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First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production line

#1: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production line Author: Neil_Baumgardner, Location: Arlington, VA

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:04 pm
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Newest MBT in the world I believe... Considering there hasnt really been a new one in 10 years or so?...

There's some pretty cool video at mplay.donga.com/videof...k20302.wmv

Neil

Korea unveils amphibious tank
Date: March 02, 2007

Korea's first domestically-made amphibious tank, featuring an autoloaded 120-mm cannon, rolled off the assembly line in Changwon, Friday (March 2).

The next-generation tank, code named "XK2" and nicknamed "Black Panther," will replace the older K1 and American M47/48 tanks starting in 2011, defense officials said.

The new model features an autoloaded 120 mm cannon, can reach speeds of up to 70 km per hour, and can cross rivers as deep as 4.1 meters using a snorkle, according to its developer, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD).

At the launch ceremony for the tank, President Roh Moo-hyun stressed that Korea's development of a top-tier weapon such as the XK2 with its own technology testifies to the country's defense capability.

"The development of the world's top-level tank--in both mobility and firepower--with our own technology shows the world our commitment to self-defense," Roh said during the ceremony held at the ADD facilities in Changwon, Gyeongsang nam-do (South Gyeongsang Province).

Korea plans to commission the tank after preparations for mass production.

It also aims to export the tanks with the price tag of US$8.5 million per unit, with an adjustment for inflation.

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SEOUL, March 2, 2007 (AFP) - South Korea on Friday unveiled what it calls the world's best tank, capable of fording shallow rivers, defending itself against missiles and firing "smart" projectiles.

The XK2 Black Panther is a main battle tank of "the highest technical level all over the world," said its developer, the state-run Agency for Defence Development.

Key features include an active defence system against incoming missiles and aircraft, automatic tracking and ammunition loading systems, an active suspension unit and high underwater manoeuvrability.

"We have stolen a march over other developed countries in developing ground weaponry. The Black Panther proves it," agency president Ahn Dong-Mahn told journalists.

Kim Eui-Hwan, the official in charge of the project, said the Black Panther has "more superb capabilities than any other existing tank."

Its armament includes a 120-mm smooth bore main gun which is automatically loaded and capable of firing up to 15 rounds per minute.

A unique system enables it to fire on the move and compensates for errors caused by bumpy terrain.

A special suspension unit enables the tank to "sit", "stand" and "kneel," allowing it to fire its main gun downhill.

Another key feature is Korean Smart Top-attack Munition rounds, which have their own guidance and obstacle-avoidance systems to hit hidden targets.

In another claimed world first, the agency said the tank -- using a special snorkel -- can manoeuvre quickly in up to 4.1 metres (13.5 feet) of water and is ready for combat immediately after it surfaces.

With three crew on board, the 55-tonne tank with a 1,500 horsepower engine has a road speed of more than 70 kilometres (44 miles) per hour and cross-country speed of more than 50 kph.

The Black Panther will enter mass production in three years and the army will take delivery of an unknown number in 2011. The price tag is estimated at 8.8 million dollars each and developers will also seek export orders.

The tank has been developed by researchers at ADD and Rotem, a unit of Hyundai Motor, along with defence industry firms.

South Korea's 680,000-strong military, assisted by a 29,500-strong US contingent, faces off against North Korea's 1.1 million-strong armed forces.

#2: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production line Author: A2_Prius,

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:50 pm
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An MBT with a "kneeling suspension"? The Ghost of the MBT-70!!

#3: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production line Author: JimWeb, Location: The back of beyond

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 10:51 pm
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I'm trying to thinki how many countries need tanks built for 4' 6" midgets...

Cool

#4: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production Author: Doug_Kibbey, Location: The Great Satan

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:04 pm
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...and I hate it when a vehicle is described as "amphibious" and that then turns out to mean it has a deep water fording capability.

#5: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production line Author: JimWeb, Location: The back of beyond

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:53 pm
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Any TYPE number for it yet?

Cool

#6: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production Author: obob, Location: South SF-Bay area, California

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 1:57 am
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A special suspension unit enables the tank to "sit", "stand" and "kneel," allowing it to fire its main gun downhill.

Makes me want to ask if it will also "stay" "fetch" or "heel" ...

Yes, indeed - echoes of the MBT-70.
Not that the MBT-70 was anywhere near the only tank that Aroura sold far more of, than the full-scale manufacturer.

#7: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production Author: buglerbilly,

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:51 am
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The kneeling shot..........what PR BS to say its about firing downhill...... Rolling Eyes

Regards,

A very cynical BUG

#8: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production Author: buglerbilly,

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:57 am
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A few more interesting shots...............

...............all my shots compliments to Bemil.chosun.com

Regards,

BUG

#9: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production line Author: Joe_D, Location: Razorback Country

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 6:36 pm
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Hi everyone,
Let's see what items and ideas have been "borrowed" from other sources, keeping in mind that General Dynamics had a major hand in the development of their K1.

M256 120mm smoothbore cannon

T-158 Track

M60 aluminum road wheels (Albeit the modified K-1 types with one piece wear plate))

M1 hubs, spindle, and cap.

Standard M-2 HB Flex .50 caliber mount (WWII era)

M1 Head lamps (Same as K1)

US tail Lamps (Same as K1)

Driver's rear camera (German Idea)

Probably German MTU engine, (Most Likley Hyundai License Copy like the K1 has)

Primary sight mounted over gun much like Challenger II system

CITV system

I'm sure there is a lot more too. I believe their top attack projectile is either a continuation from the STAFF program the US dropped or a improved version of the T80's system (Which they do have some T80's they received about 7-8 years ago). The Kneeling feature was also done with their K1 tank. Something they like since they stress defense engagements. It is meant to use firing down hills. The average tank can only depress 10 degrees. To be in a defensive postition on a mountain (Korea is that way), being able to increase that ability is an advantage. Very hard to find a hasty firing position on a hill top and effectively fire into the valley, usually you have to back way up the side to lower the gun far enough to engage, exposing yourself. If it's like the K1 it can also extend the front suspension to increase the elevation angle, another advantage when firing into mountains. Most ROK armor Brigades have a designated AO they plan to defend from, so speed isn't the most important feature. With this new tank I believe they want the ability to flex forces faster. Could be in part a neccesity with the US reducing forces requiring that capability (M1's) to be replaced. The ability to deep ford with very little preparation is also a clue to this since the country has a lot of rivers that swell during rainy season. That way they don't have to rely on bridges in the event sabotures take them out.

About the interior and height limitations of the crew. The average Korean (South) is no longer short as in the past. With the economic boom and increased quality of life and diet the younger generations are much taller and larger, so I'm pretty sure this Tank would take that into account. I wouldn't treat this tank to lightly, all you have to do is look at how far and fast the Korean Auto industry has advanced.

Joe D

#10: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production line Author: Hellfish6, Location: Orlando

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 6:40 pm
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Yeah, whole lot of smack talking about this tank here. I think its a great tank for South Korea.

#11: Re: First XK2 "Black Panther" tanks roll off the production line Author: Neil_Baumgardner, Location: Arlington, VA

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:48 pm
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Thanks for the info Joe. I have seen elsewhere it has the Russian Arena APS system?

Wikipedia (ie trust but verify) claims that a robotic escort is also under development and that the XK2 could be operated by just 2 crew or in a pinch 1!

Also, that gun mount, looks rather Leclerc-ish to me?... Although the barrel is clearly an M256 as you said....

Neil

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