Hanwha tests automatic fire suppression system for Huntsman vehicles

An Australian Army AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer test-fires a practice round at the Proof & Experimental Establishment in Port Wakefield. (Commonwealth of Australia)

Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA), Sydney-based HIFraser, and Busan-based DNB tested the Automatic Fire and Explosion Suppression System (AFESS) developed by DNB for the AS9 and AS10 Huntsman family of vehicles, HDA said in a press release on 13 December.

According to HDA, the test – which took place in early November at DNB's facility – was carried out using steel hull constructs designed to simulate the internal volume and layout of the AS9.

As part of the demonstration, two test rigs went through a series of assessments to inspect the effectiveness of the AFESS, including an engine compartment fire suppression test, fire suppressant concentration tests, and a crew compartment hydrocarbon explosion suppression test, HDA said.

“All tests are expected to achieve successful results against contracted requirements,” HDA added.

According to DNB specifications, AFESS can automatically detect and extinguish fires and explosions within 0.25 seconds in ground military vehicles.

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) signed a AUD1 billion (USD657 million) contract with HDA in 2021 to supply 30 AS9 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) and 15 AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles (AARVs) – collectively known as the ‘Huntsman' family of vehicles – under the Land 8116 Phase 1 programme.

As part of the programme, HIFraser and DNB are collaborating on a technology transfer agreement that will allow the former to produce AFESS in Australia, HDA said.