AS-90 – Photos & Video

AS-90 Walk Around
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O AS-90, officially known as “Gun Equipment 155 mm L131,” is a British-designed self-propelled howitzer that has been a cornerstone of the British Army’s artillery since the 1990s. The name “AS-90” stands for “Artillery System for the 1990s,” reflecting its design and entry into service during that decade. Developed as a private venture by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering (VSEL), it was a replacement for older systems like the FV433 Abbot and the American M109 howitzer.

Design and Armament

The AS-90 is a tracked, fully armored vehicle with a crew of five. Its design focuses on rapid deployment, high mobility, and significant firepower.

• Armamento principal: The primary weapon is a 155 mm L31 gun with a 39-caliber barrel. This howitzer uses a unique breech mechanism that allows for bagged charges instead of metal cartridge cases. The AS-90 has a remarkable rate of fire:
  • Burst: 3 rounds in less than 10 seconds.
  • Intense: 6 rounds per minute for 3 minutes.
  • Sustained: 2 rounds per minute for 60 minutes.
  It can fire standard ammunition up to a range of about 24.7 km, with extended-range ammunition increasing its reach to over 30 km. The vehicle carries a total of 48 rounds.
• Protection: The all-welded steel armor provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. The vehicle also has an NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection system and a fire extinguishing system.
• Mobilidade: Alimentado por um Cummins VTA-903T-660 V8 diesel engine, the AS-90 has a top road speed of around 53 km/h. It features a hydro-pneumatic suspension system that allows it to operate effectively in various terrains. An onboard auxiliary power unit (APU) allows the turret to operate without the main engine running.

História Operacional

The AS-90 entered service with the British Army in 1993, and 179 units were built between 1992 and 1995. It has been a key asset in several conflicts and military operations, including in the Balkans (Bosnia and Kosovo) and during the 2003 Iraq War. In Iraq, its accuracy was highly praised by British commanders.

While the British Army plans to eventually replace the AS-90 with a new artillery system, a significant number of the vehicles have been provided to Ukraine as military aid following the 2022 Russian invasion. The AS-90’s turret design also served as the basis for the Polish Krab self-propelled howitzer, which mounts the AS-90 turret on a South Korean K9 chassis.

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