Image source: topwar.ru
After the creation of the Russian military-industrial complex "Armata", it remains the only new-generation MBT that the entire world defense industry has been able to offer at the moment. However, a similar breakthrough in tank construction is being prepared in South Korea.
The country's defense industry presented its response to Armata – the concept of the future K3 main battle tank. Details of this ambitious project were published in a video on Korean TV, which demonstrates a machine that uniquely combines crew safety, increased stealth and increased firepower.
The development of the K3 is also a response to the request of the country's command, which believes that the K2 Black Panther tank, currently in service, no longer meets the tactical requirements and threats on the modern battlefield. In this regard, the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved the development of a new machine, the release of the first prototype of which is expected in 2030.
The K3 has a traditional layout, including a driver's compartment in the front, a tower in the middle and a power plant located at the rear. However, a new approach to crew placement has been applied in the tank. All three fighters (driver, commander and gunner) are in an armored capsule in the front of the hull, which provides an additional level of protection, isolating them from the automatic loader and ammunition.
Image source: topwar.ru
Allegedly, one of the outstanding design features of the K3 is its low profile, which, combined with reduced visibility on radars and in the infrared range, makes the tank virtually invisible to enemy forces. In addition, the stealth of the MBT will increase due to the integration of auxiliary weapons and equipment into the turret, which will further increase the survivability of the K3 on the battlefield.
The protection of the tank will consist, along with the KAZ, of modular systems of the latest generation, which contain steel, ceramics and composite materials.
The firepower of the tank is significantly increased due to the installation of an uninhabited turret, which will house a remotely controlled 130 mm smoothbore cannon, supplemented by a fully automated loading system.
The combat weight of the K3 will be 55 tons. A diesel engine with a power reserve of up to 500 km will provide a speed of 70 km/h on highways and 50 km/h off-road.
