Hanwha K300 KNIFV (K21)

History of Hanwha K300 KNIFV (K21)

To match North Korea's armored capabilities (though more from an advanced technology perspective), South Korea has developed a modern infantry fighting vehicle - the "Korean Next Generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle" (KNIFV) - which will Armor-matched formations allow for tactical flexibility while maintaining the strong off-road capability military vehicles need to deal with North Korea's harsh environment. Work on this model began in 1999, after which successful evaluation of the XK21 prototype led to the official designation "K21" (the vehicle was also known as "K300"). The Korean IFV entered service in 2009 and is expected to eventually procure hundreds of prototypes of this type.

Series production is handled by Doosan DST in Korea.

Externally, the 27.5 ton K21 features a traditional layout with a simple hull design lacking any significant superstructure to encourage the lowest possible profile. Riders create a spot on the front left of the fuselage, with the power pack to their right. This arrangement frees up the rear center of the vehicle for mounting the power tower and passenger compartment.

As such, the turret houses a 40mm automatic cannon with two rows of integrated electric smoke grenade launchers on the front fairing. The turret is also equipped with advanced tracking and targeting equipment on its top, helping to improve accuracy at long distances (even when moving), while providing precise defense against threats to the vehicle and occupants. The main gun carries approximately 200 x 40mm projectiles. Self-defense is provided by a coaxially mounted 7.62mm machine gun. To counter the threat posed by modern main battle tanks, the K21 is equipped with 2 anti-tank missile launchers that provide long-range armor-piercing capabilities.

The basic combat crew consists of three drivers, gunner and vehicle commander, while the integrated passenger compartment at the rear of the vehicle can accommodate up to nine combat-ready infantrymen. Fully automatic fire suppression systems ensure crew survivability in the event of a fire on board and prevent lethal ammunition explosions.

The K21 is powered by a 740 hp Doosan D2840LXE series diesel engine. This enables the vehicle to reach a top speed of 70 km/h on ideal ground (less off-road) and a range of 500 km/h.

The fuselage is suspended on an "in-arm" suspension system that provides the required off-road mobility according to the principles of mechanization. The K21 also has inherent amphibious capabilities through a specially designed buoyancy system.

The K21's armor consists of a fiberglass/ceramic armor combination that allows for basic weight reduction while still protecting against battlefield threats from the larger caliber 14.5mm gun. Additionally, the vehicle's key front fairing is designed to repel anti-tank shells up to 30mm, while the top fairing ensures survivability against incoming artillery "spray".

Additionally, the vehicle relies on various warning receivers, smoke grenade launchers (which can provide the vehicle with its own smoke screen if desired) and an optional Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) block kit.

In terms of its intended role on the battlefield, the K21 does the same thing as the American M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle lineup and the British FV510 Warrior lineup. This includes landing and disembarking infantry under fire when facing a variety of threats in urban and open combat environments.

Powered doors at the rear of the fuselage provide access to the passenger cabin, turret and driver's position, while providing separate hatches for the driver and turret crew. The Soviet-era North Korean Army BMP-3 was a direct competitor to the K21.

Indonesia is the only known global operator of the K21 and has secured an order for 22 examples.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

200 x 40 mm projectile.

4 x Anti-Tank Missiles.

1,500x7.62mm ammo.

Changes