Archer takes aim for US requirement
US Army plans to evaluate potential mobile SPHs in 2021
BAE Systems is offering its Archer wheeled SPH in response to a US Army RfP for a 155mm wheeled gun system.
The US Army plans to conduct a ‘shoot off’ evaluation in early 2021 at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Its issued the RfP for mobile howitzers on 30 July this year.
The fully automated Archer is manufactured in Sweden by BAE Systems Bofors. It ‘is already in service with the Swedish Army with the highest technical and manufacturing readiness levels’, BAE Systems claimed on 19 October.
During the DSEI 2019 exhibition, BAE Systems unveiled a new version of the Archer mounted on the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles HX77 8x8 chassis. In this configuration, the three-man crew can deploy the system in less than 30 seconds and can strike targets up to 40 km away with conventional ammunition or 60 km away with precision guided munitions such as Excalibur.
Archer in this configuration is expected to compete for the British Army's Mobile Fires Platform requirement, Shephard Defence Insight notes.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![First Czech CV90 MkIV rolled out as part of multi-billion-dollar programme]()
First Czech CV90 MkIV rolled out as part of multi-billion-dollar programme
The Czech Republic CV9030 MkIV has a more powerful 1,000HP engine than the previous variant and an upgraded X300 heavy-duty transmission.
-
![Digital backbone: bringing new capabilities to the UK defence market]()
Digital backbone: bringing new capabilities to the UK defence market
In Conversation: Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan talks to Bittium’s newly appointed general manager for UK defence, Dean Aldridge, about how the company’s tactical communications technologies can empower the British armed forces, and its ambitions for the UK market.
-
![Europe looks to solve tank procurement challenges with upgraded and new platforms]()
Europe looks to solve tank procurement challenges with upgraded and new platforms
The UK government in 2019 reflected a common attitude towards main battle tanks (MBTs) across Western Europe as it moved to reduce its fleet from 227 Challenger 2 vehicles to 148, which would be upgraded under a plan that eventually produced the Challenger 3. Now, however, there is an increased interest in platforms new, upgraded and planned across the continent.
-
![Patria's 6x6: protecting the eyes and ears of the battlefield]()
Patria's 6x6: protecting the eyes and ears of the battlefield
Troops are more than boots on the ground — they’re an army’s eyes and ears. Wherever the mission leads, they must get there safely. Patria’s 6x6 delivers protected, dependable mobility — without compromise.
-
![Norway and Sweden invest in further military support for Ukraine]()
Norway and Sweden invest in further military support for Ukraine
Both Sweden and Norway have committed further financial aid to the country in a bid to help boost their air defences and airborne early warning capabilities, which included commitments to replace donated Patriot Air Defence systems.
