Rotem KW1 Scorpion

The KW1 Scorpion wheeled armored personal carrier is family of 6×6 and 8×8 armored vehicles. Developed by Hyundai Rotem company as private venture in 2012, the Republic of Korea Army declared a plan to acquire 600 6×6 and 8×8 wheeled APCs in order to help build rapid response forces molded after U.S. Stryker combat brigades, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).^[2] The Hyundai Rotem company (subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group) made the KW1 Scorpion in competition with the Doosan Black Fox and Samsung Techwin MPV, and eventually won the competition.^[3][4]

Development

On 9 May 2016, the vehicles, renamed the K808 and K806, passed their final qualification tests, allowing for production to begin for deployment the next year; 600 units are to be produced by 2023. The wheeled vehicles were created to enhance the mobility and striking power of infantry over the slower K200 and K21 tracked vehicles, with the K808 designed for fast troop deployment and reconnaissance missions in front-line areas while the K806 is intended for mobile strike and reconnaissance missions in the rear. Their wheeled designs make them better suited for contributing to United Nations peacekeeping operations and finding export markets.^[5][6]

Hyundai Rotem expects an order by October 2016 for 16 low-rate initial production vehicles to be delivered to the ROKA for field trials, scheduled to last until late 2017. Production will then commence in 2018 at a rate of 100 per year. Out of 600 total wheeled armored vehicles (WAVs), there will be 100 KW1s and 500 KW2s, designated K806 and K808 in ROKA service respectfully. Although the two variants share many performance characteristics, they have different concepts of operations; the 16-tonne (17.6-ton) K806 will perform rear echelon roles such as facilities defense and logistics convoy protection, while the 20-tonne (22-ton) K808 will conduct high-intensity combat operations alongside K1A1 and K2 main battle tanks.^[7]

Design

The engine is located in the front on the left side, while the driver sits beside the engine to the right. The troop compartment is at the rear, accommodating 10 fully equipped soldiers plus 2 crew members. The troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear automatic ramp in addition to 4 roof hatches.

Protection

The KW1 Scorpion has an all-welded armored hull that provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It can be fitted with add-on armor for a higher level of protection. It is also equipped with NBC protection system.^[8] The 8×8 version is more heavily armored than the 6×6 version.^[1]

Engine

Initially the KW1 Scorpion was fitted with a Hyundai diesel engine developing 380 hp, but later this engine was replaced with another Hyundai engine developing 420 hp with a 7-speed transmission and 2-mode secondary transmission. This engine is used in 8×8 configuration. The vehicle has an automatic drive line management system, central tire inflation system, and run-flat tires. The Scorpion 8×8 is fully amphibious, propelled by two water jets,^[8] but the Scorpion 6×6 is not.^[1]

Weapons

The vehicle is provided with a remotely controlled weapon station armed with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher or 12.7 mm machine gun. It can also support a two-man turret, armed with a 30 mm cannon and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun.^[8] It can also feature a manned weapon station with a 40 mm grenade launcher and 7.62 mm machine gun.^[1] In Korean service, the K806/K808 will be outfitted with a one-person protected weapon station armed with an M2HB machine gun rather than an RWS to reduce acquisition costs, although the company could supply such systems if requested.^[7]

Variants

• KW1 medical evacuation vehicle (MEV), based on the 6×6 chassis.
• KW1 Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV), based on the 6×6 chassis.
• KW1 Mobile Gun System (MGS), armed with 90 mm gun, based on the 6×6 chassis.
• KW2 8×8 armored personnel carrier (APC), based on the 6×6 chassis.^[3]
• KW2 Jupiter 8×8 fire support vehicle, armed with a 120 mm gun, based on the 8×8 chassis.
• KW2 30 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, based on the 8×8 chassis.
• KW2 120 mm mortar carrier, based on the 8×8 chassis.
• KW2 Command Post, based on the 8×8 chassis.^[1]

See also

• Mowag Piranha
• LAV III
• Patria AMV
• KTO Rosomak
• Pandur II
• Boxer
• VBCI
• Freccia
• Lazar 2
• Saur 1
• FNSS Pars
• Otokar Arma
• Terrex
• Bulat (APC)
• VBTP-MR Guarani
• Pindad Panser
• DefTech AV8
• ZBL08
• TATA Kestrel
• Bumerang

References