BAE Systems signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) worth approximately $500 million for 48 new ARCHER artillery systems for the Swedish Army.
The ARCHER artillery system, designed and produced by BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden, is already in service in the Swedish Army and has achieved the highest technical and manufacturing readiness levels.
The 48 new systems covered by this contract will be built on a Rheinmetall MAN military vehicle, RMMV HX2 8×8, and first delivery to the Swedish Army will be in 2025.
Notably, ARCHER can fire the BONUS anti-armor munition up to 35km, conventional munitions up to 40km, and the precision-guided munition Excalibur in excess of 50km.
The automated magazines can hold a mix of different ammunition types and modular charges needed to support any mission.
In addition to the Swedish Army, the United Kingdom has selected the ARCHER for its interim artillery requirement.
To be noted that Sweden has also donated ARCHER to Ukraine, and the system has been down-selected in Switzerland’s procurement of new artillery.
About ARCHER artillery systems
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.
Dimensions
• Width: 3.0 m
• Height: 3.4 m
– With RCWS: 4.0 m
– Max. elevation: 10.4 m
• Length: 13.1 m
• Weight: 33 000 kg
Firing
• Calibre: 155 mm
• Barrel length: 52 calibre
• Elevation: -1° to +70°
• Traverse: -85° to +85°
• Projectile magazine: 21 projectiles
• Charge magazine:
108 charge modules 1/1, 18 modules 1/ 2
• Rate of fire (burst ): 3 rounds / 20 sec
• Rate of fire (intensive): 21 rounds / 3.5 min
• Rate of fire (continuous): 54 rounds / 35 min
• Range: HE: 30 km
HEER: 40 km
BONUS: 35 km
Excalibur: 50 km
• Into action: approx. 20 secs
• Out of action: approx. 20 secs
• MRSI: Up to 6 rounds
• Direct fire: Day and night capability
• Remotley controlled 40 mm grenade launcher or 12.7 mm heavy machine gun (optional)
Mobility
• Drive: 8×8
• Road speed: 90 km / h
• Cruising range: 500 km
• Fuel: Diesel tank 400 litres
• Max. longitudinal slope: 30°
• Permitted lateral lean (chassis): 19°
• Fording: 1 m
• Ground clearance: 0.4 m
• Engine output: 324 kW / 440 HP
Crew
• Crew members: 3
• Ballistic protection:
– Fragment
– Bullet
– AT mine
• CBRN protection: Overpressure principle
• Climate control system: For harsh
winter and summer conditions
