Image source: topwar.ru
The South Korean company Hanwha presented at the ADEX 2023 exhibition the concept of a new Korean infantry fighting vehicle K-NIFV, which is offered as a successor to the K21, which has gained a reputation in the West as one of the best products in its class.
The K-NIFV has received a completely new powerplant, as the current 1000 hp MTU diesel engine will be replaced by a hybrid solution. All equipment will be located at the front, including diesel, batteries and two electric motors. Data on the power of the new power unit was not provided, however, since the combat weight of the BMP is estimated at 42-45 tons, 1000 hp should be the minimum value. The tracks will be made of rubber to reduce weight and vibration.
The tower will be brand new. It will be built around a promising 40 mm CTWS cannon from SNT Dynamics with telescopic ammunition [shells "sunk" in a powder charge in a sleeve]. Ammunition (OFS, BOPS, training) are being created by Poongsan, the concept development is completed, the next step is the production of the first prototypes.
The tower is equipped with a remotely controlled combat station (DUBM, on the right on the roof), armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun, and a commander's periscope sight (on the left). As indicated in the edition of EDR Magazine, later DUBM and sight will be combined into a single complex.
Image source: topwar.ru
An anti-tank missile launcher is visible in the rear part of the left side of the roof. The model demonstrates three ready-to-launch ATGMs, but perhaps their number will be reduced to two. The role of the ATGM will be played by the product TAipers, developed by Hanwha. It has a wired guidance, a range of 10 km and is equipped with a dual GPS with infrared imaging and optical channels. The TAipers has a diameter of 180 mm, is equipped with a tandem warhead, the company claims a penetration capacity of more than 1000 mm of rolled homogeneous armor, taking into account the resistance of the DZ. Given the diameter of the charge, the actual penetration can be significantly higher than 1000 mm. The development of the TAipers has been completed, and Hanwha is ready to go into serial production.
Iron Fist launchers (on the right and left in the recess of the tower) are installed on the promising BMP – a complex of active protection from the Israeli Elbit Systems.
The release date of the K-NIFV prototype is not specified.
