MilCAN in the Archer artillery howitzer

CAN Newsletter December 2006

By the MilCAN Working Group (MWG)

Archer by BAE Systems Bofors is a self-propelled 155-mm artillery gun based on a commercial off-the-shelf chassis, originally made for construction equipment. The three-man crew – as opposed to the normal six to ten – operates all activities through computers in the splinter-proof cab. Each gun carries shells required to perform its mission. An Archer gun provides the same operational capability as four to six traditional guns, says the company. Archer is equipped with positioning, C3, ballistic computer and automatic loading system for ammunition. The vehicle is fast in and out of action, it takes just 30 seconds to deploy or re-deploy the system. The systems firepower is rated at three rounds in 15 seconds; it can fire MRSI (multiple rounds simultaneous impact). The vehicle’s system architecture is designed as distributed system as far as possible. The communication is based around one asynchronous and a synchronous bus. The asynchronous bus is implemented using Ethernet for communication and the synchronous data bus is implemented using CAN with MilCAN B protocol. Data exchange between these data buses is handled by an Ethernet/CAN gateway.

The operator’s HMI can be found on the asynchronous part, based on a client-server solution where the main computer contains a data base and map information and also handles external communication. The synchronous part of the system takes care of functions such as controlling the gun, handling information sent to and from the control system, ammunition handling and the ammunition magazines.  Lemur W is used for measuring near crest and self-protection of the vehicle. Lemur W is in the basic configuration a remotely operated stabilized weapon station with on-mount sensors for all weather  conditions day or night. The functionality can be expanded to include optional fire control system (FCS), auto-tracker and search modes.