S&T Motiv (Daewoo) K201

History

The Korean defense industry has become increasingly effective in providing its military with local solutions to emerging problems. A prime example is the K2 assault rifle (described in detail elsewhere on this site), which replaced the long-standing American M16A1 series.

Likewise, the K6 Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) has replaced the American Browning M2 .50 caliber system in South Korean military inventory. Coupled with the K201, a single-shot 40mm Under Mount Grenade Launcher (UBGL) assembly for use with the K2 series rifles, the standard Korean infantry was given grenadier capability.

A typical ROK Army infantry unit is equipped with a pair of grenadier infantry for stand-by fire support. This is in addition to the standard gunner and light machine gun (LMG) units.

In form and function, the K201 behaves similarly to the American M203 40mm UBGL. It fires standard 40x46mm grenades as a direct and indirect line-of-sight (LoS) weapon and can be used against burrowing/fortified enemy units within range. The blast is also powerful enough to clear rooms and incapacitate lightly armored vehicles before entering. Reloading new projectiles and removing spent cartridges is accomplished by moving the ribbed slide forward to expose the breech. The trigger assembly is an integral part of the grenade launcher function, but the magazine of the K2 rifle is actually a pistol grip.

Aiming is provided by an add-on attachment near the muzzle of the K2 rifle barrel (like the M203 series). Internally, the barrel is rifled to stabilize the projectile when fired.

The

K201 joins many other weapon systems introduced to the South Korean military over the past decade, and as the service has grown, remains a modern and effective force in the shadow of the North Korean military.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes