AS9 Huntsman 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (Australia)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 26/01/2023

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In 2021 Australia signed a contract with Hanwha Defense Australia for the supply of AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and associated AS10 ammunition resupply vehicles. The contract outlined acquirement of 30 howitzers with 15 ammunition resupply vehicles and local production in Australia. Local production in Australia is planned to begin in 2024.

   The AS9 Huntsman is an Australian version of the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer. It is based on the K9 VIDAR variants that was developed for Norway. Some modifications were made to suit Australian requirements. The AS9 has additional armor and improved suspension.

   The AS9 howitzer is armed with a 155 mm/L52 ordnance. This howitzer is fitted with automatic shell handling and ramming system. It is compatible with all standard NATO 155 mm ammunition. Maximum range of fire is 30 km with standard HE shell and 40 km with rocket-assisted shell. This artillery system can reportedly reach 60 km with special munition. Maximum rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute. The AS9 huntsman is capable of multiple-round simultaneous-impact firing. It can launch 3 shell in 15 seconds, each in different trajectories, so that all of the shells arrive on target at the same time. Sustained rate of fire is 2 rounds per minute.

   The AS9 Huntsman is fitted with automatic fire control system with internal navigation system and automatic gun laying systems. It takes just 60 seconds to prepare the howitzer for firing from traveling order. Once the howitzer is in emplaced position it can open fire within just 30 seconds. Also this artillery system can briefly leave its firing position in order to avoid counter-battery fire.

   The AS9 Huntsman has an all-welded steel hull and turret. Also it has and add-on armor kit and added side skirts. Its armor provides protection from small arms fire and artillery shell fragments. Some sources report that this is the most protected howitzer in its class. This howitzer is also fitted with NBC protection system.

   This Australian howitzer is fitted with a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. Another 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun can be also mounted on the roof.

   The Huntsman howitzer is operated by a crew of 5, including commander, gunner, assistant gunner, loader and driver.

   It is powered by a German MTU MT 881 Ka500 diesel engine, developing 1 000 horsepower. The same engine is used on the German PzH 2000 howitzer. Transmission of the AS9 Huntsman was derived from that of the M1 Abrams main battle tank. The howitzer is fitted with a hydropneumatic suspension.

Variants

   AS10 Armored Automatic Resupply Vehicle it is a version of the South Korean K10 ammunition resupply vehicle, modified to suit Australian needs. This vehicle was designed to support the AS9 howitzers. It uses the same tracked chassis as the howitzer. The reloading process is fully automated and can be performed without exposing the crew under enemy fire or in the contaminated areas. Initial order was for 15 units.

   AS10C2 is an armored artillery command post vehicle. It is being proposed by Hanwha Defense for the Australian Army. It is based on the AS10 ammunition resupply vehicle, but instead has a spacious interior with workstations for 6-7 soldiers. This armored vehicle carries various communication equipment. The AS10C2 can act as a forward command post, ground control station for artillery and UAVs.