In South Korea, it resumed production of main battle tank (GTN) K-2 “Black Panther” for the South Korean armed forces. The first two tanks with a domestic engine and transmission of the German Agency transferred defense procurement programs of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea (DAPA).
27 May the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem announced the resumption of production of MBT K-2 “Black Panther” with domestic engine and transmission German. Solemn ceremony of handing over the first two tanks of the Ministry of Defense was held at one of the company.
Designed as a replacement of obsolete tanks K-1 and M-48 South Korean army, K-2 “Black Panther” I had started to deliver in the sun with South Korea 2011 of the year, with plans to supply 600 tanks. However, problems with the development of the domestic engine and transmission are constantly moved the starting date of the tank supplies to troops. Because of the problems encountered amount of purchased technology has been reduced to 297 units.
Delivery of the first batch of 100 MBT series K-2 contract 2011 , only began in June 2014 of the year. At the same time the German tanks were equipped with a diesel engine MTU 883 V12 power 1500 HP. and automatic transmission Renk. The second party to 106 vehicles had to be supplied with a diesel engine has Doosan Infracore DV27K (1500 hp) and automatic transmission S&T Dynamics EST15K South Korean design and production to 2017 year, but it was delayed until 2020 year because of the low reliability and durability of the automatic transmission.
In spite of the attempts made, South Korean designers and failed to make a reliable transmission for the tank, so it was decided the second batch of K-2 release with a domestic engine DV27K, developed by Doosan Infracore, and automatic transmission Renk German. Diesel engine 1500 HP. It will allow the new version of K-2 to reach a maximum speed 70 kmh, power reserve will be 450 km.
Tests showed the durability of a given pair, so fitted two prototypes made a run over a distance of 3200 km. Tests were conducted under different conditions, including during the cold season, and they have been found to be successful.
whether a third party will receive OBT K-2 “Black Panther” domestic transmission, not yet known.
