a universal system without rigid binding to the media type. Serial ACS "Archer" has a number of typical layout and design solutions directly related to the features of the platform produced by "Volvo". Artillery systems for an articulated chassis cannot be quickly and easily transferred to another vehicle.
According to the available data, the equipment of the complex is now divided into several modules. It is proposed to place fire control systems and a control panel in the cockpit of the carrier vehicle. At the same time, a high degree of automation of the preparation and firing processes remains, thanks to which the crew can perform all basic operations without leaving the cockpit.
Archer on the Volvo chassis had an additional instrument compartment located behind the cab. In the updated project, a different configuration of metal casing is used instead of it, installed above the chassis. In the case of the RMMV HX2, it is located above the gap between the second and third axles.
The aft part of the vehicle, as in the base project, receives an artillery system in the form of an uninhabited combat module. Inside the protected tower casing, there are tools for mounting a gun and an automatic loader with a magazine. Under such a tower there are jacks for hanging out before shooting.
The export version of the Archer ACS differs only in the architecture and layout of some units. In this case, weapons, ammunition supplies, control systems, etc. remain the same. Maximum unification of units and weapons is ensured.
Both SPGs receive a Swedish-designed 155mm howitzer based on the FH77 field gun. The 52-caliber barrel allows you to send conventional projectiles at 30 km, guided active-reactive projectiles - at 40-60 km. The turret contains a mechanized stack for 21 separate loading rounds with a modular propellant charge. The ability to quickly reload the artillery system with the help of a specialized transport-loading vehicle is retained.
The running characteristics and mobility of the export self-propelled gun are determined by the type of chassis used. The self-propelled guns on the Volvo A30D chassis are capable of speeds up to 70 km / h and move over rough terrain. The new version on the Rheinmetall platform has similar characteristics. In the future, new versions of the combat vehicle may appear with different indicators of mobility.
Problems and solutions
It should be recalled that the FH77BW L52 Archer ACS reached the series a few years ago, but did not have much commercial success. At the moment, only the Swedish army has such a technique. In 2013-16. Swedish artillerymen received two batches of 24 self-propelled guns, and an extremely interesting story is connected with the delivery of this equipment.
The Archer project was developed jointly by Sweden and Norway. Both countries planned to purchase 24 combat vehicles. However, at the end of 2013, after the launch of the series, the Norwegian army refused to purchase. Several ready-made self-propelled guns found themselves without a definite future, but in 2016 Stockholm decided to take unclaimed equipment for itself.
Croatia could become the buyer of the Archer ACS. In the middle of the last decade, she planned to purchase up to 24 new self-propelled guns to replace outdated equipment. However, the country soon faced economic problems, which forced it to reconsider its plans. They refused to buy Swedish-Norwegian cars - instead of them, they bought 12 used German PzH 2000s.
Other countries have not yet shown real interest in the Archer self-propelled guns, which is why the prospects for this sample remain vague. It is with this fact that the appearance of a new export version of the project should be associated. A close examination of the Archer shows that it is the chassis that can be considered the weak point of the project, limiting its commercial potential.
The chassis of the Volvo A30D is unique in its kind and differs from common military vehicles. Third countries are not interested in purchasing such equipment due to the de-uniformization of the fleet of combat vehicles and related problems. A way out of this situation may be the creation of new versions of ACS on different chassis that meet the requirements of certain countries. BAE Systems specialists have solved this problem by creating a set of modules that are compatible with different platforms.
To demonstrate the potential of the new project, a prototype was built on a German-assembled chassis. Almost a dozen countries use the chassis of the RMMV HX family, and some of them may be interested in purchasing new ACS. They can be offered the already presented version of the Archer.
The proposed modular kit can be adapted for use on other machines, as a result of which the list of potential customers for self-propelled guns increases dramatically. Obviously, not all potential buyers will sign real contracts, but against the background of the previous successes of the Archer ACS, any delivery in itself will be a success.
Desires and possibilities
The developers call the Archer combat vehicle the world's best example of self-propelled artillery, which has advantages over all competitors. Despite such advertising, the self-propelled gun does not enjoy success in the arms market. Only 48 production vehicles were built, all of which entered the developer's own army.
The artillery unit of the Archer self-propelled gun is notable for its technical perfection and high performance, but the special chassis does not allow it to realize its full commercial potential. Measures were taken, and now BAE Systems can offer customers a set of equipment for mounting on different chassis. The first demonstration of such a sample took place a few days ago. How successful such a project will be will be known in the future.
