“Introducing the Cutting-Edge ARCHER Wheeled Howitzer: A Game-Changer for the U.S. Army’s 155 mm Artillery”
ARCHER is an entirely automated artillery system that delivers highly responsive and adaptable fire support to forces in the field.
BAE Systems is presenting ARCHER for involvement in the Army’s initiative to conduct a “shoot off” assessment early next year at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The Army’s RFP, published on July 30, aims to assess mobile howitzers in alignment with future Army specifications. ARCHER is already operational with the Swedish Army, boasting the highest levels of technical and manufacturing readiness.
“ARCHER is a mature, tested system that can promptly engage in combat and hit enemy targets at extended distances, featuring a high rate of fire and rapid repositioning capabilities, tailored for encounters with large-scale adversaries,” stated Chris King, business development director at BAE Systems. “With its fully automated design, soldiers can fulfill their missions with minimal physical effort and time, while remaining sheltered in the armored compartment. The cabin shield, rapid shoot-and-scoot capabilities, and its impressive range all contribute to enhanced survivability and sustained fire support in challenging combat situations.
“ARCHER offers a single, deployable package of features that would supply U.S. soldiers with responsiveness and adaptability that significantly surpass current systems. ARCHER is generally managed by a team of three to four soldiers but can be maneuvered by just one.
ARCHER can engage within 30 seconds of receiving a directive. It can then vacate its firing location within 30 seconds, reducing the enemy’s chance to return fire effectively. Its magazine holds 21 shells and can discharge all of them in under three minutes. ARCHER is capable of launching the BONUS anti-armor munition up to 35 km, conventional shells up to 40 km, and currently deployed precision-guided munitions like Excalibur over 50 km. BONUS and Excalibur are presently in the U.S. Army’s arsenal. ARCHER is produced by BAE Systems Bofors, headquartered in Karlskoga, Sweden.
