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AS90
155 mm self-propelled howitzer

The AS90 self-propelled howitzers will serve with the British Army until 2023

Country of origin United Kingdom

1993
The AS90 self-propelled howitzer (AS - Artillery
Entered service
Crew 5 men
System) evolved from the international SP70
Dimensions and weight
programme, which was cancelled in late 1980s
Weight 45 t due to funding problems. The AS90 artillery
Length (gun forward) 9.9 m system was developed by Vickers. It entered
Hull length 7.2 m service with the British Army in 1993. Production
Width 3.4 m completed in 1995. A total of 179 self-propelled
Height 3m howitzers were built for the British Army. It
Armament replaced the FV433 Abbot and the US M109
Main gun 155 mm howitzer self-propelled howitzers.
Barrel length 39 calibers
Machine guns 1 x 7.62 mm The AS90 is fitted with 155 mm/L39 howitzer,
Projectile weight 43.5 kg which was developed from the FH70 towed
Maximum firing range 24.7 - 32 km howitzer. It is fitted with an automated loading
Maximum rate of fire 6 rpm system. The AS90 is compatible with all standard
Elevation range - 5 to + 70 degrees
NATO 155 mm ammunition. Maximum range of
Traverse range 360 degrees
fire is 24.7 km with standard HE-FRAG projectile
Ammunition load
48 rounds
and 32 km with a rocket assisted projectile. A
Main gun
Machine guns 1 500 - 2 000 rounds
total of 48 rounds are carried. The AS90 is
Mobility
capable of firing 3 rounds in 10 seconds.
Engine Cummins VTA903 diesel Maximum rate of fire is 6 rounds per minute.
Engine power 660 hp Sustained rate of fire is 2 rounds per minute.
Maximum road speed 55 km/h
Secondary armament consists of 7.62 mm
Range 350 km
machine gun. The AS90 is also fitted with smoke
Maneuverability
60%
grenade dischargers.
Gradient
Side slope 30% The AS90 has a welded hull and turret. Its
Vertical step 0.75 marmor provides protection against small arms fire
Trench 3m and artillery shell splinters. It is claimed that front
Fording 1.5 m
armor can withstand 14.5 mm armor-piercing
rounds. All-round protection is against 7.62 mm
armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle is fitted with an
NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.
Vehicle is powered by the Cummins VTA903 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 660
horsepower. Vehicle is mated with transmission and can be removed in field conditions during an
hour. The AS90 is also fitted with auxiliary power unit. It powers all systems when the main engine

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4/11/2019 AS90 155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer | Military-Today.com
is shut down. The AS90 has a number of automotive components from the Challenger 1 main
battle tank.
The AS90 is supported by an 8x8 high mobility logistic support vehicle, fitted with a load
handling system. It is used to transport ammunition. Originally the AS90 was supported by Foden
DROPS 8x8 military truck. This truck could also carry a replacement engine for the AS90 in its
trailer. However the Foden was phased out of service and replaced by a new MAN HX77 8x8
truck.

Variants

AS90D (Desert), variant of the AS90 modified for desert use. It is fitted with thermal protection
for the crew and improved engine cooling.
AS90 Braveheart, upgrade programme of the AS90. It is fitted with longer 155 mm/L52 gun. This
self-propelled howitzer has improved range of fire. Its maximum range is 30 km with standard
projectile and 40 km with rocket assisted projectile. This project was terminated.
Krab, Polish self-propelled howitzer, fitted with the AS90 Braveheart turret on a modified PT-91
Twardy main battle tank chassis. It was adopted by the Polish Army and deliveries commenced in
2012. Polish requirement was for 80 howitzers of this type. However the whole programe was
plagued with problems.

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