South Korean company presented the concept of a next-generation tank

18 June, 2023 Image of the K3 concept tank. Photo from open sources South Korean company Hyundai Rotem has presented an updated concept of a next-generation tank.

Defense Blog reported this. The promising main battle tank was called K3. The crew is placed traditionally for modern MBTs in front, and the engine is located behind.

The crew, consisting of three people, will be placed in an armored capsule compartment.

Concept image of the K3 tank. Photo from open sources

The turret will be unmanned. According to the plan, it will be armed with a smoothbore 120mm gun with an autoloader.

There are also plans to integrate the 130mm gun. In addition, the turret can be equipped with ATGM, which will be located in the middle of the tower. The tank has a low silhouette and reduced visibility in the radar and infrared ranges.

The hull is planned to be equipped with a modular armor system made of steel, ceramics, and composite materials. The tank will be equipped with a 360?active protection system against ATGM and rocket-propelled grenades around the vehicle, along with a system for detecting mines and improvised explosive devices. Standard tank equipment will include the latest-generation communications and surveillance equipment for day and night combat in all weather conditions.

K3 will weigh 55 tons and will be equipped with a diesel engine to allow the tank to reach a maximum speed of up to 70 km/h along the road and up to 50 km/h in off-road conditions, with the maximum range being 500 kilometers.

The company plans to demonstrate the first operational prototype in 2030.

The old concept, introduced in July 2022, was similar to the Polish PL-01 developed by OBRUM in partnership with the British company BAE Systems.