Rotem KW1 Scorpion
| Rotem KW1 Scorpion | |
|---|---|
| Type | Armored Personnel Carrier |
| Place of origin | South Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2017[1] |
| Used by | Republic of Korea Army |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Hyundai Rotem |
| Manufacturer | Hyundai Rotem |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 16 t |
| Length | 6.6 m (22 ft) |
| Width | 2.7 m (8.9 ft) |
| Height | 2.1 m (6.9 ft) |
| Crew | 2 + 9 or 10 passengers |
|
|
|
| Armor | 7.62 mm resistant |
|
Main
armament |
40 mm grenade launcher |
|
Secondary
armament |
7.62 mm machine gun |
| Engine | HMC diesel 420 hp |
| Suspension | Independent HSU |
|
Operational
range |
700–800 km (430–500 mi) |
| Speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) (road) 10 km/h (6.2 mph; 5.4 kn) |
The KW1 Scorpion wheeled armored personal carrier is family of 6×6 and 8×8 armored vehicles. Developed by Hyundai Rotem company as private venture in 2012, the Republic of Korea Army declared a plan to acquire 600 6×6 and 8×8 wheeled APCs, in order to help build rapid response forces molded after U.S. Stryker combat brigade according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).[2] The Hyundai Rotem company (subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group) made the KW1 Scorpion in competition with the Doosan Black Fox and Samsung Techwin MPV, and eventually won the competition.[3][4] Series production is planned to begin in 2017.[1]
Design
The engine is located in the front on the left side, while the driver sits beside the engine to the right. The troop compartment is at the rear, accommodating 10 fully equipped soldiers plus 2 crew members. The troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear automatic ramp in addition to 4 roof hatches.
Protection
The KW1 Scorpion has an all-welded armored hull that provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It can be fitted with add-on armor for a higher level of protection. It is also equipped with NBC protection system.[5] The 8×8 version is more heavily armored than the 6×6 version.[1]
Engine
Initially the KW1 Scorpion was fitted with a Hyundai diesel engine developing 380 hp, but later this engine was replaced with another Hyundai engine developing 420 hp with a 7-speed transmission and 2-mode secondary transmission. This engine is used in 8×8 configuration. The vehicle has an automatic drive line management system, central tire inflation system, and run-flat tires. The Scorpion 8×8 is fully amphibious, propelled by two water jets,[5] but the Scorpion 6×6 is not.[1]
Weapons
The vehicle is provided with a 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.[5] It can also feature a manned weapon station with a 40 mm grenade launcher and 7.62 mm machine gun.[1]
Variants
- KW1 medical evacuation vehicle (MEV), based on the 6×6 chassis.
- KW1 Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV), based on the 6×6 chassis.
- KW1 Mobile Gun System (MGS), armed with 90 mm gun, based on the 6×6 chassis.
- KW2 8×8 armored personnel carrier (APC), based on the 6×6 chassis.[3]
- KW2 Jupiter 8×8 fire support vehicle, armed with a 120 mm gun, based on the 8×8 chassis.
- KW2 30 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, based on the 8×8 chassis.
- KW2 120 mm mortar carrier, based on the 8×8 chassis.
- KW2 Command Post, based on the 8×8 chassis.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Hyundai Rotem advances armoured armada - Shephardmedia.com, 22 October 2015
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Hyundai Rotem KW1 Scorpion 6×6 Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
