- Yes
- No
Introduction
The AS9 Huntsman is Australia’s version of the Korean K9 Thunder, based on Norway’s VIDAR variant. The primary changes for Australian requirement include an increase in armour protection with beefed up suspension to carry the additional weight, and computer integration with the Australian army’s C4 Force Structure including their Battlefield Management System.
The AS9 Huntsman is not Australia’s first attempt at acquiring the K9, back in 2012 a program known as the K9 Aussie Thunder was cancelled as part of government cost cutting. In 2019 as part of Land 8116 Phase 1, it was announced that Australia would acquire new self propelled howitzers to be built in Geelong Australia by Hanwha Defense Australia based on the 155mm, 52 caliber K9 Thunder. The AS9 gives Australia a Protected Mobile Fires artillery capability that can operate in concert with their other armoured fighting vehicles. Up until now they only had M777A2 towed field howitzers which lacked the protection, range and mobility to operate in more intense conflict zones.
The AS9 will see the use of different ammunition including the new Rheinmetall Assegai series, as well as the traditional M-series.
It has also been announced that EOS Australia will supply their R400 remote weapon station on the Huntsman. This gives the AS9 the option of either an M230LF 30mm Bushmaster (HEDP rounds with ~51mm pen, or HE-VT rounds for aerial threats) or a 40mm Mk 47 Striker AGL (HEDP rounds with up to 76mm pen but lower muzzle velocity than the 30mm). Not only is this RWS fully stabilized with its own laser rangefinder and thermals, but it can be operated from behind cover without exposing any crew compartments.
To summarize, the AS9 is based on the VIDAR but represents the next generation in the K9 series, with improved armour protection, a remote weapon station and different ammunition being the main differences we’d notice in game. From what I can gather, the final production protection package is still being finalized, and as with all current military equipment already in game, most specifics would not be made publicly available.
Specifications
Spoiler
Length: 12.4m
Width: 3.5m
Height: 3.7m
Weight: <52t
Main Armament: 155mm/L52
Secondary Armament: EOS R400 Remote Weapon Station, with either a 30mm M230LF Bushmaster that has -10/+60 degrees elevation and 150 rounds, or a Mk 47 Striker 40mm automatic grenade launcher that has -20/+50 degrees elevation and 96 rounds
Tertiary Armament: Pintle mounted 5.56mm F89 or 7.62mm MAG58
Crew: 5 (driver, loader, gunner, assistant gunner and commander)
Engine: MTU MT 881 Ka500 diesel, 1000hp
Top Speed: 67km/hr forward, 40km/hr reverse
Gun Traverse: 360 degrees, -2/+70 elevation
Armour Protection: Still being developed with Plasan of Israel, additional mine protection is confirmed part of it
Additional Photos
Sources
Spoiler
HUNTSMAN SPH
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/land/huntsman-australia-s-lethal-arachnid
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-07-04/self-propelled-howitzer-game-changer
https://www.rheinmetall.com/Rheinmetall%20Group/brochure-download/Weapon-Ammmunition/B171e0721-Assegai-Projectile-Suite_RDM.pdf
https://www.militarytoday.com/artillery/as9_huntsman.htm
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-12-05/new-howitzer-game-changer-artillery-units
https://militaryleak.com/2022/12/19/plasan-to-provide-armor-solutions-for-australian-army-huntsman-as9-self-propelled-howitzer/
Hanwha Defence Australia
https://eos-aus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/EOS-Defence-R400-flyer.pdf
