K1A2 MBT
Type: Main Battle Tank
Domain: land
Country of Origin: South Korea
Manufacturer: Hyundai Rotem
Overview
Modernized variant of South Korea's first indigenous main battle tank, the K1, which was originally developed with General Dynamics assistance in the 1980s. The A2 upgrade features a completely new fire control system with commander's independent thermal viewer for hunter-killer engagement, upgraded 120mm KM256 smoothbore gun (derived from the German L/44), improved composite armour with ERA option, new digital command and control system integrated with the Korean Army's battle network, navigation system with GPS/INS, and upgraded MTU 871 Ka-501 diesel engine producing 1,200 hp. Weight of 54.5 tonnes. The K1 family (K1, K1A1, K1A2) numbers approximately 1,500 tanks — forming the backbone of the Republic of Korea Army's armoured force alongside the newer K2. The K1A2 serves in front-line units facing the DMZ.
Technical Specifications
| crew | 4 |
|---|---|
| armor | Composite + K1A2 modifications |
| engine | MTU MB 871 Ka-501 diesel, 1,200 hp |
| width_m | 3.6 |
| height_m | 2.25 |
| length_m | 9.7 |
| main_gun | 120mm KM256 smoothbore |
| range_km | 500 |
| secondary | K6 12.7mm + M60D 7.62mm |
| fire_control | K-ATGM capable |
| max_speed_kmh | 65 |
| weight_tonnes | 53.2 |
Operators
- South Korea
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