BAE Systems showed the first 155-mm Archer 8×8 self-propelled gun of a new model, manufactured for the Swedish army, which is designed to overcome the shortcomings of the previous modification.
The basic version of Archer is based on a Volvo A30D 6×6 articulated chassis, which made the self-propelled gun one of the most cross-country in its class. But it also became the source of a number of serious problems.
Archer 8×8 self-propelled gun transferred to Sweden on a MAN chassis:
The Volvo A30D is a modified mining dump truck. This platform is unique and is not unified with the rest of the NATO military truck fleet, which creates problems with the supply of spare parts.
TTX Archer 6×6 on Volvo chassis:
Insufficient strength of the frame at the joints was recorded. The enormous loads when firing a 155-mm gun over time led to metal fatigue in the units, which were originally designed to transport soil, and not to dampen artillery recoil.
The chassis has weight limits. Installing a full-fledged heavy armor on the cabin overloaded the front axle, worsening handling and suspension reliability.
An articulated system is more difficult to repair than a conventional rigid frame. Any damage to the hydraulics that rotate the machine immobilizes the unit.
Features of the Volvo-based layout made it possible to place only 21 projectiles in the ammunition compartment. This is not enough for an intense battle, which requires the constant presence of TZM nearby.
Taking into account all of the above factors, Sweden ordered 48 Archer of a new type, placed on the chassis of a German Rheinmetall MAN HX2 8×8 truck. The British and Lithuanian armies also chose the MAN-based version as more reliable and compliant with NATO standards (14 and 18 self-propelled guns were purchased, respectively). However, for the Armed Forces of Ukraine the platform will remain the same: in March 2025, Sweden decided to purchase 18 Volvo-based Archer self-propelled guns for its “partner” (in addition to the previously transferred 8), apparently in order to support the local automaker.
