The AS90 is a self-propelled artillery system that has been in service with the British Army since the early 1990s This powerful weapon is capable of delivering devastating firepower against enemy targets, making it a critical component of the Army’s arsenal.
The AS90, or “Artillery System 90,” was designed to replace the older Abbot self-propelled gun in British Army service It was developed by the British company Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering, now known as BAE Systems Land Systems The first prototype was completed in the late 1980s, and the AS90 entered service in 1992.
One of the key features of the AS90 is its powerful 155mm gun, which is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive shells, smoke rounds, and laser-guided projectiles The gun has a maximum range of around 24 kilometers with standard ammunition, but this can be extended to over 30 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles.
The AS90 is also equipped with a sophisticated fire control system that allows it to accurately engage targets at long range This system includes a ballistic computer, a laser rangefinder, and a GPS navigation system, all of which work together to ensure that the AS90 can hit its target with pinpoint accuracy.
In addition to its firepower and accuracy, the AS90 is also highly mobile It is based on the chassis of the Challenger 1 tank, which gives it excellent off-road performance and allows it to keep up with armored formations in the field The AS90 can reach a top speed of around 55 kilometers per hour on roads, making it one of the fastest self-propelled artillery systems in the world.
The AS90 has seen combat operations in a number of conflicts, most notably during the Gulf War in 1991 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as90. In these conflicts, the AS90 proved its effectiveness in providing fire support to ground troops and taking out enemy positions from long range.
Despite its age, the AS90 remains an important part of the British Army’s artillery capability In recent years, the AS90 has undergone a series of upgrades to keep it relevant on the modern battlefield These upgrades have included improvements to the fire control system, enhancements to the armor protection, and the integration of new ammunition types.
Looking to the future, the British Army is set to replace the AS90 with a new self-propelled artillery system known as the Mobile Fires Platform This new system is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s and will provide the Army with even greater firepower and battlefield mobility.
In conclusion, the AS90 is a highly capable and versatile self-propelled artillery system that has served the British Army well for over two decades With its powerful gun, advanced fire control system, and excellent mobility, the AS90 is able to deliver devastating firepower against enemy targets at long range While it may be nearing the end of its service life, the AS90 will always be remembered as a key asset in the Army’s arsenal.
Whether on the battlefield or in training exercises, the AS90 has proven its worth time and time again It will be a tough act to follow for the Mobile Fires Platform, but the AS90 has certainly set a high standard for self-propelled artillery systems.