Korea has unveiled a new conceptual image of the exterior design of the next-generation K3 tank by Hyundai Rotem, which is expected to replace the K2 tank in the 2030s.
The development of the actual vehicle remains in the concept stage, which emerged several years ago with a certain level of futurism. However, the new image, published and discussed on the Korean specialized program on Super Sonic TV, features a more pragmatic approach.
Read more: Turkish MZK Modular Turret: Enhancing the M60A3 Tank’s Combat Capabilities
The new concept of the tank retains its key feature – a combat module with the entire crew of three housed in an armored capsule. The caliber of the gun has been specified and now stands at 130 mm, hinting at a potential collaboration with Rheinmetall, which actively promotes this new caliber. Rheinmetall has already installed the Rh130/L51 gun on the KF51 Panther demonstrator.
The selection of the new caliber is associated with the fact that despite having a shorter barrel length of 51 calibers instead of 55, the larger 10 mm caliber, a 15-liter chamber volume and an operating pressure of 880 MPa (instead of 700 MPa), allow for a 50% increase in armor penetration. These characteristics align with the specifications of the Rh130/L51 gun.
The tank also retains the use of an active protection system and a commander’s panoramic sight, which is now integrated with a machine gun combat module. However, the overall design has moved away from unconventional shapes and smooth transitions, opting for a more conventional appearance.
In comparison to the previous version where the turret was offset towards the rear, the new concept positions the turret centrally. Additionally, the latest image no longer shows the periscope of the panoramic radar system. It remains uncertain whether the hatch-like panels seen on the tank conceal only regular ammunition storage or if they still allow for the installation of anti-tank missile launchers or kamikaze drones, as seen on the KF51 Panther tank.
While the initial concept of the K3 tank bore resemblance to the unrealized Polish PL-01 project showcased in 2013, the updated version leans more towards conventional solutions overall.
Furthermore, it appears that the K3 concept is based on the already developed chassis of the K2 tank, but in an extended version. This extended chassis is proposed for localized production of the Polish variant, the K2PL tank. This suggests a traditional placement of the powertrain compartment at the rear of the tank. Overall, the weight of the vehicle is expected to be up to 55 tons, which is not considered exceptional for a tank of this type, as the K2 already falls within this weight range.
Indeed, it will still take a considerable amount of time before the first physical prototype of the K3 tank emerges. Even more time will be needed for the military to conduct tests and evaluate not only the vehicle itself but also the concept of housing the crew within an armored capsule. The military’s assessment is crucial in determining the feasibility and effectiveness of the design.
Read more: Poland Receives First K2 Tanks Just 102 Days After Ordering, But First Battalions Won't Be Combat-Ready For 3 Years
