K2 «Black Panther" - South Korea's main battle tank of the new generation. The machine was developed by the South Korean Agency for Defense Development (Agency for Defense Development — ADD) and the company Rotem (Hyundai Motors division), relying solely on their own technology.
Tank K2 Black Panther – video
In the future, the tanks K2 «Black Panther» to replace the troops M48A5K tanks and tanks to supplement the park the previous model, K1. Full-scale production planned to start in 2009 year. Army of the Republic of Korea originally planned to buy about 680 танков XK2 Black Panther, However, the plans have been reduced to 390 machines due to financial problems.
Designing K2 «Black Panther" was completed in 2006 year, across 11 years after the start of development. Two variants: main battle tank with remote arming - from 140 mm gun turret in the desert and a tank arrangement with a classical 120mm gun turret in the habitable. As the developer of a gun, by Rheinmetall, work on the 140 mm cannon were suspended, Koreans have chosen the second option. The first of three prototypes XK2 Black Panther has been demonstrated 2 Martha 2007 year in Changwon (Changwon) southeast of Seoul.
To top 2010 It had been issued at least 4 instance experienced tanks XK2 Black Panther in two versions. One machine visually different vertical armor mask gun, sloping front hull and smoke grenade launchers, arranged horizontally in a row. Three other versions of the machine are klioobraznuyu, like like K11A1, gun mask, vertical section of frontal reservation housing and smoke grenade launchers, arranged in two rows horizontally.
The overall layout of the tank K2 «Black Panther» performed by the classical scheme. In addition to the standard booking it provides the possibility of equipping the tank dynamic wired. Workplace of the driver is equipped with a periscope observation, as well as a night vision device. The tank commander and gunner guns are on the right and left of the gun, respectively, and are equipped with independent panoramic sight, as well as a laser range finder.
Armament K2 Black Panther
The new tank is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun L55 Rheinmetall development with a barrel 6.6 m. and auto-loading mechanism. The gun is manufactured under license from World Industries Ace Corporation. Ammunition for the gun is 40 shots, 16 of which are located in the autoloader. rate up 15 rds. / min regardless of aiming angle of tools. Shells for guns similar to those, that are used on the tank K1A1. Besides, specially designed for the new ammunition XK2 Black Panther.
New feathered armor-piercing projectiles with a detachable tray, in which the improved core of tungsten alloy and improved armor. To attack unarmored and lightly armored targets, a new multi-purpose cumulative projectile can be used manpower and low flying helicopters, similar to the US M830A1 HEAT MP-T.
Especially for XK2 Black Panther designed shell KSTAM (Korean Smart Top-Attack Munition). This "intelligent" self-directed inertial (It does not have its own power) shell, vysokobronirovannye attacking targets with the least protected the upper hemisphere. Unlike most modern ATGM, during the flight which gunner must accompany goal, KSTAM works on the principle of "fire and forget". To fire this projectile trajectory is used, hinged like a howitzer artillery.
The projectile is equipped with a radar in the millimeter wave range, and infrared radiation sensors. The flight path is adjusted by four stabilizers. When approaching the goal of the parachute opens to reduce the rate and produced accurate guidance to the target, which strikes EFP. In the event of such a necessity, provided Control Channel, providing the opportunity to adjust the projectile flight path gunner. Shell KSTAM can fire at a range of 2 to 8 km direct fire and indirect fire.
There is also coupled with the gun 7.62- and mounted on the roof of the tower 12.7 mm anti-aircraft guns. To put a smokescreen provided to use smoke grenades (on the sides of the tower with six PU). Rotating turret and development of gun aiming angles in the vertical plane are carried out via stabilizer arms dynamoelectric.
The main gunner's sight KGPS and panoramic surveillance device KCPS commander at the moment are the same, like a tank K1A1. Both combined (Day / Night), stabilized in two planes, have a thermal channel. In the future, aiming devices and surveillance is expected to improve for the use of new sensors, which were installed on XK2 Black Panther. Managing fire duplicate, the tank commander can take control over arms.
K2 «Black Panther" is equipped with millimeter-wave radar, located on the cheeks frontal part of the tower, laser range finder sensor and crosswinds. The new MSA allows accompany, quickly and accurately direct the main armament on the low-flying helicopters, as well as to detect bombs, flying into the side of the tank. MSA is able to capture and maintain the target at a distance of 10 km using a thermal imager. When accompanied by the target in real time produced ballistic calculations and take into account relevant amendments, which provides high accuracy with the place and on the move.
Improving the accuracy of shooting provides laser trunk curvature sensor, which determines not only static but also dynamic curvature of the barrel. While driving over bumps, when possible trunk bending vibration, OMS track curvature sensor signal and in case of deviation from the barrel curvature static system prohibits shot. When the barrel is returned to the original position lock is released, permitted shot. According to some reports MSA has the ability to automatically find and track targets, identify their cars and to fire at enemy targets without crew.
