Archer FH77 Self-Propelled Howitzer

The Archer FH-77 Self-Propelled Howitzer is a fully autonomous 155mm howitzer designed by the Swedish defense company BAE Systems.  It's an ingenious solution to traditional artillery machinery.  It reduces manpower, increases mobility and concealment without sacrificing precision and accuracy. 

What is truly incredible about the Archer is that it is a truly mobile artillery platform.  It is possible to fire the Archer and within seconds be ready to move to another location.  This kind of flexibility offers artillery units the ability to reduce manpower and accomplish the same mission with a much lower risk to people and equipment. 

The current cost of the Archer is quite expensive.  It is $4.1 million per unit.  A 155mm Howitzer, by comparison, only costs about $570k.  However, there are a number of costs to consider that don't play into the individual cost of the Howitzer which are covered with the Archer system.  First, men must be trained to use the Howitzer.  The cost of creating a field artillery soldier who can operate a Howitzer costs tens of thousands of dollars, and entire units will be dedicated to the manning of 155mm Howitzer cannons.  Second, the Archer is mobile by default, and is attached to a truck.  The cost of a truck must also be included for a Howitzer cannon, because it cannot simply move itself. 

The Archer platform is certainly expensive, but it offers in a consolidated package what requires multiple personnel and other pieces of equipment to do otherwise.  The trade-off of the initial cost for the improved mobility of the platform and cheaper cost to use it.  Additionally, supplying the Archer platform is simpler because the vehicle that carries it provides storage space for rounds.  This allows it to take supply with it wherever it goes, and it can be restocked easily.  Lastly, the Archer can be inserted and removed from the conflict rapidly, unlike an artillery company.  The potential firepower offered by a few Archer platforms put together would easily equal the capability of a field artillery company, with better accuracy, fewer people at risk, and significantly better mobility.

The United States has currently shown no interest in adopting this system for use, but I believe it would be a vital tool for moving towards a more autonomous and capable Army.  Investments in systems like this can reduce dependency on manpower, and redirect manpower for more complex tasks that computers are poorly suited for.