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K300 NIFV
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A replacement for the South Korean K200 series infantry fighting vehicles are currently being tested, designated as K300 or XK21 KNIFV (KoreaNext-generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle). The initial production is set for 2008.
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The XK21 KNIFV's chassis will be constructed entirely out of fiberglass, reducing the vehicle's load and enabling it to travel at higher speeds without bulky and powerful engines. When constructed, the NIFV will be lighter than other IFVs, including the American Bradley series and Russian BMP series, increasing both speed and payload.
The two-men turret on the KNIFV will be armed with a 40 mm Bofors capable of firing APFSDS and other high-explosive and smoke rounds as its main gun, combined with an advanced fire-control system usually found on third-generation main battle tanks that will make the XK21 KNIFV the one and only IFV to move and engage the targets with high degree of accuracy at the same time. The ammunition for the autocannon is stored under the turret.
Other armaments include a 7.62 mm machine gun and one or more indigenously produced ATGM.
Due to not enough data released by the ROK's ADD, the information regarding the K3's armor is insufficient. Speculations have been made and is assumed the KNIFV has multiple layer armor (with S-2 glass fiber and ceramic complex) including lightweight alluminium alloy.
The XK21 KNIFV is able to carry a total of 9 passengers and 3 more vehicle crew members. With the Battle Management System, the troops inside the vehicle can be instantly notified about the environment around them, improving their situational awareness.
Not only that the KNIFV equipped with a fire-control system used by third-generation main battle tanks and not infantry fighting vehicles, the vehicle can be operated through Battle Management System provided by the system control computer. This allows the vehicle crews to be instantly notified of anything that might occur on the battlefield.
A newly developed ISU, or In-arm Suspension Unit, is available for the NIFV. The same unit is to be used on the K2 Black Panther. Unlike the hybrid mix of torsion bar and HSU, or Hydropneumatic Suspension Unit, use on K1 series main battle tanks, which allows the tank to "sit", "stand" and "kneel", the new ISU will also allow the vehicle to "lean" towards a side or a corner as each unit of the ISU can be controlled individually. "Sitting" gives the tank lower profile and offer better handling over roads. "Standing" gives the vehicle higher ground clearance and allows it to have better maneuverability over rough terrain. "Kneeling" increases the amount of angle that the tank's gun barrel can elevate and depress, which allows the vehicle to fire its main gun downhill--something that very few vehicles, if there are any others at all, can do--and give it better ability to engage low-flying aircraft. The new suspension unit also gives the vehicle an advantage when traveling on uneven terrain as they can be adjusted on-the-fly automatically to lessen the vibration.
The KNIFV can travel on both land and water. Amphibious mode is made possible by a "Pontoon System" that will allow the vehicle to float on water. The traction while amphibious is presumed to be provided by hydro jets.
Due to the simplicity to create and maintain the vehicle, it is expected that each NIFV will cost only about 60% of what the Bradley IFV currently costs, while having heavier armaments as well as better mobility.