As Japanese MBT «Type 10», the development XK2 Black Panther into account the requirements of C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and (military) intelligence - command control, link, computers and intelligence). Tank XK2 Black Panther is equipped combat information and control system, related C4I; GPS satellite navigation system; equipment identification "friend or foe", corresponding standard NATO STANAG 4579 "Device identification purposes on the battlefield".
On K2 «Black Panther» uses a modular composite armor and explosive reactive armor, explosive. On the next K2 PIP tank modification it is planned to use the DMZ non-explosive action. stated, that the head-book XK2 Black Panther withstand ingress 120mm OBPS, issued from the L55 gun.
To protect against guided missiles used jamming system (Such a system of optical-electronic suppression "blind"). Upon detection of enemy missiles millimeter radar or laser sensors identify exposure (a tank installed 4 such sensor) the computer sends a signal to the crew and the team to shoot smoke grenades in the right direction. Grenades set smokescreen, providing a tank in the optical invisibility, infrared and radio. On modification XK2 Black Panther PIP plan to install active protection system, which it will use existing tank millimeter-wave radar.
In the tank K2 «Black Panther» uses a new engine-transmission installation EuroPowerPack diesel engine MTU MB-883 Ka500 power 1500 HP. and a five-speed automatic transmission developed by Renk. In addition, a tank equipped with a gas turbine power plant 400 hp, providing the generator and the electrical power of the tank when the main engine is switched off.
On XK2 Black Panther installed an advanced semi-active, ISU hydropneumatic suspension system with individually controlled suspension assemblies. Depending on the nature of the surface of the suspension changes its characteristics, minimizing vibration. suspension system provides not only a change in clearance, but also the inclination of the tank in the longitudinal and transverse planes, which improves the patency of the machine and significantly increase the range of vertical angles pointing gun.
On modification XK2 Black Panther PIP planned to improve suspension - semi-active to replace active. Installing the system scan area, scanning a high-resolution area in the 50 m forward and transmit appropriate control signals suspension system, It enables the most optimal place for the rough ways.
Tank K2 «Black Panther" is equipped with systems of collective NBC-protection, climate control and air conditioning. OPVT system provides the opportunity to engage in battle immediately after overcoming water obstacles.
Serial production of K2 Black Panther
AT 2011 year defense procurement agency of South Korea acquired 15 K2 tank pilot production test.
AT 2012 It was reported, that full-scale production will be launched in 2014 year. Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea originally planned to buy about 680 "Black Panther", However, the plans have been reduced to 390, and then to 297 tanks due to shortfalls in the defense budget. At a cost of $8,5 million per unit, this tank is the most expensive in the world.
The first contract for the supply of Korean Army tanks provided for the production of 100 tanks with German MTU engines and transmissions Renk.
29 December 2014 It was signed a second contract with the Ministry of Defense of South Korea for mass production of tanks K2. The contract is worth 901,5 billion won ($820,29 million) and provides for the supply of 55 K2 to 2017 year. The main feature of tanks K2 is the second installment of the new diesel engine Doosan Infracore DV27K (1500 hp) and automatic transmission S & T Dynamics EST15K South Korean design and production. Start of production of tanks for the second contract was expected at the end of 2016 of the year.
Price tanks K2 Black Panther
Very complex in terms of technology, Tank "Black Panther" is estimated at this point in $8,5 million per unit. In this way, K2 is one of the most expensive tanks today. Price K2 almost twice the price of its predecessor K1, standing $4,9 million per unit. but it is expected, that the current price is much subside, after mass production of the tank will be set up, and it will become more available for sale in other countries.
The performance characteristics of K2 Black Panther
Crew, pers.: 3
The layout: classical
Dimensions K2 Black Panther
– body Length, mm: 7500
– Length with gun forward, mm: 10 800
– housing width, mm: 3600
– Height, mm: 2200
Weight K2 Black Panther
– 55,0 tonnes
Armor K2 Black Panther
– Type broni: combined protivosnaryadnym
– dynamic protection: BLACK
weaponry
– Caliber guns and stamp: 120-мм Rheinmetall Rh-120
– gun type: smoothbore
– barrel length, calibres: 55
– gun ammunition: 40 shells
– Shotgun: 1 × 7,62-mm MG 3i, 1 Mm × 12,7-K6
– Other weapons: ATGM KSTAM
Engine K2 Black Panther
– engine's type: MTU MB-883 Ka-500
– Engine power, l. from.: 1500
Speed K2 Black Panther
– Road speed, kmh: 70
– Speed over rough terrain, kmh: 50
– Cruising on the highway, km: 450
– suspension type: individual hydropneumatic
– Gradeability, city.: 31°
– to overcome the wall, m: 1,3
– fording, m: n / d (4,1 with OPVT)
Photo tank K2 Black Panther
