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Archer Wheeled Artillery System

Archer Wheeled Artillery System

Manufacturer: BAE Systems
Category: Artillery & Indirect Fire
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Caliber & Firepower 155 mm
Maximum Effective Range Approx. 400 hp diesel
Mobility / Platform Type 70 km per hour
Fire Control & Targeting System STANAG Level 2 cab protection

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Archer Wheeled Artillery System
Manufacturer	BAE Systems Bofors
Country of Origin	Sweden
Type / Role	Self Propelled Howitzer
Caliber	155 mm L52
Year Introduced	2016
In Service	Yes
Unit Cost	USD 4–5 Million
Crew Required	3 Personnel
Platform Type	Truck Mounted
Power Source	Diesel Engine

2. Performance & Firepower

Maximum Effective Range	40 km standard, 60+ km guided
Minimum Range	Approx. 2 km
Rate of Fire (Sustained / Burst)	2–3 rpm sustained, 8–9 rpm burst
Accuracy (CEP)	< 10 m with guided munitions
Elevation Range	-1° to +70°
Traverse Range	360° (vehicle repositioning)
Recoil System	Advanced hydraulic recoil
Reload Time	Fully automated

3. Ammunition & Warhead Options

Compatible Ammunition	HE, Smoke, Illumination, Practice, Guided
Caliber Standard	NATO 155 mm
Warhead Type	HE Fragmentation, Precision-Guided
Warhead Weight	Approx. 43 kg (HE)
Fuse Type	Impact, Proximity, Programmable
Muzzle Velocity	Up to 830 m/s
Guidance	GPS / INS (Excalibur compatible)
Effective Burst Radius	50–150 m

4. Fire Control & Targeting Systems

Fire Control System	Fully digital ballistic computer
Aiming System	GPS and inertial navigation
Communication Link	Secure tactical data links
Night Operation	Thermal and low-light support
Automation Level	Fully automated
Targeting Assistance	Integrated fire-control algorithms

5. Launcher / Platform & Mobility

Platform Type	Truck-Mounted
Vehicle Model	Volvo A30D 6x6 (or equivalent)
Mobility Range	Approx. 500 km
Top Speed	70 km/h
Ground Clearance	Approx. 400 mm
Setup / Emplacement Time	Under 30 seconds
Transportability	Air and sea transport compatible

6. Protection & Survivability

Armor Level	STANAG Level 2 cab protection
CBRN Protection	Optional
Counter-Battery Radar Integration	Yes
Smoke Launcher System	Yes
Shoot-and-Scoot Capability	Yes
Signature Reduction	IR and acoustic reduced

7. Command, Control & Networking

C2 System	Integrated artillery command system
Connectivity	Secure radio and data links
Network Capability	Yes
Operation Mode	Networked or autonomous fire mission
Compatible Systems	Forward observers, UAV spotters

8. Operational History

Primary Operators	Sweden, Ukraine
Combat Proven	Yes
Operational Deployment	Ukraine conflict
Conflict History	Eastern Europe operations
Notable Feature	Rapid redeployment and automation

9. Dimensions & Weight

System Weight	Approx. 30 tons
Barrel Length	8 m (L52)
Vehicle Weight	Approx. 30 tons
Dimensions (L×W×H)	Approx. 14 × 3 × 3.5 m
Transport Configuration	Road, rail, sea, air transport

10. Maintenance & Support

Maintenance Cycle	Scheduled service intervals
Field Servicing Time	Under 1 hour
Spare Parts Availability	High
Training Requirement	2–3 weeks crew training
Support Package	OEM integrated logistics

11. Economic / Procurement Data

Estimated unit cost	USD 4–5 Million
Cost per Round	USD 800–4,000 (depending type)
Country Procurement Program	NATO and European forces
Export Status	Export approved
Manufacturer Website	BAE Systems

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10

PROS

Fully automated loading reduces crew to three
Excellent shoot and scoot survivability
Compatible with NATO 155mm ammunition
High accuracy with guided munitions
Strong road mobility and low logistics burden

CONS

High unit cost compared to towed systems
Limited off road mobility versus tracked SPHs
Smaller onboard ammunition capacity
Heavy reliance on digital systems
Export availability subject to approval

Archer Wheeled Artillery System 155mm SPH

The Archer Wheeled Artillery System is a modern 155mm self propelled howitzer built for fast moving, high intensity land warfare. Designed to survive on today’s sensor rich battlefield, Archer combines long range firepower with exceptional mobility and automation. Its core strength is simple, deliver accurate artillery fire, then relocate before counter battery threats can respond.

Archer gained wider attention after its deployment to Ukraine, where its shoot and scoot performance and low crew workload proved valuable against peer level threats. That combat exposure helped cement its reputation among NATO planners looking to replace aging tracked or towed artillery.

Manufacturer

Archer is developed by BAE Systems Bofors, a Swedish defense manufacturer with deep experience in artillery and naval guns. The system is produced in Sweden and offered to NATO and allied customers, including recent procurement decisions by several European states.

Speed and Range

Mounted on a 6×6 Volvo or Rheinmetall MAN military truck, Archer can reach road speeds of up to 70 km per hour and has an operational range of about 500 km. The 155mm L52 gun fires standard NATO ammunition to ranges exceeding 40 km, and over 60 km with precision guided rounds such as Excalibur.

Cost / Price

The estimated unit cost of the Archer system ranges from USD 4 million to 5 million, depending on configuration, support packages, and ammunition options.

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