FH77 BW L52 Archer appears in the arms of Sweden and Norway

The new military development of the Swedes - self-propelled artillery FH77 BW L52 Archer, can compete with such "stars" of modern artillery as K9, PzH-2000, CAESAR, the Russian "Msta" and the British self-propelled gun M777 Portee. The licensed manufacturer of weapons for Sweden and Norway - the British company BAE Systems, will release 48 new self-propelled units for the armies of these states. The amount of the contract exceeds 200 million dollars.

Creating FH77 BW L52 Archer

The Swedish company Bofors Defense, which is part of the SAAB group of companies, has created another model of self-propelled artillery mounts - FH77 BW L52 Archer. The new ACS competes with such well-known installations of the 152-155 mm caliber as K9 from South Korea, the German PzH-2000, created in France by CAESAR and the Russian Msta. The closest analogue of the self-propelled unit can be called the British self-propelled gun M777 Portee.

The FH77 BW L52 Archer was created in the process of implementing the plan for reforming NATO forces and is an armored artillery firing system capable of being transported using medium military transport aircraft and heavy helicopters. The company Bofors Defense recommends its development for the armament of the army of Sweden and does not exclude deliveries to other states.

The basis for the artillery complex was towed gun Haubits 77B (FH77), which is reflected in the name of the complex. The self-propelled gun of the new generation FH77 BW L52 has become an ideal artillery system for firing, which can be used at the European theater of possible hostilities. Thanks to the system of camouflage capes, the installation becomes approximately three times less noticeable, which allows it to be used in combat operations in woodland and in open space.

Key Features FH77 BW L52 Archer

The self-propelled gun gun is placed on a mobile platform in such a way that the return becomes minimal and the strike is compensated. To improve platform stability during firing, a hydraulic outrigger is lowered at the rear of the installation. The special container in which the weapon is located is mounted on a hinged platform with the wheel formula 6х6. At the end of the gun is a special counterweight, it is he who compensates the force of impact when fired. On the roof of the cab can be installed machine gun caliber 7,2 mm. The Volvo 6x6 A30D rough terrain chassis, on which the gun is placed, make it possible to use the unit on rough terrain in almost any weather conditions. The maximum self-propelled speed reaches 70 km / h. Transportation by air can be carried out by such transport workers as A400M.

The cradle and the recoil system was inherited from its predecessor, the 155-mm towed artillery system Haubits 77B, which made production cheaper. Thanks to the automatic charging system, the installation crew includes only three people. The inertial navigation system, the guidance and fire control system make it possible to quickly enter and exit the battle, which makes it possible not to wait for the enemy’s artillery to retaliate. Not without a battle management system, which has already been tested on other Swedish complexes.

Places for the crew of self-propelled artillery installations are located in the cockpit with armored protection, which is able to protect people from firearms weapons, blast wave and shell fragments, as well as from the effects of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons. Maximum in the cabin can be four people. From it, all the systems that are equipped with self-propelled units are remotely controlled.

Practically any foreign-made shells of a suitable caliber can be used for firing, in addition, special artillery shells were developed for the FH77 BW L52 Archer. An artillery unit is equipped with 40 shells, 20 of which are in the gun shop. Both caps and modular projectiles with automatic tamping can be used. When using European shells, the firing range is 40 km, the American M982 Excalibur increase the range to 60 km. The self-propelled gun is equipped with a day-night sight, thanks to which direct fire is possible within 2 km. XM982 Excalibur long-range projectiles can also be used, as long as they are received in limited quantities only by the Swedish and US armies.

The intensity of shooting is up to 20 shots per 2,5 minutes. For an hour, 75 shells may be continuously fired.

FH77 BW L52 Archer production plans

Earlier, the Government of Sweden presented a bill to its parliament that provides for the allocation of substantial funds for the improvement of the Haubits 77B artillery system, which is the basis of the artillery armament of the Swedish army. It was planned to supply 27 new FH77 BW L52 Archer systems, starting from 2008-09, it was planned to complete production by 2011 year.

In 2009, a contract was signed with the defense company Akers Krutburk in Sweden to finalize the protection of the self-propelled artillery installation FH77 BW L52 Archer. Particular attention was paid to improving the security of the tractor. Work on new security systems was completed in 2010 year.

The Norwegian and Swedish ministries of defense entered into contracts with the British company BAE Systems to supply 48 artillery systems FH77 BW L52 Archer worth 135 million pounds sterling or 200,6 million dollars, the first deliveries will be made in October 2011. Installations will share equally between the armies of both countries. BAE Systems is a licensed arms manufacturer for these countries.

Comments

[datur]

noble product - Swedes well done.

[dmitri077]

little Sweden showed again: size doesn’t matter, if you have a brain and desire - you can do everything quickly and efficiently! and without unnecessary show-offs

[figwam]

Yes, with American shells it’s a toughie.

[mitrich]

The first stage of development of civilization opposite our "Msta" in any modifications.

