BAE Systems Orders Bi-Modular Charge Systems from South Korea
27 November, 2023 Archer ACS. Photo credits: BAE Systems Bofors The British company BAE Systems plc. has placed an order for the purchase of 155mm artillery bi-modular charge systems.
The Korea IT Times reported on this. BAE Systems plc. has signed a contract with Hanwha Aerospace for the purchase of HW50 and HW70 bi-modular charge systems. The Hanwha Aerospace Bi-Modular Charge System was developed in accordance with NATO standards for 155mm caliber guns.
Additionally, an improved ignition system ensures fast and uniform propellant ignition, contributing to the overall performance of the artillery systems.
Macs vs current bags. Photo from the network
The value of the signed contract is estimated at £130 million. The charge systems are to be used from Swedish Archer wheeled self-propelled howitzers, which the country has ordered in the amount of 14 units, to support the artillery forces as Ukraine receives 32 L131 (AS-90) systems.
"Our order for the supply of modular charge systems demonstrates the compatibility of the Hanwha Aerospace MCS system with our 155mm ammunition," said Glynn Plant, Managing Director of Land UK at BAE Systems.
The Archer wheeled ACS uses a fully automatic charge system, where the number of charge systems is determined by the operator, and the charging itself is fully automatic.
The use of charge systems allows for more flexible selection of their number for firing at specific distances. The contract was signed almost alongside with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's visit to the United Kingdom. In the defense sector, this visit was marked by the signing of various agreements to support the defense sector of both countries and develop joint projects.
Korea's Hanwha Aerospace and the UK's Babcock have signed a memorandum of understanding to support various international projects, as well as to carry out joint work on the construction and modernization of civil and military ships and submarines, including Babcock's support for the construction and maintenance of Korean submarines, should they win the tender for new patrol submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. In addition, other agreements were signed related to the British defense industry's support for Korean aircraft and ship construction projects.
Currently, Rolls-Royce plays a significant role in the construction of MT30 Marine Gas Turbines for the Korean navy, which are used on the new Daegu frigates. As Militarnyi previously reported, the British company Babcock will help South Korea create its first aircraft carrier. The companies have agreed to collaborate on the basic design and construction of the aircraft carrier, and to work together to win the tender for the South Korean Navy.
The two companies completed a conceptual design last year, the first step in building the ships.
In June, Hyundai Heavy unveiled the latest model of a light aircraft carrier developed with Babcock.
The new carrier uses the British company's successful experience in aircraft carrier development, which was implemented on the Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy.