Rotem KW1 Scorpion

   The KW1 Scorpion was developed as a private venture by Rotem, to meet the potential requirement of the South Korean army for a family of wheeled armored vehicles. The Hyundai Rotem was competing against the Doosan Black Fox and Samsung Techwin MPV. The Hyundai Rotem eventually won the competition. The South Korean army plans to deploy 600 wheeled 6x6 and 8x8 armored vehicles from 2016 until 2020. These will replace tracked armored vehicles in the rapid deployment and internal security roles.

   Vehicle is fitted with remotely controlled weapon station, armed with 40-mm automatic grenade launcher or 12.7-mm machine gun. It can also support a two-man turret, armed with a 30-mm cannon and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun.

   The KW1 Scorpion has an all-welded armored hull. It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle can be fitted with add-on armor for a higher level of protection. It is also equipped with NBC protection system.

   Driver is seated towards the front on the right side, with the diesel power pack  to the left. The troop compartment is at the rear. It provides seating for up to 10 fully-equipped soldiers. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via a large power-operated ramp in the hull rear or roof hatches.

   Initially the KW1 Scorpion was fitted with a diesel engine, developing 380 hp. Later it was proposed with a more powerful Hyundai unit, developing 420 hp. This engine is also used on the 8x8 variant. Vehicle has an automatic driveline management system. It has a central tyre inflation system and is fitted with run-flat tyres. The Rotem Scorpion is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.

Variants

   KW1 medical evacuation vehicle;

   KW1 fire support vehicle, armed with 90-mm gun;

   KW2 8x8 armored personnel carrier;

   KW2 Jupiter 8x8 fire support vehicle, armed with a 120-mm gun;

   KW2 30-mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, based on the 8x8 chassis;

   KW2 120-mm mortar carrier, based on the 8x8 chassis.