AS90 Self-propelled Howitzer

For over 30 years, AS90 (Artillery System for the 1990s) was the only heavy gun used by the British Army. It was designed and built by Vickers to replace the 155mm M109, the 155mm FH-70 and 105mm Abbot, and first entered service in 1993 with 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and 19th Regiment Royal Artillery.

The automatic loading system allows a “burst rate” of three rounds in under ten seconds, an “intense rate” of six rounds per minute for three minutes, or a “sustained rate” of two rounds per minute. AS90 has a range of around 25km with standard High Explosive rounds, while upgraded models can achieve over 30km with extended-range rounds. With a Cummins V8 diesel engine, AS90 has a maximum road speed of 34mph. The internal space is surprisingly large, accommodating a detachment of five people, comprising commander, driver, gunner and two loaders, along with 48 rounds of 155mm ammunition. 

The Royal Artillery deployed AS90 in Bosnia and Kosovo during the 1990s, and in Iraq in 2003 (including the Battle of Basra). The majority of the fleet has now been sent to Ukraine, along with large quantities of 155mm ammunition, as part of the UK Government’s commitment to support Ukrainian forces following the invasion by Russia in 2022.

Our AS90 saw service with E Battery of 1st Regiment RHA from 1993 to 1998. A number of internal parts were removed prior to the gun being transferred to the museum, but it has now been restored to driving order and occasionally appears at public events crewed by RAM staff and volunteers.