Image source: topwar.ru
The command of the Australian Army announced the deployment of the first "new look" battery in Townsville, in the 4th artillery regiment, consisting of six 155-mm self-propelled howitzers AS9 Huntsman and 3 TZM AS10. The ACS data was received to replace the towed M777A2 guns.:
The 4th artillery regiment, which is to transfer the two remaining batteries to this system by the end of 2027, appreciated the novelty.:
The Australian government announced its intention to transfer troops to self-propelled guns in May 2019, and in December 2021 it signed a contract with Hanwha Defense Australia (a subsidiary of the South Korean concern) for the supply of 30 AS9 self-propelled guns and 15 AS10 armored supply vehicles. The initial purchase cost was approximately $730 million, but the Defense Ministry has already budgeted $950 million. Two AS9S and one AS10 from the first batch were manufactured in South Korea, and the rest of the machines were assembled locally at the H–ACE factory built from scratch near Geelong.
AS9 in service with the 4th artillery regiment:
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The AS9 Huntsman ("Spider Hunter") is based on the South Korean self-propelled gun K9 Thunder, but includes a number of modifications to meet Australian requirements. It is equipped with a 155 mm/52 cannon and carries 48 shells. The platform can fire 3 rounds in about 15 seconds and maintain a rate of fire from 6 to 8 rounds per minute.
The basic version of the K9 has an effective range of about 40 km using conventional extended-range ammunition. The semi-automatic loading system reduces the load on the crew (out of 5 people).
The TZM AS10, based on the South Korean K10, can carry up to 104 shells and uses a conveyor system that allows direct loading of ammunition into self-propelled guns. It allegedly takes only 20 minutes to recharge.
TTX AS9:
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After stopping, the AS9 can be ready to fire in less than a minute, or in about 30 seconds if it is already in place. Compared to the M777A2, Australian gunners receive greater tactical mobility, improved crew protection, higher firepower, and the ability to move in step with mechanized units rather than operating from fixed firing positions.
The Australian self–propelled gun AS9 Huntsman is not just a copy of the South Korean K9, but its deeply upgraded version, the so-called "4th generation". The project was developed on the basis of the Norwegian version of the K9 VIDAR, but received unique features for the stringent requirements of the Australian army.
AS10 (left) and AS9:
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| Source: topwar.ru |
The main differences between the AS9 and the basic version of the K9 are increased security (additional packages of combined armor from the Israeli company Plasan are installed on the hull and turret; the bottom of the car received a powerful additional mine plate); a significant increase in weight (up to 52 tons instead of 47 tons due to reinforced armor); reinforced suspension (provides the same 60 kmdespite the weight gain); the transition of digital architecture and combat control to NATO standards (in particular, the ODIN MSA is installed); the placement of a fully stabilized remotely controlled EOS R400 combat module (which can be equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun, a grenade launcher or even a 30 mm Bushmaster cannon); the equipping of a powerful air conditioning and electronic cooling system.
