[新자주국방]Hyundai Rotem
Exported finished products to Poland last year, the only tank produced in Korea
Responds to projectiles even in rugged areas by installing a precision fire protection system
Tanks are evaluated as the core power of ground warfare that determines the war situation in modern warfare. To end the war, ground troops accompanied by tanks must secure control over the region. Tanks are also playing a key role in the offensive to recover lost territories.
The trend of increasing tank power worldwide also proves that tanks play a major role in ground warfare. Accordingly, Hyundai Rotem is responding to the demand of domestic and foreign tank markets by developing and mass-producing the ‘K2 tank’ with world-class performance based on the capabilities it has accumulated as the only tank manufacturer in Korea.
The K2 tank was developed to replace the existing old tank and strengthen the ground forces’ operational capability, and the third mass production is currently in progress. Based on domestic mass production, Hyundai Rotem has been working on stable mass production and electrification of K2 tanks with its partners and has created a related industrial ecosystem.
The successful mass production and electrification performance of the K2 tank is providing nourishment for overseas market penetration. The K2 tank is competing in the global market, recording the first ever export of a finished tank through an export contract to Poland last year. If domestic mass production is steadily supported, it is expected that the market competitiveness will be further enhanced through productivity enhancement along with the growth of the K2 tank-related industrial ecosystem.
In addition, through mass production of K2 tanks, it is possible to replace aging tanks and lay the groundwork for K series tanks with excellent survivability and firepower to be used as reserve forces in the long run.
Recognized in domestic and foreign markets, the competitiveness of the K2 tank is based on world-class performance. A 120mm smoothbore cannon is applied to exert the highest level of firepower, and an automatic loading device enables re-shooting within 6 seconds between maneuvers. In addition, it can perform its mission perfectly with a crew of three, which is reduced by one compared to the K1 tank.
The K2 tank is equipped with a 1,500-horsepower high-output engine and can reach speeds of 70 km/h on paved roads and 50 km/h on open terrain. It has excellent maneuverability, such as preventing deviation from the track through a real-time track tension control device. In addition, it is characterized by having the body attitude control ability to secure various shooting angles even in mountainous and rugged terrain by applying an hydraulic suspension device.
In addition, cutting-edge technologies based on a digital battlefield management system were applied, such as a friend identification device that can easily distinguish friend and foe during battle, and an automatic shooting target tracking function. It also has the ability to submerge to a depth of 4.1m, enabling operations to be carried out even in river areas.
In particular, the K2 tank can be equipped with an active protection system, so it can effectively respond to anti-tank firearms. It can digest both the induced disturbance soft-kill active protection system that avoids flying projectiles as well as the counter-destructive hard-kill active protection system that directly hits projectiles.
The passive protection system, which maximizes the survivability of the crew by increasing the body defense, is also considered a strength of the K2 tank. Along with composite armor on the front of the body, a neutron shielding liner was installed to block radiation generated in the event of a nuclear attack. In addition, a positive pressure device is applied so that the crew can carry out their mission without wearing a separate gas mask, and it has excellent protection against chemical, biological and biological radiation.
Hyundai Rotem plans to steadily target the global tank market based on the top-notch performance and mass production base of these K2 tanks. In a situation where the tank market is at a turning point, such as major tank advanced countries working hard to develop new models, the K2 tank, which has a stable mass production system and has secured overseas export performance, has sufficient competitiveness. Hyundai Rotem is actively promoting sales activities, such as participating in major overseas exhibitions and introducing K2 tanks.
An official from Hyundai Rotem said, “As the only tank production company in Korea, we are trying to expand the market base of the K2 tank based on the technology and know-how accumulated over decades.” We will promote the excellence of domestic tanks to the global market.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.