When it comes to military combat, speed and efficiency is everything. Weapons must be prepared at a moment’s notice, ready to take on or defend against any threat.
Larger military weapons, such as the howitzer, usually require a significant amount of time to set up and fire. But a team in Sweden has developed the world’s fastest mobile howitzer that is on the verge of being combat-ready. The deadly weapon was featured in a new video from the Extreme World and Engineering YouTube channel.
A demonstration of the Archer Artillery System or Archer – FH77BW L52, an international project aimed at developing a next-generation self-propelled artillery system for Sweden and Norway. (Extreme World and Engineering/YouTube)
“The Archer Artillery System, or Archer – FH77BW L52, is an international project aimed at developing a next-generation self-propelled artillery system for Sweden and Norway,” the video’s description states. “The heart of the system is a fully automated 155 mm/L52 gun howitzer and a M151 Protector remote controlled weapon station mounted on a modified 6×6 chassis of the Volvo A30D, all-terrain articulated hauler.”
Check out the insane weapon in the video below:
At a glance, the entire setup cruises down the road like any other military vehicle. The massive truck itself is a fully armored vehicle, and behind it trails the huge weapons system.
“The crew and engine compartment is armoured and the cab is fitted with bullet and fragmentation-proof windows. Aside from this, the system consists of an ammunition resupply vehicle, a support vehicle, BONUS and the M982 Excalibur guided projectile,” the description continues.
In just a matter of seconds, the truck transforms into a 30-tonne weapon firing off 155mm projectiles from its fully automatic magazine.
A demonstration of the Archer Artillery System or Archer – FH77BW L52, an international project aimed at developing a next-generation self-propelled artillery system for Sweden and Norway. (Extreme World and Engineering/YouTube)
The video shows the entire process of setting up the howitzer which is done in practically the blink of an eye. Supports come down from underneath the truck to hold it in place, followed by an extension of the weapon’s barrel. A few seconds later, the howitzer swings into position before opening fire.
A demonstration of the Archer Artillery System or Archer – FH77BW L52, an international project aimed at developing a next-generation self-propelled artillery system for Sweden and Norway. (Extreme World and Engineering/YouTube)
The Swedish Army originally ordered 24 Archer Artillery Systems for themselves, but upped that number to 48. For now, it remains to be seen whether other nations will be interested in the technology for their own arsenal.
Initial research for the Archer Artillery System began way back in 1995, and has since produced a number of fully operational prototypes like the one featured in the video.
