The Archer Artillery System is a Swedish-designed, fully automated 155mm self-propelled howitzer. Developed by BAE Systems Bofors, it is renowned for its "shoot-and-scoot" capability, allowing it to fire and move before an enemy can react.
Key Technical Specifications
Armament: A 155mm L52 (52-calibre) gun based on the Bofors FH77.
Automation: Fully automated loading and firing; the crew (typically 3–4) never has to leave the armoured cabin during operation.
Fire Rate: Can fire up to 8–9 rounds per minute, or 21 rounds (a full magazine) in about 2.5 minutes.
Firing Range:
Standard ammunition: ~30 km.
Anti-armour BONUS rounds: ~35 km.
Precision-guided Excalibur rounds: 50+ km.
Mobility: Reaches speeds of up to 70–90 km/h depending on the chassis (Volvo 6x6 or MAN 8x8).
Operational Features
Shoot-and-Scoot: It can stop, fire its first round within 20–30 seconds, and be moving again within 20–30 seconds of the final shot.
Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI): Capable of firing up to 6 shells that follow different trajectories to strike the same target at once.
Direct Fire: Includes a direct-sighting mode for engaging targets up to 2,000 metres away.
Global Operators
Sweden: The primary developer and operator; recently completed upgrades to the C variant for its existing fleet.
Ukraine: Received several units from Sweden and the UK; the system has seen active combat use in counter-battery operations during the Russian invasion.
United Kingdom: Acquired 14 units as an interim replacement for AS90 howitzers donated to Ukraine, with a service life expected through 2030.
Fastest Howitzer in The World - Archer Artillery System
https://www.youtube.com/undefinedThis offering from HobbyBoss of the Archer artillery system in 1/35th scale is I believe, the first injection moulded plastic offering of its kind. HobbyBoss hasn’t restricted itself to plastic only, as they have included photo etch adding that extra fine details that modeller’s want nowadays, and I am particularly pleased to find pre-cut masks to make the painting process as easy as possible. When it comes to a downside, as of starting this review I have only found 1 and that is that a single finishing option is provided, but no details on what it represents is given. The only guide as to what it may represent is a warning board on the front and rear with the word Bred Last which in English means wide load, but the word itself is Norwegian.
The model itself begins with construction of the truck chassis and I am pleased to say that while not being able to find specific images, what I am looking at seems to fit the bill. The moulding is resealable crisp, and all of the parts that you would expect to be included are there, from the skeletal chassis through to the robust looking axles and tyres that would be fit for any tractor are well replicated. I was concerned that a wheeled artillery piece that is self propelled could easily become stuck. However, these tyres are not only worthy of any tractor they possibly even have better tread. I know that not everyone will be happy as these are vinyl rubber offerings, but for my part I am willing to overlook that. Radiator cooling fans, that I believe sit either side of the engine are included - an item that is not included is the engine and gearbox but the underside of these items is moulded and provided and is finished off with a photo etched grille, which looks the part.
The cab, builds from a substantial moulding where you add the dashboard that has decals for all of the instruments. I would advise adding the decals prior to installing the dash into the cab. The steering column and foot pedals are included and I believe the gear shift is on the steering column. What appears to be a very comfortable seat, with a number of adjustments built into it is included for the driver who sits alone at the front, the seat is in a set position.. No seat harness is present, but I do not know if that is present on this vehicle. The floor in the cab has a nice anti-slip surface replicated. The seats for the rest of the crew in the vehicle sit behind the driver, with side armour doors. These do appear to be able to be shown open or closed. The exterior body of the cab looks to be well armoured, but it would be my guess that it is only intended to protect against small arms fire. If you know differently, pleased shout.
Due to the armoured nature of the body, I was surprised to find that the windows are clear and I believe that these need to be tinted a light green colour to replicate bullet resistant glass. The more I look at the cab itself, the more I like what I see when matching it to on-line images. But I have not found any walkarounds to let me know if all of the details are correct. However, as I say, I am very happy with what I see. The skeletal chassis in itself, with the 2 rear axles added pivot from a central point between the front and rear wheel and then have spring shock absorbers underneath each end of the axles. I really do like the detail on the axles of this model, as while I cannot say that they are accurate once painted and weathered could be a real eye-catching element. The same situation applies to the wheels as the front, which may or may not please you.
Storage bins which extend along the sides of the chassis I believe are for tools and personal kit only and are not designed to be shown open, but again I do not know that foe sure. They have very nice exterior detail if none on the interior. The automated turret at the rear that houses the 155mm main gun is for the most part made up of very large bulky mouldings. I am a little disappointed to find that the main gun being moulded in 2 halves, as we all know what modern moulding machines are capable of. Something else I am pleased to have found that aerial mounts are included, with you being provided the length of the aerial itself, which you can make from materials of your choice. Perhaps the biggest surprise for me in this release, is how quickly you will come to the end of construction.
You do get a roof mounted 50 calibre MG fired from a roof hatch for defence against light vehicles and small arms fire. I myself, would have expected to find a remote turret but I am sure that that will come in time. The turret of the model can be finished in either the stowed position or firing configuration. One thing that I wish to cover, is some modellers may have been deterred when they heard mention of photo etch. However, those concerns can be set aside as it has pretty substantial photo etch in this release to the point that bending it may be a bigger hassle than not bending it. But most pleasing of all, is that most of the parts are not so tiny that you can hardly see them let alone work with them. I am going to close by saying that I myself without having very good reference to check against like what I see and there is no detail that I would have expected to find on an artillery piece missing. What we need to wait for now, is the vehicle that brings along the ammunition to fill the turret up with.
