Huntsman tested in the field
The AS9 Huntsman made its debut in the field, deployed for the 1st (Australian) Division’s premier warfighter Exercise Pozieres Run at Townsville Field Training Area.
CAPTION: An AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer ready to fire during Exercise Pozieres Run in Townsville. Story by Captain Charlie Miranda. Photo by Corporal Johnny Huang.
The self-propelled howitzer, a protected mobile artillery system, represents an uplift in capability and firepower, continuing Army’s transformation into a modern integrated fighting force.
3 Brigade crews fully tested the vehicle’s warfighting capability at the exercise in a series of realistic integrated activities.
Commander 4RAA (Royal Australian Artillery) Lieutenant Colonel Simon Frewin said it was a game-changer for the regiment and, as a single fighting vehicle as opposed to a towed gun, gave commanders more combat options.
“It’s an incredible piece of equipment,” he said.
“It’s loud, faster in and out of action, can range a long way and has taken a huge leap in the capabilities for this brigade.
“It comes out of a hide to a firing position in seconds, fires off rounds faster than the M777, and moves very quickly back into a hide.
“That means if an enemy does identify us, they are unable to respond in time before the AS9 has already moved to a new position.”
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