Rotem KW1 Scorpion

KW1 Scorpion wheeled armored personal carrier is family of 6×6 and 8×8 armored vehicle .developed by Hyundai Rotem company as private venture.in 2012, Republic of Korea Army was declared a plan to acquire 600 (6x6) and (8x8) wheeled APC, in order to help build rapid response forces molded after U.S. Stryker combat brigade, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of South Korea.^[1] The Hyundai Rotem company (subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group) made the KW1 Scorpion in competing with (Doosan Black Fox) and (Samsung Techwin MPV) .The Hyundai Rotem company eventually won the competition .vehicles will be delivered between 2016 to 2020.^[2][3]

Design

Engine located in the front on the left side while a driver's site beside the engine to the left .the troop compartment at the rear, accommodate 10 full equipped soldiers plus 2 crew members.The troops enter and leave vehicle via rear automatic ramp in addition 4 roof hatches .

protection

The KW1 Scorpion has an all-welded armored hull.. It is provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle can be fitted with add-on armor for a higher level of protection. It is also equipped with NBC protection system.^[4]

Engine

initially the KW1 Scorpion was fitted with Hyundai diesel engine developing 380 hp.later this engine replaced with another Hyundai engine developing 420 hp, 7-speed transmission and 2-mode secondary transmission.This engine used in 8*8 configuration .Vehicle has an automatic drive line management system, central tyre inflation system,and run-flat tyres. The Rotem Scorpion is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two water jets^[4]

Weapons

Vehicle is provided with remotely controlled weapon station,armed with 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.^[4]

Varients

• KW1 medical evacuation vehicle (MEV), based on the 6×6 chassis.
• KW1 Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV), based on the 6×6 chassis.
• KW1Mobile Gun System (MGS) armed with 90-mm gun,based on the 6×6 chassis.
• KW2 8x8 armored personnel carrier (APC), based on the 6×6 chassis.^[2]
• KW2 Jupiter 8x8 fire support vehicle, armed with a 120-mm gun, based on the 8x8 chassis.
• KW2 30-mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, based on the 8x8 chassis.
• KW2 120-mm mortar carrier, based on the 8x8 chassis.

See also

• Bulat (APC)

References