[Owl]

A pragmatic solution to the issue: a wheelbase for "work" in the conditions of European asphalt concrete, a loading mechanism for a quick "release" of the required number of shells and trained personnel.

[Cadet]

It seems to me that "The Volvo 6x6 A30D all-terrain chassis, on which the implement is placed, allows the rig to be used on rough terrain in almost all weather conditions." as it is not very HIGH cross-country ability))) M-tracked, and this wheeled. Minus to the Swedes ... In my opinion.

[ereke]

Here is the Bofors howitzer itself on which all these self-propelled guns were created

Swedish howitzer FH-77 estimated, "Bofors" Caliber - 155 mm, firing range - 22 km, vertical aiming angles from -3 to + 50 °, horizontal aiming plus or minus 30 °, gun weight - 11 kg

Here's what Soviet experts write about this gun in the 80s
A feature of the Swedish howitzer RN-77 is a mechanism that accelerates and facilitates loading. It consists of a crane that feeds three shells to the charging table, and a hydraulic rammer. The initial data is automatically entered into the panoramic sight, and if the gun is pointed correctly, the green light on the panel lights up.

Foreign military experts believe that firms from other countries will follow the example of the Swedes, automating medium and large caliber guns and using light alloys and composite materials to make usually heavy carriages and beds.

[ereke]

The MSTA art system is an embodiment of ideas that were first embodied by Bofors designers in the 70s, then the rest of the developed countries of Europe (NATO), automation and use of new materials. Along the way, the USSR also began to switch to such design solutions. I once watched Shock Force with a Russian journalist like the military Daronenko. I don’t argue about the MST as a good self-propelled artillery system, but these words "have no analogues", "unique", etc. fed up and the film as a whole is not informational in nature, but advertising (or propaganda, who is more comfortable to perceive)

[ereke]

The Swedes are great in this regard, not without reason the amers are collaborating with them in terms of developing new artillery systems and ammunition for them. There is no doubt that this self-propelled artillery system is the best in its class

Swedish automatic 155-mm self-propelled gun VK-155 at the time of loading the magazine Weight of the projectile - 48 kg, initial projectile speed - 865 m / s, firing range - 25 km, rate of fire - 15 rounds per minute, gun mass - 51t Swedes fired even earlier in the 80s developed such an automatic loader for artillery systems

[ereke]

In the "atomic projectile" diagram, numbers are indicated. 1 — the hull, 2 — the neutron reflector, 3 — the neutron absorber (cadmium), 4 — the explosive, 5 — the lead belt, 6 — the fuse, 7 — the fuse, 8 — the detonator, 9 — blocks with nuclear explosives.

This howitzer, thanks to its far-fetched nature, can fire tactical nuclear weapons manufactured by NATO. So it’s not worth doubting and believing in the superiority of the MCTA. Dangerous likely adversary

[ereke]

And also many NATO guided anti-tank shells and such a widespread "Copperhead" guided and hitting shell from above the tank are suitable and standard for this gun.

American guided 155-mm shell “Copperhead” Weight - 63,5 kg, range - from 3 to 30 km

[ereke]

I wrote already in comments. That the possibilities for cross-country ability of wheeled vehicles approached at this time with tracked ones. especially multi-wheeled vehicles. They are even more fuel efficient and cheaper to manufacture. It should be borne in mind that modern wars are waged in urban infrastructures. All of Europe is a continuous urban and industrial landscape. With a developed system of asphalt and dirt roads. Yes, and the same Russia, almost the entire population is concentrated in the industrial centers of the European and central parts, as well as the Urals and the steppe part of the south of Russia. The rest of the taiga and permafrost, there will not be wars. Since they are generally unpopulated due to their unsuitability (at least as it should be in order to present any danger to a potential adversary) In general, only guerrilla can be in the forest zone, and there can be no full-scale speech, especially with the use of heavy war equipment (proved this is the Second World War) And inadvertently some cling, and the caterpillar is better ... Now everywhere, the human world and everywhere there are cities, towns and roads, at least tracks in the form of roads along which an army jeep or truck will calmly pass in Africa (only the reserves are untouched man) It is not necessary to live the anochranism of old wars, the conditions are different now, the same Chechen battles there were the most difficult in cities and towns. Some military experts in the Russian Federation offer to create wheeled heavy armored vehicles and self-propelled artillery systems on a wheelbase. For some reason they are not heard. After all, this is non-innovation ... but the reality of today. Moreover, there are such mines the same KAMAZ, he constantly wins the most difficult rally on the lack of passive Paris-Dakkar. Such trucks in Europe and the USA are used in the army. And why is Russia only a show for competition

[ereke]

Here they are KAMAZ in the rally Paris-Dakkar in the deserts of the Sahara overcome all dunes are calm

And in Russia, too, on water like on dry land

[dmitri077]

yes because in Russia - a show off, more expensive than money ... unfortunately ... we will take the enemy in a fright

[77bor1973]

why did our Serdyukov not acquire a couple of "archers", but there is a lot to learn!