![]() The K2 has a multilayered hull featuring the Korean Active Protection System. The beyond-line-of-sight smart round can take on enemy tanks that are five miles away. The tank shoots various NATO rounds but has a newfangled “ smart ” guided shell – Korean Standoff Top Attack Munition – that is especially effective against multiple targets that are sought out by the advanced fire control system. The three-person crew can fire 15 rounds per minute. The K2 has a Rheinmetall 120 mm/L55 smoothbore gun with an autoloader. This gives the gun better firing positions and creates a smoother ride. The K2’s suspension is interesting, as it can move in different directions – up, down, or side-to-side depending on the terrain. ![]() For auxiliary power, there is a 400-horsepower gas turbine unit that can power systems when the tank is not running the main powerplant. The tank can go from zero to 20 mph in seven seconds. Acceleration is the engine’s main feature. This enables a speed of 44 miles per hour on roads and a range of 267 miles. The Black Panther has a 1,500-horsepower MTU EuroPowerPack engine. Losses in a future conflict would be extreme, so any type of armored vehicle put to use needs to be survivable and powerful, with the ability to deal out a high level of punishment to the enemy. That starts with the terrain surrounding Korea’s Demilitarized Zone – it is hilly and rocky, which gives both sides places to hide their tanks and set up ambushes. North Korea is believed to have an army of 1.2 million personnel. Just to give you an idea of how high the stakes are, there are at least 500,000 ROK troops in service at any time. Their cold war with North Korea could break into fighting at any moment. ROK soldiers need to be able to fight hard on the ground with the best weapons available. ![]() What makes the K2 so great? First, some background. Poland will also help manufacture another 820 K2 variants customized for its military, making for a total of 1,000 tanks from South Korea. Poland was not deterred by the price – Warsaw just finalized a $15 billion deal with South Korea to buy 180 K2s that will arrive later this year. However, it is expensive, at $8.5 million per tank. It is arguably the most advanced tank in the world, and South Korea troops swear by it. The K2 is the world’s only fourth-generation tank. If there were no M1A2 Abrams tanks available and I had to choose another main battle tank, I would go with South Korea’s K2 “Black Panther. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |