BAE Systems’ ARCHER 155mm Gun Triumphs in U.S. Army’s Precision Shoot-Off Challenge

BAE Systems, Inc.’s 155mm ARCHER wheeled howitzer system successfully concluded testing during the U.S. Army’s “shoot-off” assessment, as the military determines whether to incorporate a wheeled capability into its arsenal. ARCHER is a fully automated mobile artillery system that delivers highly responsive and adaptable fire support to forces in the battlefield.

ARCHER discharged approximately 450 rounds, comprising six to 12 round bursts, and up to eight rounds per minute, throughout various assessments in diverse environments at the Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona during the summer evaluation. The shoot-off encompassed charge compatibility with Army rounds, soldier training and evaluation, mobility, performance against Army’s specified criteria, examining integrated digital fire control, and maintenance analysis.

“We are assured ARCHER addresses the requirement for a cutting-edge wheeled artillery system with unmatched shoot-and-scoot capability, enabling soldiers to evade counterfire,” expressed Mark Signorelli, vice president of business development at BAE Systems. “We anticipate more opportunities to showcase the full range of ARCHER’s capabilities to the Army.”

ARCHER can commence firing within 30 seconds of receiving a command and evacuate in the same time frame, enhancing its survivability by limiting the enemy’s opportunity to retaliate.

ARCHER is already operational with the Swedish Army, demonstrating the highest levels of technical and manufacturing readiness. Testing at temperatures soaring up to 120 degrees (50 degrees Celsius) in Arizona confirmed that ARCHER can function efficiently in elevated temperatures, as well as in the arctic conditions commonly found in northern Sweden.

Soldiers can engage and fire ARCHER while remaining protected in the armored cabin through its fully automated loading and firing system. Its magazine holds 21 rounds and can discharge all of them in under three minutes. ARCHER can launch the precision BONUS anti-armor munition up to 35 km, conventional munitions up to 40 km, and currently deployed precision-guided munitions like Excalibur beyond 50 km. BONUS and Excalibur are actively part of the U.S. Army’s inventory.

ARCHER is showcased at BAE Systems’ booth during the Association of the United States Army exhibition in Washington, D.C. from Oct. 11-13 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.