Hyundai Rotem has revealed more details about its plans to develop a next-generation wheeled armoured vehicle (left) and main battle tank (right). (Janes/Jon Grevatt)
Hyundai Rotem has revealed details about its programmes to develop a next-generation (NG) wheeled armoured vehicle (WAV) and main battle tank (MBT). The company showcased scale models of the two proposed platforms at the DX Korea 2022 exhibition being held in Goyang from 21 to 25 September.
Hyundai Rotem told Janes that both programmes are currently 10 year development projects, with prototype manufacturing envisaged to start in the mid-2030s. The NGWAV is intended to replace the 8×8 WAV – also known as K808 – while the NGMBT will replace the K2 MBT. Both the K808 and K2 are in service with the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA).
A company official said that development work on the NG programmes is focused on leveraging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogen fuel-cell power, autonomous driving, and strike systems, as well as supporting combined manned and unmanned infantry operations.
The programmes are also supported by a hydrogen fuel-cell project that supports the existing K808 platform. Hyundai Rotem started this project in 2022 and intends to complete development of a K808 prototype powered by hydrogen fuel cells by 2026.
The NGWAV has a proposed combat weight of 30 tonnes or less, a maximum speed of 100 km/h, and a range of 600 km, although such figures are dependent on hydrogen fuel-cell technologies, the company said. Firepower is provided through an unmanned turret, a 40 mm gun, and a proposed multi-purpose missile.
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