K2 Black Panther

   The K2 Black Panther main battle tank evolved from the XK2 programme. This next-generation MBT was developed in South Korea using indigenous technology only. It's development began in 1995 and a full scale production is expected in 2010-2011. The K2 Black Panther will replace the K1 main battle tanks. Currently the K2 is one of the most advanced main battle tank in the world, outclassing anything North Korea or China have. Furthermore it is the most expensive main battle tank to date, overtaking the Japanese Type 90 MBT.

   This tank uses both modular composite armor of undisclosed type and Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) blocks. It is also completed with an active protection system and countermeasures system. Protection of the K2 is broadly similar to the M1A2 Abrams MBT considering that the K2 is significantly lighter.

   The Black Panther is armed with a 120-mm Rheinmetall smoothbore gun, completed with an autoloader. This MBT has a maximum rate of fire in 15 rounds per minute. It is worth mentioning that autoloader's is similar to that, used on the French Leclerc main battle tank.

   It also has a very advanced fire control system, allowing to track and engage not only the main battle tanks, but low-flying helicopters as well. Maximum effective range of fire is up to 10 kilometers. Furthermore it's fire control system can spot, track and fire automatically at visible vehicle-size targets without needing any input from a human operator.

   The 120-mm gun can fire variety of munitions, notably the KSTAM (Korean Smart Top-Attack Munition) rounds. These are smart target activated fire and forget projectiles, but shouldn't be confused with anti-tank guided missiles. The KSTAM has it's own guidance system, aided by four stabilizing fins. At the final stage a parachute will deploy to slow it's fall and accurately engage target. Such principle is broadly similar to mortar-launched anti-tank munitions. Furthermore the K-2 tank can fire KSTAM munitions from behind the cover. The KSTAM has a maximum effective range in 8 kilometers.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and anti-aircraft 12.7-mm K6 heavy machine gun, mounted on top of the roof. Both of these machine guns have a very respectable ammunition load (12 000 x 7.62-mm and 3 200 x 12.7-mm). Furthermore the K6 heavy machine gun has an automatic system, that identifies friend from a foe.

   This main battle tank has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

   Other features of the K2 tank include digital battlefield management system and navigation system for rapid coordination and increased situational awareness between friendly forces. It is also completed with an NBC protection system.

   The Korean K2 is powered by the license-built MTU MB-883 Ka500 engine, developing 1 500 horsepower. There is also an auxiliary gas-turbine power unit, developing 400 horsepower. It powers onboard systems when the main engine is turned off. The K2 Black Panther has a state-of-the-art semi-active hydropneumatic suspension. Every boogie wheel can be individually controlled, allowing this MBT to "sit", "stand", "kneel" or to "lean" in any direction. This feature gives tank a number of advantages, furthermore it is claimed that such suspension system is easier to maintain, comparing with traditional one.

   The Black Panther tank is fitted with a deep wading kit. It enables vehicle to cross rivers and other water obstacles up to 4.2 meters deep. Previous K1 and K1A1 MBTs lacked this feature.

   The K2 tanks will also be offered for export customers. Turkey has successfully negotiated import or license production of the K2. The new Turkish Altay MBT will use some technologies of the K2 Black Panther MBT.
 

   It was one of the first articles on the internet about the K2 main battle tank!